Last night, Apple introduced two new generations of AirPods 4, one entry-level and another at €199 with active noise reduction and many features that already exist on the AirPods Pro 2. When we saw the announcement at the editorial office, we immediately said to ourselves “but by doing this, Apple will cause sales of AirPods Pro 2 to drop, because the difference is very small”. What if we took a closer look with a complete comparison?
The AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation have characteristics very close to the AirPods Pro 2
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One is sold at €199 and the other at €279, the AirPods 4 with active noise reduction and the AirPods Pro 2 are two pairs of wireless headphones that look very similar, which could be an advantage to boost sales of AirPods 4, but also a disadvantage for sales of AirPods Pro 2. During its event on September 9, Apple intentionally placed the AirPods 4 with active noise reduction at a very high level in terms of characteristics, we find several interesting new features and light years away from what the AirPods 3 offer.
To help you find your way around, we’ve put together a little comparison to help you understand whether the AirPods 4 might be right for you compared to the AirPods Pro 2.
AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro 2
It’s a titanic duel!
While the AirPods Pro 2 have been ruling the market for a long time, Apple’s premium wireless earbuds are finding themselves with some competition in the same range.
So, should it be AirPods 4 or AirPods Pro 2?
Characteristic
AirPods 4 with active noise reduction (€199)
AirPods Pro 2 (279€)
Chip Chip H2 – Chip H2
– U1 chip in MagSafe Charging Case Active Noise Cancellation Basic Active Noise Cancellation Up to 2x better Active Noise Cancellation Adaptive Audio and Transparency Mode Yes Yes Conversation Detection Yes Yes Spatial Audio Yes (with dynamic head tracking) Yes (with dynamic head tracking) Hearing Aid No Loud Sound Cancellation, Conversation Amplifier, Background Sounds Sensor Pressure Sensor Touch Control Battery Life – 5 hours of listening time on a single charge
– Up to 4 hours of listening time with active noise reduction
– 30 hours of listening time with the charging case – 6 hours of listening time on a single charge
– Up to 6 hours of listening time with active noise reduction
– 30 hours of listening time with the charging case Dust, sweat and water resistance Yes (IP54) Yes (IP54) “Hey Siri” functionality, audio technology and microphones – “Hey Siri”
– Voice isolation
– Adaptive equalization
– Custom designed Apple high excursion transducer
– Two beamforming microphones – “Hey Siri”
– Voice isolation
– Adaptive equalization
– Custom designed Apple high excursion transducer
– Two beamforming microphones Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity Bluetooth 5.3
What can also be added to the comparison between these two headphones is that the AirPods Pro 2 have silicone ear tips, Apple provides 4 sizes XS, S, M and L in the packaging. The AirPods 4 will not have them.
The eartips contribute to the quality of active noise reduction because they isolate ambient noise even more by creating a seal in the ear, which allows the active noise reduction technology to work better and provide a more immersive sound experience.
AirPods Pro 3
AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro 2: Which One Should You Choose?
Apple’s recent event on September 9 introduced two new generations of AirPods 4, including an entry-level model and another with active noise reduction priced at €199. This new release has sparked a debate about the differences between the AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation and the AirPods Pro 2, which are priced at €279. In this article, we’ll delve into the characteristics of both models to help you decide which one is right for you.
Similarities and Differences
At first glance, the AirPods 4 with active noise reduction and the AirPods Pro 2 appear to be very similar, with both offering advanced features like active noise cancellation and water resistance. However, upon closer inspection, there are some key differences that set them apart.
Active Noise Cancellation
The AirPods Pro 2 boast up to 2x better active noise cancellation compared to the AirPods 4, which could be a major factor for those who value audio quality. According to [2], the sealed-off ear canals of the AirPods Pro 2 make for better audio balance and bass response. On the other hand, the AirPods 4 with active noise reduction still offer a basic level of noise cancellation, which may be sufficient for many users.
Battery Life
In terms of battery life, both models offer similar listening times, with up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge for the AirPods 4 and up to 6 hours for the AirPods Pro 2. Additionally, both models come with a charging case that provides 30 hours of listening time.
Hearing Aid Features
One area where the AirPods Pro 2 have a significant advantage is in hearing aid features. The AirPods Pro 2 offer Loud Sound Cancellation, Conversation Amplifier, and Background Sounds, making them a better option for those who need additional support for hearing.
