If you’ve been searching for affordable earbuds with premium features to save your ears, you likely came across EarFun Air Pro 4 and SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ as well.
These two models are playing a dominant role in the market with impressive sound quality, sophisticated features along with affordable pricing.
So which one do you choose?
Now that we have the decision made, let’s go deeper into their features, design, and performance to help you make an informed one.
Design and Comfort
A stem style design, the EarFun Air Pro 4 and SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ feature practical build consideration, although divisive — which is to be expected, albeit for a good reason.
The stem design also permits larger internal components, such as batteries, while providing a secure fit that remains put throughout workouts or long listening sessions.
In other words, they do not have the same materials or finish. Both EarFun Air Pro 4 and Capsule3 Pro+ shifted to a more minimalist design with smooth matte finish and a polished design that feels premium.
Both models are easy for prolonged wear with earform variety. There’s no significant difference in durability either, both earbuds are rated IPX4 for water and sweat resistance.
Neither is great for swimming or heavy rain, but they’re both fine for light splashes and sweaty gym sessions.
Connectivity and Codec Support
The EarFun Air Pro 4’s Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity is certainly more powerful than that of the Bluetooth 5.3 of the Capsule3 Pro+’s.
Both support LDAC, which is the preferred high bit rate codec for audiophiles. The EarFun Air Pro 4 takes thing a step further, being compatible with Snapdragon Sound and aptX Lossless.
Megavideo codecs provide studio quality sound when combined with supported hardware.
The EarFun also features the Auracast which can share audio seamlessly or connects to public sound systems—forward looking but not yet commonly implemented feature.
Sound Performance: Where Differences Shine
And both models do offer something unique in terms of sound quality, though arguably this is the most important thing you’re going to want to evaluate when looking at earbuds.
Bass Performance:
Being somewhat bass forward though the EarFun Air Pro 4 is tuned for the corresponding sound profile with a 10mm composite dynamic driver, which employs bass friendly drivers. That’s great for genres where the bass is supposed to be the star — EDM, hip hop, etc.
However, whereas the SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ is a bit more moderate in its approach to bass with its 12mm bio-diaphragm driver. While still capable of introducing plenty of impact, the bass is more angular and refined to give a controlled response that simultaneously sits comfortably with different music styles and doesn’t overtake the mids and the highs.
Midrange Clarity:
On both earbuds, vocals and instruments show well, but their presentation is different. Warm, slightly boosted mids are delivered with the EarFun Air Pro 4, producing a mids boost that ensures vocals from male and female alike can still be heard over the bass heft of any track.
In addition, the Capsule3 Pro+ hybrid driver configuration, employing an xMEMS solid state micro speaker in the midrange delivers much greater detail and accuracy. It’s this kind of setup that’s great for audiophiles that want neat and detailed music, with clear vocal and lots of close but faded to deliver subtle instrumental layers.
Treble Detail:
The Capsule3 Pro+ scores over the otherwise identical Capsule3 Pro if you like a bright sound signature. Specifically geared for high frequencies, its xMEMS driver also gives you crisp, clean treble without any harshness.
On the other hand, the EarFun Air Pro 4 sounds delicious at treble as well, yet stays a bit warmer than we prefer, helping avoid the ear fatigue you can get from harsh treble.
Soundstage and Imaging:
Both models yield a satisfying sense of space, but the Capsule3 Pro+ extends that soundstage more and wider.
Part of it is due to hybrids driver arrangement being conducive to instrument separation and spatial consciousness. It’s narrower sound stage, however, is well enough tuned that the EarFun Air Pro 4 sounds solidly, particularly for casual listening.
Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency modes
The earbuds both have ANC and Transparency Mode allowing for versatility in a variety of environments.
Almost surprisingly, the ANC performance is quite similar; both are able to effectively attenuate low-frequency noise like engine hums or air conditioners.
But the EarFun Air Pro 4 does a more successful job at removing background noise than the Capsule3 Pro+. The second is that it did have a better fit and tuning for noise reduction.
Both models come with the ability to have some ambient sounds go through and make for easy, conversation earbud use in transparency mode.
Neither of these feels incredibly virtual in this mode, actually, but the SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ does a slightly better job of sounding natural.
Microphone and Call Quality
In terms of microphone performance both models are outstanding, in noisy environments voice is still picked up clearly.
Calls are also properly noise canceled so that background chatter or wind noise isn’t too distracting during conversation. Earbuds deliver commendable call quality in either a bustling café or on a windy street.
Features and App Support
The companion apps for both models provide robust customization options, including:
- Custom EQ settings for creating a sound profile.
- Customization of touch control to your preference.
- Gaming mode for low latency gaming and audio for video streaming.
Both offer equally feature rich apps and neither provide a huge edge here.
Battery Life
Another area where the EarFun Air Pro 4 leads is battery life.
EarFun Air Pro 4: With the case, the device will extend to 52 hours of playback on a single charge, or 11 hours of play time. It also has wireless charging and fast charging, and can play for 2 hours on 10 minutes of charging.
SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+: 6.Playback up to 43 hours in the case; 5 hours of playback. While that’s respectable, it’s not quite up to the EarFun’s lengthier playback.
If you are constantly on the move, the EarFun’s much higher battery life and easy charging options are definitely the better choice.
Price and Availability
Both earbuds originally retailed at $89, but they’re often discounted. As of the time of writing, you can find the SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ for around $61 and the Earfun Air Pro 4 for $71.
That $10 difference in price isn’t much, but it does represent what the EarFun is adding over the AirPods Pro.
EarFun Air Pro 4 vs SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+: Specs Comparison
| Feature | EarFun Air Pro 4 | SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Stem-style | Stem-style |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.4, aptX Adaptive, LDAC, multipoint | Bluetooth 5.3, LDAC, AAC, multipoint |
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Adaptive ANC up to 50dB, Transparency mode | Adaptive ANC up to 45dB, Transparency mode |
| Battery Life | 11 hours (earbuds), 52 hours (case), wireless and fast charging | 6.5 hours (earbuds), 43 hours (case), fast charging |
| Water Resistance | IPX5 | IPX4 |
| Sound Drivers | 10mm composite dynamic driver | 12mm bio-diaphragm + xMEMS micro speaker |
| Audio Codecs | aptX Adaptive, LDAC, SBC | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| App Support | Customizable EQ, touch controls, firmware updates | Customizable EQ, touch controls, firmware updates |
| Other Features | Auracast & LE Audio, in-ear detection | Game mode, triple-MIC noise reduction |
Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?
If you prefer technology like Snapdragon Sound, Auracast and wireless charging, choose the EarFun Air Pro 4.
That’s also why it’s perfect for bass heads and tech lovers, featuring a longer battery life and a punchy sound profile.
If you believe in audio precision and detail, then consider the SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ as your choice.
However, its highly refined sound signature is very clear and gives a lot of treble, which is very much ideal to people that have a penchant for hearing each and every note.
Both show that premium features no longer must have premium prices. Don’t matter what you’re buying, there is nothing but the best for your money.
Related:
- Earfun Air Pro 4 vs Soundcore Liberty 4 NC: Who is Winner?
- Earfun Air Pro 4 vs Air Pro 3: Key Differences Explained
- SoundPeats Air4 Pro Review
- Haylou S30 vs Soundpeats Space: Which One Wins Your Ears?
Nick, the Co-founder of Earbuds Arena, is a seasoned freelance tech journalist with over ten years of experience covering wearables, apps, headphones, and gadgets. When he’s not immersed in the tech world, you’ll likely find him unwinding with video games, going for a run, or enjoying a game of soccer on the field.
