AirPods 4 (ANC) vs. AirPods Pro 2 - Which Should You Buy?

Summary

In this video, Josh Teder compares the AirPods Pro Gen 2 with the new AirPods 4 featuring Active Noise Cancellation. He examines noise cancellation, sound quality, battery life, microphone performance, design, price, and unique features. The AirPods Pro excel in ANC, bass, sound clarity, and offer stem volume controls, conversation boost, and hearing aid functionality. Meanwhile, the AirPods 4 stand out with an open-ear design, lighter, more compact case, and lower starting price. Josh concludes that the AirPods Pro are the better buy for most users, while the AirPods 4 suit those prioritizing comfort and a less intrusive fit.

Takeaways

• 😀 AirPods Pro Gen 2 offers superior Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) compared to AirPods 4, providing better isolation from low-frequency noise like jet engines.
• 😀 The AirPods 4 with ANC do a decent job blocking out noise but can't match the level of noise isolation provided by the AirPods Pro due to their lack of ear tips.
• 😀 AirPods Pro has a more balanced and rich sound signature, offering better clarity and bass performance due to the in-ear seal.
• 😀 AirPods 4 provide punchy bass, but it lacks the deep low-frequency bass that AirPods Pro offers.
• 😀 The battery life of AirPods Pro is 6 hours with ANC enabled, while AirPods 4 offers 5 hours but up to 30 hours total with the case.
• 😀 The microphone quality of both models is similar, but AirPods Pro provides clearer audio with less distortion when compared to the AirPods 4.
• 😀 AirPods Pro includes exclusive features like adjustable volume controls, noise intensity reduction, ambient sound amplification, and can function as a clinical-grade hearing aid.
• 😀 AirPods 4 stand out with their open-ear design, making them more comfortable for those who dislike silicone tips and prefer a lighter fit.
• 😀 The price difference: AirPods 4 start at $179, while AirPods Pro are priced at $249, although discounts on the Pro model may reduce this gap.
• 😀 The AirPods 4 have a smaller, lighter case, making it more portable and pocket-friendly than the bulkier AirPods Pro case.
• 😀 Both models have wireless charging cases, but AirPods Pro has a MagSafe charging case, while the AirPods 4 case supports charging without magnetic attachment.
• 😀 Both models support Spatial Audio for Apple TV and have automatic device switching, but the sound experience is superior on the AirPods Pro for these features.

Q & A

What is the main difference in noise cancellation between the AirPods Pro Gen 2 and AirPods 4?

The AirPods Pro Gen 2 provide better noise cancellation due to silicone tips that create a seal in the ear canal, blocking a wider range of frequencies, especially low frequencies, whereas AirPods 4 have an open-ear design that allows some sound to leak in.

How does the sound quality of the AirPods Pro Gen 2 compare to the AirPods 4?

The AirPods Pro Gen 2 have a richer, more balanced sound with better low-frequency bass and a wider soundstage, while the AirPods 4 have punchier low-to-mid bass but a narrower soundstage.

What are the differences in battery life between the two models?

The AirPods Pro Gen 2 offer up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge with ANC enabled, while the AirPods 4 provide up to 5 hours per charge. Both have total listening times extended with their charging cases.

How do the microphones of the two AirPods models compare?

Both AirPods have similar mic performance in normal conditions, but the AirPods Pro Gen 2 provide slightly clearer audio with less distortion compared to the AirPods 4.

What exclusive features do the AirPods Pro Gen 2 offer?

AirPods Pro Gen 2 offer volume adjustment via stem swipe, automatic sudden loud noise reduction, conversation boost, ambient sound playback, and can function as a clinical-grade hearing aid.

What are the advantages of the AirPods 4 over the Pro Gen 2?

AirPods 4 feature an open-ear design for those who dislike silicone tips, a lower starting price ($179 vs $249), and a smaller, lighter case that is more pocketable.

What are some common disadvantages of both AirPods models?

Both models have slippery, easily scratched cases, are limited to the Apple ecosystem, lack customizable EQ settings, and AirPods 4 may accumulate earwax on the speaker grill.

Which AirPods model is better for Spatial Audio and Apple TV usage?

Both support Spatial Audio, but the AirPods Pro Gen 2 deliver better sound quality for Apple TV content due to their superior ANC and sound balance.

How do the AirPods 4 fit compared to the AirPods Pro Gen 2?

AirPods 4 have an open-ear design similar to the original AirPods, making them feel barely noticeable in the ears, while AirPods Pro Gen 2 have silicone tips that create a tighter seal.

Who would benefit most from choosing the AirPods 4 instead of the Pro Gen 2?

People who dislike the fit of AirPods Pro, prefer an open-ear design, are okay with some sound leakage, and want a slightly more affordable option would benefit from the AirPods 4.

Can both AirPods models charge wirelessly and via MagSafe?

Yes, both support wireless charging. AirPods Pro Gen 2 have a MagSafe-compatible case that magnetically attaches, while AirPods 4 can charge on a larger MagSafe charger but do not magnetically attach.

Does either model offer customizable sound settings or EQ adjustments?

No, neither AirPods model offers customizable EQ; users are limited to Apple’s preset sound signature.