Apple AirPods 4 VS Apple AirPods Pro 2

Apple AirPods 4 or Apple AirPods Pro 2: Which One Makes More Sense this Year?

ByShariful Islam

Apple released the AirPods Pro 3 just a few days back and now it is time for you to get a new AirPods. But you are not getting the Pro 3, you are looking to make the smarter choice here. One that won’t be tearing a hole in your wallet. You eye the AirPods 4 and for the first time ever find there is an ANC variant for the AirPods base model!

Now you are at a crossroad, what was supposed to be an easy pick with the Apple AirPods Pro 2 (Spoiler alert: it is still the best pick) has now become a headache for you. Do you go for Apple Airpods Pro 2 which had the state of the art ANC at its time or go with the newer AirPods 4 OR AirPods 4 ANC.

By the end of this blog you will have a good idea on which AirPods will fit you the best, which will make you happy and not put a dent in your bank account.

At-a-Glance Comparison

FeatureAirPods 4AirPods 4 ANCAirPods Pro 2 USB-C
Year Introduced20242024Released in 2022 later refreshed in 2023
ChipApple H2Apple H2Apple H2
Active Noise CancellationNoYesYes
Transparency ModeNoYesAdaptive Transparency
Sweat & Water ResistanceIP54 dust, sweat, water resistantIP54 dust, sweat, water resistantIP54 sweat and water resistant
Battery Life (Listening)Up to 5h and up to 30h with caseUp to 4h (ANC on), Up to 5h (ANC off) & up to 30h with caseUp to 6h (ANC on) and up to 30h (with case)
Charging Case Dimensions (Height x Width x Depth)46.2 x 50.1 x 21.2mm46.2 x 50.1 x 21.2mm45.2 x 60.6 x 21.7mm
Charging Case Weight32.3 grams34.7 grams50.8 grams
Earbud Dimensions (Height x Width x Depth)30.2 x 18.3 x 18.1 mm30.2 x 18.3 x 18.1 mm30.9 x 21.8 x 24.0 mm
Earbud Weight4.3 grams4.3 grams5.3 grams
Charging PortUSB-CUSB-CMagSafe Charging Case with USB-C

This table should serve as a general overview between the AirPods. You can see why I mentioned in the intro that the AirPods 2 is still viable. The specs are facts and they say alot. So without further ado let’s go a bit deeper into the AirPods.

Read More: Best Gaming Earbuds

AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro 2: Design

Let’s start with the design of the AirPods themselves. The AirPods 4 and the AirPods 4 ANC have the same open-ear design. They have further evolved and are now more ergonomic and comfortable in design.

For the charging case the AirPods 4 and its ANC counterpart do have a different case. The design aspect is the same like they are the same looking but the noise cancelling one has wireless charging included with the case.

Now the earbuds design for the AirPods Pro 2 is the classic one with the silicon tips that we all love. It provides great fit and a really good seal which helps with the ANC. The case itself is a bit wider though. So if you prefer a more compact case the AirPods 4 ANC is the best pick here.

Overall if you consider the functionalities and everything it can be considered a tie between the AirPods 4 ANC and AirPods Pro 2 since depending on the shape you can pick either one.

Quick Recap

  • AirPods 4 and its ANC counterpart has open ear design
  • AirPods 4 design won’t fit everyone and might fall off
  • AirPods 4 ANC case has wireless charging and a small speaker for Find My chime
  • AirPods Pro 2 has a better fit and seal
Apple AirPods 4

Apple AirPods 4

  • Durability: Dust, sweat & water-resistant for outdoor comfort
  • Design: Lightweight and easy to carry for AirPods 4 & AirPods 4 ANC
  • Sound: Custom high-excursion Apple driver for rich, detailed audio
  • Amplifier: High dynamic range amp delivers clear, vibrant sound
  • Mic: Voice Isolation reduces background noise for crystal-clear calls
Buy It Now

AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro 2: ANC

AirPods 4 will not be discussed here since that one does not even have any ANC, however we will be including its noise-cancelling version. So yeah the biggest change this year is the AirPods base model getting a noise cancelling version, wild right!

I really have to compliment their engineering team for actually being able to fit in noise-cancelling technology with an open ear design with no silicon seal! And in terms of ANC quality it can be compared to the original AirPods Pro so yes the ANC actually works with great quality.

But against the AirPods Pro 2, the AirPods 4 is not able to fare. So if you absolutely need the best quality ANC the AirPods Pro 2 is the one you should go for.