Chip and Audio Technology
Both models feature the H2 chip, which enables advanced audio features like adaptive equalization and voice isolation. Additionally, both models offer “Hey Siri” functionality and spatial audio with dynamic head tracking.
Conclusion
So, which one should you choose? If you’re looking for the best possible audio quality and advanced hearing aid features, the AirPods Pro 2 may be the better option for you. However, if you’re on a budget and still want advanced features like active noise cancellation, the AirPods 4 with active noise reduction could be a great value.
As one Reddit user noted, [3] “I love my AirPods Pro, they never fall out unless I put them in wrong. I use them for hours on end and even use them for gaming. I swear by them.” While the AirPods Pro 2 may be the better option for some, the AirPods 4 with active noise reduction offer a compelling alternative for those who want a high-quality listening experience without breaking the bank.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your individual needs and preferences. Be sure to weigh the pros and cons of each model before making a decision.
References:
<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/airpods/comments/1fcvgse/soairpodspro2arestillbetterthanairpods_4/”>[3]
AirPods 3
AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro 2: What’s the Difference?
Apple recently introduced two new generations of AirPods 4, one entry-level and another with active noise reduction, priced at €199. This move has raised questions about the differences between these new AirPods 4 and the existing AirPods Pro 2, which sells for €279. In this article, we’ll delve into the similarities and differences between these two wireless earbuds to help you decide which one is right for you.
Design and Features
At first glance, the AirPods 4 with active noise reduction and the AirPods Pro 2 seem remarkably similar. Both offer advanced features like active noise cancellation, spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, and “Hey Siri” functionality. However, upon closer inspection, some key differences emerge.
Audio Performance
The AirPods Pro 2 are the clear winners when it comes to audio performance[[[2]]. The sealed-off ear canals provide better audio balance and bass response, making them a better choice for music enthusiasts. The AirPods 4, on the other hand, offer a more basic active noise cancellation.
Battery Life
Both models offer the same battery life, with up to 30 hours of listening time with the charging case[[[1]]. However, the AirPods Pro 2 offer 6 hours of listening time on a single charge, while the AirPods 4 with active noise reduction offer 5 hours.
Charging Case
The AirPods Pro 2 are MagSafe compatible, while the AirPods 4 with active noise reduction have a wireless charging case. The lower-end AirPods 4, on the other hand, only offer USB-C charging[[[3]].
Additional Features
The AirPods Pro 2 offer some additional features that set them apart from the AirPods 4. These include Loud Sound Cancellation, Conversation Amplifier, and Background Sounds Sensor.
Conclusion
So, should you opt for the AirPods 4 with active noise reduction or the AirPods Pro 2? If you’re looking for a more affordable option with advanced features like active noise cancellation and spatial audio, the AirPods 4 may be the better choice. However, if you’re willing to invest in a more premium product with superior audio performance and additional features, the AirPods Pro 2 are the way to go.
Comparison Table
Here’s a summary of the key differences between the AirPods 4 with active noise reduction and the AirPods Pro 2:
| Characteristic | AirPods 4 with Active Noise Reduction (€199) | AirPods Pro 2 (€279) |
| — | — | — |
| Chip | H2 | H2 |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Basic | Up to 2x better |
| Adaptive Audio and Transparency Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Conversation Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Spatial Audio | Yes (with dynamic head tracking) | Yes (with dynamic head tracking) |
| Hearing Aid | No | Loud Sound Cancellation, Conversation Amplifier, Background Sounds Sensor |
| Battery Life | Up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge, up to 4 hours with active noise reduction, 30 hours with the charging case | Up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge, up to 6 hours with active noise reduction, 30 hours with the charging case |
| Charging Case | Wireless charging case | MagSafe compatible |
| Dust, sweat, and water resistance | Yes (IP54) | Yes (IP54) |
| “Hey Siri” functionality, audio technology, and microphones | “Hey Siri”, Voice isolation, Adaptive equalization, Custom designed Apple high excursion transducer, Two beamforming microphones | “Hey Siri”, Voice isolation, Adaptive equalization, Custom designed Apple high excursion transducer, Two beamforming microphones |
