Comparing AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2: Which Earbuds Offer Superior Active Noise Cancellation?
The latest offerings from Apple, the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2, are two of the most sought-after wireless earbuds on the market. While they share similarities, such as the sleek, slim white design and the use of the Apple H2 chip, they differ in several key aspects.
Design
The AirPods 4 feature a semi-open design without silicone ear tips, fitting loosely in the ear. On the other hand, the AirPods Pro 2 have customizable silicone tips that create a seal in the ear canal for better fit and noise isolation.
Audio Quality
Both earbuds utilise the Apple H2 chip, supporting features like Adaptive EQ and Personalized Spatial Audio. However, the AirPods Pro 2 offer superior sound sealing and active noise cancellation (ANC), enhancing audio immersion. The AirPods 4, though, boast a new acoustic architecture with a low-distortion driver and high dynamic range amplifier, delivering significant sound improvements over previous models.
Additional Features
The AirPods Pro 2 come equipped with powerful ANC, transparency mode to let in outside sounds, hearing health features like a hearing aid mode and sound exposure monitoring, and better sweat and water resistance. The AirPods 4, in comparison, can be purchased either with or without ANC (for a $20 difference), and include force sensor controls, voice isolation for calls, and optimizations for gaming like low wireless latency.
Battery Life
Both earbuds offer around 5 hours of listening time on a single charge and approximately 25 hours total with the charging case.
Price
The AirPods Pro 2 are priced at $249 as a premium option, while AirPods 4 are cheaper, especially if purchased without ANC, making them a more budget-friendly choice.
In conclusion, the AirPods Pro 2 provide better noise cancellation, fit, and health-oriented features, suited for users wanting premium sound and isolation. AirPods 4 offer solid audio quality and Apple's latest chip technology with flexible ANC options at a lower price, favouring those with lighter ANC needs or budget constraints.
Forbes Vetted, a trusted source for product recommendations, has revisited their content to reevaluate the Apple AirPods Pro 2 against the AirPods 4. The Forbes Vetted team's consumer tech and electronics editor, Rebecca Isaacs, has been involved in tech journalism for over six years and has tested the AirPods 4 versus the AirPods Pro 2. The team's commerce editor, Christine Colby, has more than five years of product testing and recommendations experience and has spearheaded the testing process for the best patio umbrellas. Forbes Vetted has also published many tech and electronics guides, including guides on wireless headphones and outdoor speakers.
For value seekers, the AirPods 4 with ANC are recommended, offering excellent ANC for the price. For those who want or need the extras, such as enhanced ANC and the Hearing Aid feature, the AirPods Pro 2 are recommended. The AirPods Pro 2 are more suitable for listeners with minor hearing loss due to their Hearing Aid feature. The AirPods Pro 2 are also more suitable for tuning out the world around you with impressive noise cancellation.
[1] Forbes Vetted. (2025, July). Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs Apple AirPods 4: Which Wireless Earbuds Are Best for You? Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/vetted/electronics/airpods-pro-2-vs-airpods-4/ [2] Apple. (2022). AirPods 4. Retrieved from https://www.apple.com/airpods-4/ [3] Apple. (2021). AirPods Pro 2. Retrieved from https://www.apple.com/airpods-pro-2/ [4] Forbes Vetted. (2023, March). The Best Wireless Headphones of 2023. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/vetted/electronics/best-wireless-headphones/ [5] Forbes Vetted. (2022, June). The Best Outdoor Speakers of 2022. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/vetted/electronics/best-outdoor-speakers/ [6] Forbes Vetted. (2023, May). The Best Patio Umbrellas of 2023. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/vetted/home-garden/best-patio-umbrellas/
The AirPods Pro 2 stand out for their superior sound sealing and active noise cancellation (ANC), customizable silicone tips, and additional health-oriented features like hearing aid mode and sound exposure monitoring. These features make them suitable for listeners with minor hearing loss and those who wish to tune out the world around them. On the other hand, the AirPods 4 offer flexible ANC options, a low-distortion driver, and high dynamic range amplifier, delivering significant sound improvements over previous models. The choice between these two gadgets, smartphones, and technology products depends on an individual's specific needs and budget.