Quick Recap

  • AirPods 4 ANC is effective and works similar to the original AirPods Pro
  • AirPods Pro 2 is the undisputed winner in terms of ANC quality

Read More: Best Earbuds Under 3000

AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro 2: Features

Both the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 run on the same H2 chip, which means they are equally fast and responsive. You get “Hey Siri” support, the familiar stem controls for playback, and quick switching between listening modes. The Pro 2 has one small advantage here as you can simply swipe the stem to adjust volume, something the AirPods 4 do not offer.

In terms of smart features, both now include Adaptive Audio, which automatically adjusts between noise cancelling and transparency based on where you are. Conversation Awareness is another nice touch that lowers your volume when you start talking so you can hear people clearly. Over time, both models also learn your preferred listening levels with Personalized Volume.

Where the AirPods Pro 2 clearly pulls ahead is in hearing health. With the AirPods Pro 2 you get an actual hearing test included, a conversation boost feature which makes voices sharper and a really useful automatic hearing protection against loud sounds. From all of the features mentioned none of them are available with the AirPods 4.

So, if you want the latest smart features the AirPods 4 will be the way to go. But if you are a control freak and require utmost comfort, the AirPods Pro 2 still takes the win.

Do note most of these advanced features only work with iPhones and you won’t be able to enjoy them on an android phone. So unless you already have an iPhone, other options from Samsung or JBL will provide more value.

Quick Recap

  • AirPods 4 has newer and smarter features with adaptive audio
  • AirPods 4 does not have swipe to adjust volume
  • AirPods Pro 2 comes with hearing health which AirPods Pro 4 lacks
Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen USB-C

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) USB-C

  • Charging Case: Universal USB-C for easy compatibility
  • Durability: Improved dust resistance for all environments
  • Audio: Lossless audio support for Apple Vision Pro
  • Chipset: Advanced H2 chip for immersive, dynamic sound
  • ANC: Marvelous Active Noise Cancellation for peaceful listening
Buy It Now

AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro 2: Battery

Even in terms of battery life the Apple AirPods Pro 2 is miles ahead of the AirPods 4. If you remember the earlier overview table you will notice that even with ANC on you get 6 hours of battery life with the AirPods Pro 2. Whereas the AirPods 4 with ANC can only provide a measly backup of up to 4 hours.

If you are someone that needs longer battery backup with ANC as well you should go for the Apple AirPods Pro 2. Now in terms of charging all of these AirPods can reach full charge in about an hour. However, the AirPods 4 does not have wireless charging.

So if you are someone who needs good battery backup and wireless charging capabilities the Apple AirPods Pro 2 is the way to go.

Quick Recap

  • Up to 6 hours backup with the AirPods Pro 2 (ANC ON)
  • Up to 4 hours backup with the AirPods 4 ANC (ANC ON)
  • Wireless charging only available with the AirPods 4 ANC and AirPods Pro 2
  • About an hour charging time for all models

AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro 2: Dust and Water Protection

The AirPods 4 and the ANC one both have IP54 water resistance rating. They can easily handle water spraying from any direction but should not be submerged in water. It’s the same with their cases as well. Withstands sprays of water but again try not to dunk it in.

The same goes for the AirPods Pro 2 as well. They also have the same IP rating so in general both of these AirPods provide you with the same protection. Whether you are a gym freak or someone who is always outdoors, both of these AirPods will give you great reliability in tough weather.

Quick Recap

  • Both AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 ANC have IP54 Rating
  • AirPods 2 Pro also has IP54 rating
  • Good reliability with both of the devices

Quick Recap

  • AirPods Pro 2 is still the expensive pick
  • Pricing is volatile and can be checked with the link below
  • AirPods Pro 2 provides far more value than the AirPods 4 ANC
  • AirPods 4 can be an easy budget pick

Conclusion

So to summarise all that we have covered. You now know what both of these AirPods have to offer. Sure the AirPods 4 has been upgraded a lot over its previous iteration and now even features an ANC.

But with its open ear design, unless that is what you are looking for, the ANC still falls behind by miles against the AirPods Pro 2. The Pro 2 still now provides an amazing seal with great ANC quality which is only beaten now by the AirPods Pro 3.

Furthermore with many features like the health mode and the volume control in the stem the AirPods Pro 2 just provides a far more better value than the AirPods 4 ANC. Now, the AirPods 4 is not completely a bad deal.

If you want to save money but still enjoy premium sound quality the AirPods 4 is still a great pick with decent battery and even ANC now. So to wrap up, if budget allows go for the AirPods Pro 2 and if you want to stay in budget the AirPods 4 is your best friend. You can buy any of these apple airpods from Apple Gadgets & enjoy hassle free home delivery.

Similar Posts