When rumors began circulating about the AirPods 4 debuting at Apple’s September “It’s Glowtime” event, we didn’t put much stock in them. There was little need for another pair of standard AirPods, especially since the last-generation AirPods 3 were not selling well, at least according to reports. Apple’s refresh of the AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C, which are regularly on sale at an enticing price point (currently $190), also helped to strengthen that argument.
Nevertheless, the AirPods 4 are official and available to Apple users who desire a listening experience akin to the AirPods Pro 2 but with a more open design and for a few dollars less. It’s quite stunning to see these two sets of buds share near-identical specs and special features like active noise cancellation, spatial audio and wireless charging.
But which are the better Apple buds? Read our AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 comparison to find out.
AirPods Pro 2 vs. AirPods 4 at a glance
Upgraded with better durability and USB-C charging, and soon to receive new health features, the AirPods Pro 2 are a gem that continue to get better with every software update. They also produce excellent 3D audio and noise cancellation.
The AirPods 4 with ANC make a play for the best AirPods value, boasting much of the AirPods Pro 2’s design architecture and delivering elite true wireless performance for less than their flagship brethren.
Quick comparison
| Active noise cancellation | Yes |
Yes (ANC model only) |
|---|---|---|
| Ambient noise | Yes |
Yes (ANC model only) |
| Battery life (rated) | 6 hours (ANC on) / 7 hours (ANC off) / 30 hours (with charging case) |
4 hours (ANC on) / 5 hours (ANC off) / 30 hours (with charging case) |
| Wireless charging | Yes |
Yes (ANC model only) |
| Fast charging | 5-minute charge = 1 hour |
5-minute charge = 1 hour |
| Sweat and water resistance | IP54 |
IP54 |
| Ear tip sizes | XS, S, M, L |
None |
| Software support | iOS |
iOS |
| Weight | 0.19 oz. (per bud) |
0.15 oz. (per bud) |
| Colors | White |
White |
| Charging | USB-C |
USB-C |
| Price |
Equally great sound quality, though the AirPods Pro 2 have an advantage
The AirPods 3 were a significant sonic improvement over the AirPods 2, and the AirPods 4 continue this trend, even though these buds are powered by the same audio features as the AirPods Pro 2. It all starts with the H2 processor that works with a dynamic range amplifier and high-excursion driver to create clearer highs and richer bass. Apple’s adaptive EQ does a fine job of automatically tweaking sound on the go. The several EQ profiles in Apple Music and iOS let you tweak frequency range, granted it’s already crisp and well balanced out of the box. Bass-heavy tracks have plenty of kick to them and vocals are pristine. The inclusion of Personalized Spatial Audio ups the ante, giving Dolby Atmos content a lively and immersive presence that sounds fantastic on these buds.
The AirPods Pro 2 offer better ANC, comfort and fit
Apple engineered the AirPods Pro 2 with double the noise cancellation of any true wireless AirPods model, including the AirPods 4. Certain high-frequency sounds like sirens and whistles are unavoidable, but these are much louder and more prominent on the AirPods 4. Transparency mode is slightly stronger on these buds for increased situational awareness. Furthermore, the AirPods Pro 2’s in-ear design with silicone tips forms a tight seal for optimal fit and noise isolation.
The AirPods 4 might be the only open wireless earbuds with effective ANC. They don’t form a seal around the canal, but they provide a stable on-ear fit and neutralize noise at high levels. Low- and mid-frequency sounds are handled with ease. Just don’t expect them to completely silence powerful noises like? “piercing construction drills and incessant plane hissing,” which our senior tech editor Mike Andronico experienced firsthand. Transparency mode is more beneficial on these buds due to the open-ear design allowing for some external sounds to seep through.
Something else worth noting is that both models share many of Apple’s secondary listening features, such as Adaptive Audio for balancing ANC and Transparency on the fly, and Conversation Awareness for automatically lowering your volume once you start speaking. However, the AirPods Pro 2 will soon receive exclusive access to new health features — Hearing Aid, Hearing Test and Hearing Protection — to keep your hearing in prime condition.
Both have great features, but the AirPods 4 are more portable
Features are abundant on both sets of Apple buds. You’re getting the works, including automatic switching, audio sharing, “Hey Siri” voice activation, head gestures and a charging case with built-in speaker and Find My integration — not to mention all the previously mentioned audio and noise-canceling features. The AirPods Pro 2 have touch volume sensors to seamlessly adjust volume with swipe gestures, something you won’t find on the AirPods 4. Their charging case also has a pairing button. Note that some features on the AirPods 4 with ANC are absent on the standard AirPods 4, including said active noise cancellation, a charging case speaker and wireless charging (via Apple Watch charger or any Qi charger).
Operation is simpler on the AirPods 4, thanks to longer stems that make pinching to pause, play or skip your music a bit easier. The charging case is also more compact and welcomes an exclusive connectivity feature; double tapping the back of it enables pairing mode.
Battery life is short on both sides
Despite the AirPods Pro 2 carrying more playtime — up to seven hours per charge — they fall short of category leaders like the Sony WF-1000XM5 (up to 12 hours). ANC and spatial audio decrease listening time by about 1.5 hours. The AirPods 4 somehow come with less battery life than the AirPods 3, maxing out at five hours per charge, which is an hour less than their predecessor. Turning on ANC drops it to four hours. Both charging cases hold up to 30 hours and support three charging solutions: Qi-certified wireless charging, USB-C and Apple Watch charger support.
Bottom line
The decision all comes down to preference. If you’re someone who loves the standard AirPods, then there’s no better purchase than the AirPods 4 with ANC. Those willing to forgo noise cancellation and a few other features will find value in the standard AirPods 4, which retail for $129, but are on sale for $119 as of this writing. Upgrades in design and sound, including superb spatial audio support, earn both versions consideration among the best Apple headphones and best true wireless earbuds.
On the flip side, those seeking top-tier ANC and sound quality across all Apple devices, along with longer battery life and access to upcoming features, will want to purchase the AirPods Pro 2 — which are often only a few bucks more than the AirPods 4 with ANC, thanks to frequent sales.
