When deciding between the AirPods 4 and the AirPods Pro 2, both of which are premium wireless earbuds from Apple, there are several key factors to consider, including design, sound quality, features, price, and use case.
Let’s break down these elements in detail to help find which one is the best fit for you.
Basis Of Difference!
1. Design and Comfort
- AirPods 4: These are open-ear, stem-style earbuds. The open design means they sit lightly in the outer ear, without creating a seal in the ear canal. This makes them more comfortable for prolonged use, especially for people who don’t like the feeling of in-ear earbuds. However, the lack of a seal can let in more external noise, which could be a downside in noisy environments.
- AirPods Pro 2: These come with silicone ear tips and an in-ear design, providing a more secure fit and better noise isolation. They come with multiple tip sizes to ensure a snug and comfortable fit for a variety of users. The in-ear design also helps with noise cancellation and provides a more immersive listening experience. The Pro model is generally better for workouts or active use because of its tighter fit.
Verdict: If comfort and a more relaxed fit are important, AirPods 4 may be the better option. For a secure fit and better noise isolation, the AirPods Pro 2 are ideal.
2. Sound Quality
- AirPods 4: While they offer clear sound, the open-ear design means they cannot produce as much bass or provide the same immersive audio experience as in-ear models. The sound quality is sufficient for casual listening, podcasts, and phone calls, but it may lack depth for audiophiles or users who prioritize rich bass and a more dynamic soundstage.
- AirPods Pro 2: The AirPods Pro 2 deliver a more refined sound experience thanks to the in-ear design and adaptive equalization. They provide deeper bass, clearer mids, and overall better sound quality compared to the AirPods 4. The AirPods Pro 2 also feature Apple’s Spatial Audio technology, which adds a surround sound-like experience for compatible content.
Verdict: For superior sound quality, especially if you enjoy immersive listening with rich bass and spatial audio, the AirPods Pro 2 are the better choice.
3. Noise Cancellation
- AirPods 4: These earbuds do not offer Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), meaning they allow external sounds to filter in. This can be beneficial in environments where you need to be aware of your surroundings, like when commuting or in an office setting.
- AirPods Pro 2: One of the standout features of the AirPods Pro 2 is Active Noise Cancellation. They block out external noise effectively, making them great for traveling, working in noisy environments, or when you want to focus on your music or podcasts. They also come with a Transparency Mode, which allows you to hear your surroundings without taking the earbuds out — useful for brief conversations or for safety in busy areas.
Verdict: If noise cancellation is a priority, the AirPods Pro 2 are the clear winner.
4. Special Features
- AirPods 4:
- Adaptive Transparency: AirPods 4 offer transparency to allow ambient sounds in, but it’s not as advanced as the Pro model.
- H1 chip: Provides seamless connectivity with Apple devices, hands-free “Hey Siri” functionality, and quick switching between devices.
- Battery Life: Up to 6 hours on a single charge, with an additional 24 hours using the case.
- AirPods Pro 2:
- Active Noise Cancellation & Transparency Mode: Adjustable based on environment noise and your preferences.
- Adaptive EQ: Automatically tunes the low and mid frequencies to the shape of your ear.
- H2 chip: An upgrade from the H1 chip, providing better audio processing, improved ANC, and more efficient battery life.
- Spatial Audio: Personalized based on ear shape and head movements for an immersive listening experience.
- Battery Life: Up to 6 hours with ANC on, and 30 hours with the charging case, offering better endurance than the AirPods 4.
Verdict: The AirPods Pro 2 offer more advanced features, especially with ANC, Spatial Audio, and the H2 chip, making them the more feature-rich option.
5. Battery Life
- AirPods 4: They provide 6 hours of listening time on a single charge, and an additional 24 hours with the case.
- AirPods Pro 2: Despite having ANC, the AirPods Pro 2 offer similar battery life — up to 6 hours with ANC on and 30 hours total with the case.
Verdict: Both models offer similar battery life, but the AirPods Pro 2 have a slight edge due to the inclusion of ANC without compromising battery endurance.
6. Price
- AirPods 4: These earbuds are positioned as a more affordable option in the Apple lineup. They are generally cheaper than the AirPods Pro 2, making them more accessible for users who don’t need advanced features like noise cancellation.
- AirPods Pro 2: These come at a premium price due to their advanced features, including ANC, Transparency Mode, and Spatial Audio. They are among the most expensive wireless earbuds in Apple’s lineup but are also packed with features that justify the higher cost for users who value sound quality and noise isolation.
Verdict: For budget-conscious users, AirPods 4 provide a more affordable option. However, if you are willing to invest more for premium features, the AirPods Pro 2 are worth the extra cost.
Final Decision
- AirPods 4: Best for users who want a more affordable, open-ear design without noise cancellation.
- AirPods Pro 2: Ideal for users who want superior sound, noise cancellation, and advanced features for a premium listening experience.
FAQ’s
Q. Which AirPods are better for workouts?
A. The AirPods Pro 2 are better suited for workouts due to their secure in-ear design, which provides a more stable fit and better noise isolation.
Q. Do AirPods 4 have noise cancellation?
A. No, AirPods 4 do not have Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). They have Adaptive Transparency, which allows ambient sounds in.
Q. Which AirPods have better sound quality?
A. The AirPods Pro 2 offer superior sound quality with deeper bass, clearer mids, and Spatial Audio.
Q. Are AirPods 4 comfortable for long-term wear?
A. Yes, AirPods 4 are generally more comfortable for extended use due to their open-ear design.
Q. Which AirPods are better for commuting or noisy environments?
A. The AirPods Pro 2 are better for these situations due to their effective noise cancellation.
Q. What is the difference between the H1 and H2 chips in AirPods?
A. The H2 chip in AirPods Pro 2 offers improved audio processing, better ANC, and more efficient battery life compared to the H1 chip in AirPods 4.
Q. Which AirPods are more affordable?
A. AirPods 4 are generally more affordable than AirPods Pro 2.
