• With the H2 chip, the new AirPods 4 with ANC offer the same cool features previously available on the AirPods Pro, such as a Transparency Mode, Adaptive Audio and more.

• But features like pro-grade noise reduction and the “Hearing Health” experience are exclusively available on AirPods Pro 2.

• AirPods Pro 2 costs $70 more than AirPods 4 with ANC, but you should look for a discount from non-Apple retailers.

With AirPods 4, Apple has bridged the gap between Pro and non-Pro AirPods. The new headphones offer, among other things, active noise reduction and Transparency Mode. So how do they really compare to the AirPods Pro 2? Let’s find out.

AirPods 4 are lighter and smaller

One key difference that immediately separates the AirPods 4 from the AirPods Pro is its design. The AirPods 4 (like its predecessor) has an open designso unlike the Pro version they don’t have silicone ear tips. For some people, the absence of silicone ear tips makes AirPods 4 a better and more convenient choice. However, I prefer the AirPods Pro for the snug and secure fit, especially during workouts or bike rides.

In terms of dimensions and weight, the AirPods 4 are noticeably smaller and lighter than AirPods Pro. This also applies to AirPods 4 charging casewhich is about 17% shorter in width and 31% lighter than the Pro version.

Another difference is the absence of reset button on AirPods 4’s charging case. While the AirPods Pro have a physical button on the back, the AirPods 4 have a capacitive button on the front (which supports multiple press combinations). Also The LED status indicator is a little more discreet as it is not as visible as the one on the AirPods Pro. The metallic hinge on the back is standard on both devices.

Last but not least, both AirPods models share the same IP54 dust and water resistance (for both earbuds and charging cases).

Both AirPods have Apple’s H2 Chip

Although both units feature high-excursion custom Apple drivers and high-dynamic-range amplifiers, AirPods Pro 2 sounds better in the ear. That’s not to say that AirPods 4 aren’t great. In fact, they are among the best open-ear headphones on the market.

Both headphones provide active noise reduction (as long as you choose the AirPods 4 with ANC model, which costs $50 more than the base AirPods 4). This prevents environmental noise from entering the ear canal.

However, the AirPods Pro 2 are up to twice as good at removing ambient noise as the AirPods 4 (with ANC), as they include silicone ear tips that seal the ear canal and increase passive cancellation. At the same time, the open design of AirPods 4 lets in more sound.

Thanks to the H2 headphone chip, features such as Transparency mode and voice isolation are standard on both earbuds. Just like the AirPods Pro, the AirPods 4 also offer Adaptive audio capabilitieswhich includes adaptive noise control, Conversational awarenessand Personal volume.

In addition, AirPods also provide personal Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, an adaptive equalizer and a pressure equalization ventilation system. A relatively new feature called Siri Interactions lets you nod yes or shake no when Siri asks to answer an incoming phone call or text.

AirPods Pro 2 can function as a clinical-grade hearing aid

While the vast majority of features are available on both AirPods, Apple has reserved some for the Pro models. These include Loud Sound Reduction, a hearing test to customize the listening experience and a clinical-grade hearing aid; Together, Apple calls them the “Hearing Health” experience.

Sensors, microphones and connections

AirPods 4 comes with a force sensor, so you can control media playbackanswer a call or talk to Siri with different press/hold combinations. However, two-year-old AirPods Pro have a touch sensor on the stem, which makes it possible to change the volume without reaching for your iPhone.

Automatic ear detection is standard on both devices. AirPods Pro 2 has a skin detection sensor (which is considered more reliable), while AirPods 4 has an optical sensor (more likely to detect fakes). Other sensors include motion-detecting and speech-detecting accelerometers, which enable head tracking and voice recognition.

For them concerned about call qualityAirPods 4 and AirPods Pro have a similar microphone setup, described as “dual beam-forming microphones.” The earphones also have secondary microphones to adjust the intensity of the noise reduction. Just like AirPods Pro, AirPods 4 trust Bluetooth v5.3 for stable connection.

AirPods 4 has a Find My Speaker but lacks precision to find

AirPods Pro were the first Apple earphones with speakers on the charging case. Although the speaker doesn’t do much, it does make a sound when you plug in the charging case or make a call to find AirPods (via the Find My app). Fortunately, the AirPods 4 also have the same Find My speaker next to the USB-C charging port.

However, AirPods 4 lacks U1 ultra wideband chip which enables Precision Finding on the Pro version. The feature makes it easier to find your AirPods than to play audio or follow directions app Find myespecially when it’s stuck in the cracks of a sofa, stored under a pillow or in a completely different room.

AirPods Pro offer more listening time

So far, the AirPods 4 have compared favorably in this comparison. But when it comes to battery life, they are no match for the AirPods Pro. The AirPods 4 are rated to last up to four hours with noise reduction and up to five hours without the function, which increases to 20 and 30 hours respectively with the charging case.

In comparison, AirPods Pro can provide up to 50% more playtime, as it’s rated to last up to six hours with noise reductionwhich can take up to 30 hours with the charging case.

Both support quick charging, with five minutes in the case providing up to an hour of listening time.

Which AirPods have wireless charging?

You can charge AirPods 4 (with ANC) wirelessly via an Apple Watch or Qi-certified chargeror with USB-C.

AirPods Pro 2 (both USB-C and Lightning versions) take things up a notch by adding support for MagSafe Charging.

AirPods 4 (with ANC) are $70 cheaper than AirPods Pro

If you go by the official pricing on Apple’s website, AirPods 4 (with ANC) costs $179.00, while AirPods Pro 2 costs $249.00, which means you have to pay a premium of $70 for the Pro version.

But with a little digging, you can find both AirPods at a discounted price, especially through third-party retailers. A quick Google search tells me that the AirPods Pro 2 are currently available for $189.99 at Amazon (24% less than original price).

At a discounted price, the AirPods Pro 2 are a no-brainer, especially since they offer better sound quality and noise reduction, along with the new Loud Sound Reduction feature and better battery life. But if you prefer open-ear AirPods, you can’t go wrong with the AirPods 4 (with ANC).

1. 

   Apple AirPods 4

   The fourth generation Apple AirPods have a more comfortable design, an improved H2 chip, better sound quality and the possibility of Active Noise Control.

2. 

   Apple AirPods Pro (second generation)

   Enjoy significant improvements to Apple AirPods Pro with this second-generation edition, powered by Apple’s H2 processor. Delivers twice as much active noise cancellation, spatial audio, USB-C charging and more.