Apple’s new AirPods 4 now have an option with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and this is a big deal. If you wanted ANC in a pair of AirPods that fit in your ear, your only option before was to shell out the extra cash for the AirPods Pro 2.
Now, the AirPods 4 with ANC provide a lower-cost option with a completely different design from the Pros, which might be more comfortable for some users. Personally, I love the AirPods Pro 2—they’re excellent—but after long periods of use, they start to hurt my ears. While the AirPods Pro fit deeper into the ear canal, the AirPods 4 rest on the ear or just slightly inside. It’s surprising how well the ANC works on these, even though they aren’t deeply inserted into your ears like the Pros.
Although the AirPods Pro 2 offer more powerful noise cancellation, likely twice as much, the AirPods 4 perform impressively in most scenarios. I tested the ANC on a busy New York street, and it was so effective that I could only hear my music—it was insane! The comfort and ANC make these a great option, especially for long flights, as they prevent ear fatigue without sacrificing much in noise cancellation.
However, if you are active or have fit issues with traditional AirPods, the AirPods Pro may still be the better choice, thanks to their customizable ear tips. If you can wear either style and are deciding whether to spend the extra money on the Pro models, you won’t be disappointed, but it’s not absolutely necessary.
The AirPods 4 Feature the H2 Chip
The AirPods 4 feature the same H2 chip as the AirPods Pro 2, delivering equally fantastic sound quality. Despite being a more affordable model, there’s no discernible difference in audio quality between the two when listening to music. The AirPods 4 are some of the best-sounding earbuds in their class and price range.
If you don’t need ANC, the AirPods 4 without ANC are even cheaper, starting at $129, but they still have the H2 chip, offering the same great sound minus a few features like wireless charging and Find My compatibility.
Design Differences Between AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2
One of the notable differences is in the charging case. Both models feature Find My support, but the AirPods Pro 2 case includes a speaker and a lanyard loop for easy tracking. The AirPods 4 case lacks MagSafe support, though it does offer wireless charging and USB-C.
Additionally, the AirPods 4 have a secret capacitive button for Bluetooth pairing, which Apple didn’t heavily advertise. Both models offer 30 hours of playback with their charging cases, with the buds themselves providing 5 hours for AirPods 4 and 6 hours for AirPods Pro in one sitting.
Siri and gesture control
The AirPods Pro 2 offer more gesture control, including volume control via swipe, which is missing from the AirPods 4. However, Siri functionality is consistent across both models.
AirPods Pro 2’s Upcoming Hearing Health Features
Later this year, the AirPods Pro 2 will receive an update that transforms them into hearing aids by conducting hearing tests and adjusting audio settings accordingly across various Apple devices. This makes the AirPods Pro 2 a more compelling choice for those looking for additional health-related features.
Price Comparison
The AirPods 4 with ANC retail at $179, while the AirPods Pro are priced at $249 (though they often go on sale for under $200). At similar price points, the AirPods Pro may be a better option if you value the hearing health features and more powerful ANC. However, if you can get a good deal on the AirPods 4 and they fit well, they offer excellent value.
Conclusion
The AirPods 4 are a fantastic value for most people, but if you’re after the best noise cancellation and health features, the AirPods Pro 2 might be the better fit. Let me know in the comments if you plan on picking one up!
GadgetByte
