Apple changed its AirPods lineup by introducing the AirPods 4 and the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancelation . The update makes it a little easier than before to decide whether you get the received AirPods or step up to the AirPods Pro 2 .
Let ’s look at the differences between the three phone – there ’s a slew more than just the form and fit . This guide will help oneself you make the proper purchasing decision for yourself or the mortal you ’re shopping for .
AirPods and AirPods Pro features compared
Here ’s a quick reference chart detail the features for the AirPods 4 , AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancelation , and AirPods Pro 2 .
Apple AirPods 4 (without ANC)
AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 design and fit
The obvious unlike between the AirPods 4 and the AirPods Pro 2 are the designs and how they jibe in your ears .
The AirPods 4 do not use ear tips and sit at the hatchway of the spike duct .
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The AirPods 4 do not use ear tips and sit at the opening of the ear canal.
The AirPods 4 do not have ear gratuity . They baby-sit at the gap of the ear canal . This design leave a footling bit of distance between the earbuds and the ear canal . Apple says the AirPods 4 “ provide a natural and unattackable fit for more citizenry than ever . ” The AirPods 4 and the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation have the exact same designing ; the differences are with internal characteristic .
The AirPods Pro do have ear bakshis , which are extensions of the earbud that fit into the opening of the ear canal . This design create a seal for the pinna channel that mute outside sound .
Both the AirPods 4 and the AirPods Pro sport a shorter stem distance than the original AirPods . Also , both are available only in white .
The AirPods 4 has a narrower case than the AirPods Pro 2 .
The AirPods Pro 2 uses ear tips that fit in the tabu part of the spike canal .
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The AirPods 4 do not use ear tips and sit at the opening of the ear canal.
AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 noise cancelling
This is the main audio feature between the three models .
The AirPods 4 with ANC and the AirPods Pro 2 have the same Active Noise Cancellation mapping that admit Adaptive Audio and Transparency Mode . Both also plunk for Conversation
The AirPods Pro 2 ’s ear tips feign its Active Noise Cancellation . Since the ear tips block out extraneous sounds , the ANC is more efficacious with the AirPods Pro than the AirPods 4 with ANC , which still apply ANC well .
The AirPods 4 do not use ear tips and sit at the opening of the ear canal.
AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 Spatial Audio and sound quality
The AirPods 4 , AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation , and the AirPods Pro 2 living Spatial Audio with head tracking .
Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC)
Also , the three mannequin apply Apple ’s H2 splintering for sound recording processing , so the sound quality is like between them . The AirPods Pro 2 ’s capitulum tips and how they keep down outside sound , however , does affect the character – the AirPods Pro 2 sounds “ purer ” than the AirPods 4 .
AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 controls and features
Both AirPods 4 example have stem with personnel touch sensors , which permit you to apply a pinch to control audio playback and phone calls .
The AirPods Pro 2 has the same power soupcon sensors , but the stems also allow for swipe motion to control loudness , and you’re able to bear the stems to switch hearing musical mode .
All three modelling are sweat and H2O resistant , but they are not waterproof so they ca n’t be worn swim .
The AirPods Pro 2 uses ear tips that fit in the outer part of the ear canal.
AirPods Pro 2 USB-C
While all three model shape with Find My , the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation and the AirPods Pro 2 have charging case with speakers that spiel Find My alarum .
The AirPods Pro 2 will shortly have a new hear airwave feature that leave the earpiece to be used as over - the - counter earshot aids . The feature include a Hearing Test and a Hearing Protection feature film . This will be coming as a free firmware update by the end of 2024 ; if you already own AirPods 2 , you do n’t demand to grease one’s palms anything . The Hearing Air is not uncommitted for the AirPods 4 .
AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 battery life
The AirPods 4 earbuds last five minute on a full charge . The case stash away 30 hour of mission .
The AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation ’s assault and battery life is feign by the ANC feature :
If you switch between ANC on and off , assault and battery aliveness is adversely affect when it ’s on and your get an earbud electric battery life between four and five hours .
AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 wireless charging
The AirPods 4 does not have wireless charging . It charges through USB - C.
The AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation affirm radiocommunication and USB - C charging . It forge with the Apple Watch and Qi battery charger . It does n’t support MagSafe , but a MagSafe courser will act upon if you commit the display case in the dead center of the charger and equilibrate it . It does n’t make a magnetic connection to remain in place .
The AirPods Pro 2 stomach wireless and USB - C charging . It work with the Apple Watch and Qi battery charger , and it does defend MagSafe .
The AirPods Pro 2 case has a loop for attaching a lanyard.
The AirPods Pro 2 case has a loop-the-loop for attach a lanyard .
Lewis Painter / Foundry
Which one should you buy?
While there are a lot of similarity between the AirPods 4 , AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation , and AirPods Pro 2 , there are a few factors to think .
The obvious determination to make is whether you need Active Noise Cancellation . If not , your only choice is the AirPods 4 . If you do want it , then you need to choose between the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation and the AirPods Pro 2 . ( you may always turn off ANC if you do n’t want to use it . )
If you do want Active Noise Cancellation , decide whether you want auricle tip or not . If you call back capitulum tips are uncomfortable or do n’t like the effect they have on auditory sensation , then the AirPods 4 with ANC are for you . If you ’re o.k. with pinna tips or need to maximise the effect of ANC , then the AirPods Pro 2 are your pick .
Maybe , or else you ’re most interested with set and you ’re fine with either ear tips or no capitulum backsheesh . The AirPods Pro 2 ’s auricle pourboire help secure the ear bud in your pinna . Apple says the AirPods 4 fit well than ever , but they still ride at the opening of your ear epithelial duct and are not as secure as the AirPods Pro 2 . The only path to insure a right tantrum is to try them on before a leverage . If you absolutely require auricle bakshis , your only choice is the AirPods Pro 2 .
If you have ruled out the AirPods Pro 2 and are deciding between the two AirPods 4 fashion model , the major difference ( beside ANC , which you do n’t have to expend ) is the charging event . The AirPods 4 with ANC ’s case defend wireless charging and has a Find My speaker for alerts . Ask yourself , is the excess $ 50/£50 deserving ANC , wireless charging , and Find My alerts ?
If you require to use the AirPods as a hearing tending , the AirPods Pro 2 is your choice . Keep in intellect that that this characteristic is n’t available yet and will require a free firmware update that you may do on a Wi - Fi net at home .
One last thoughtfulness is damage . The prices in this article are Apple ’s list prices ; you’re able to often line up cost reduction at third - political party retailer such as Amazon . In fact , the AirPods Pro 2 are often on cut-rate sale for $ 190/£190 , just $ 10/£10 more than the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation . If you are okay with ear tips , then the AirPods Pro 2 can be had at a good cost .
