Recommended
AirPods 4
from ~$129
- Newer H2 chip
- USB-C case
- Better sound + calls
Apple · Earbuds · 2021
Upgrading your AirPods (3rd gen)? The best upgrades right now: AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 2. Compare specs, prices, and buy on Amazon in one tap.
Find your upgrade in the interactive 3D finder →| Type | Open in-ear |
|---|---|
| Chip | H1 |
| ANC | No |
| Battery | 6h (30h w/ case) |
| Case | MagSafe / Lightning |
from ~$129
from ~$249
Only the specs that actually change are listed — everything else is broadly the same.
| AirPods (3rd gen) | AirPods 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | H1 | H2 |
| ANC | No | Optional ANC model |
| Battery | 6h (30h w/ case) | 5h (30h w/ case) |
| Case | MagSafe / Lightning | USB-C |
Your AirPods (3rd gen) is 5+ years old, which is past the point where most earbudss stop receiving full software and security updates and where battery wear is significant. This is a genuine upgrade case — and the gains below are large enough that you'll notice them daily, not just on a spec sheet.
For most people the AirPods 4 is the best balance of price and improvement, starting around $129. The main gains: Newer H2 chip; USB-C case; Better sound + calls.
It still works, but at 5+ years you're likely past full software support and well into battery wear. Most owners at this age notice a real difference after upgrading.
Trade-in values move constantly with condition and carrier promotions, so treat any fixed number with suspicion. Check the current offer from Apple, Samsung, or your carrier directly, and compare it against selling privately — private sales usually pay more but take longer.