AirPods Pro (2nd gen) vs AirPods 4: Which Should You Buy?
A practical, shopper-friendly comparison of Apple’s latest AirPods lines—what’s the same, what’s different, and how to pick the right pair.
TL;DR
- Choose AirPods Pro (2nd gen, USB-C) if you want the best noise-cancellation, an in-ear seal with silicone tips, and Apple’s most complete feature set (Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Precision Finding with U1 case, and flexible charging).
- Choose AirPods 4 if you prefer an open-fit (no ear tips) and lighter feel. There are two trims: a standard model and one with ANC. Great comfort, a smaller case, and “just works” Apple convenience.
Models at a Glance
| Feature | AirPods Pro (2) | AirPods 4 (Standard) | AirPods 4 (with ANC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fit | In-ear with silicone tips (multiple sizes) | Open-fit (no tips) | Open-fit (no tips) |
| Noise Control | ANC + Adaptive Transparency + Adaptive Audio | Passive (no ANC) | ANC + Adaptive features (device-dependent) |
| Sound Profile | Fuller bass & isolation thanks to seal | Airy, natural; less bass in noisy spaces | Closer to Pro in noisy places, still open |
| Battery (buds) | Up to ~6 hrs (ANC off); ~5.5 with Spatial | Up to ~5 hrs | Up to ~4 hrs with ANC |
| Battery (with case) | Up to ~30 hrs total | Up to ~30 hrs total | Up to ~30 hrs total |
| Case & Charging | USB-C, MagSafe/Qi, Apple Watch; U1 Precision Finding + case speaker + lanyard | USB-C; smaller case | USB-C + wireless charging; case speaker for Find My |
| Water/Dust (buds) | IP54 (buds + case) | IP54 (buds) | IP54 (buds + case on ANC model) |
| Best For | Travel, commuting, focused work, gyms | All-day comfort, casual listening, calls | Comfort of open-fit with real noise reduction |
Fit & Comfort
AirPods Pro (2) use an in-ear design with silicone tips (multiple sizes, plus ear-tip fit test). The seal boosts bass and makes ANC more effective, but some people feel “plugged up.” If you’re fine with in-ear tips, Pro usually sounds better and blocks noise more consistently.
AirPods 4 stick to Apple’s signature open-fit shape. They rest at the ear canal instead of sealing it, which many find more comfortable for long stretches or quick on-off use. You’ll hear more of your surroundings, which can be a pro (situational awareness) or a con (less isolation) depending on your day.
Noise Control: ANC & Transparency
AirPods Pro (2) are Apple’s best earbuds for quieting the world. ANC is strong for in-ears, Adaptive Transparency is excellent for hearing voices and announcements without yanking a bud, and Adaptive Audio mixes ANC/Transparency automatically as your environment changes. Conversation Awareness drops volume and enhances voices when you start speaking—perfect for quick chats.
AirPods 4 (with ANC) introduces active noise cancellation to Apple’s open-fit line. Because there’s no seal, you won’t get the same hush as Pro, but it meaningfully cuts low-frequency rumble (HVAC, bus engines) and tames background noise better than any previous non-Pro AirPods. The standard AirPods 4 model does not include ANC.
Verdict: If you value “library quiet,” go Pro. If you want comfort first but still need some hush, AirPods 4 with ANC is a smart middle ground.
Sound Quality & Spatial Audio
Both families support Personalized Spatial Audio and dynamic head tracking on compatible Apple devices. The difference you’ll notice most is the seal:
- Pro (2): richer bass, more consistent sound in noisy places, and generally better detail retrieval thanks to isolation.
- AirPods 4: more open, natural presentation that lets the room in. Great for podcasts and casual listening; bass rolls off more in loud environments.
Verdict: For full, immersive sound on the go, Pro (2) wins. For airy, low-pressure listening, AirPods 4 feels effortless.
Battery & Charging
Single-charge listening is similar across the lineup, with Pro edging out the others when ANC is off. All three deliver up to ~30 hours total with the case.
- Pro (2) case: USB-C, MagSafe/Qi, Apple Watch charging, case speaker, and U1 Precision Finding—super handy if you misplace things.
- AirPods 4 case (standard): USB-C and a noticeably smaller pocket-friendly shape.
- AirPods 4 case (ANC): adds wireless charging and a case speaker for Find My.
Calls, Durability & Workouts
Mic quality is solid across the board for FaceTime/Zoom. Pro’s isolation helps you hear yourself (and others) better in noisy places. For sweat and dust, the latest models advertise IP54 on the buds (and on the case for Pro and the ANC AirPods 4 case). They’re fine for the gym and drizzle—not for the pool.
Software Features & Ecosystem
With modern iOS/macOS, you get the classic AirPods perks on all models: one-tap pairing, automatic device switching, audio sharing, and Siri control. Pro (2) retains Apple’s deepest feature set, but AirPods 4—especially the ANC version—narrows the gap with Adaptive features and a smarter case.
Price & Value
Apple positions Pro (2) above AirPods 4. Within AirPods 4, the ANC model is priced higher than the standard model and may overlap with Pro during sales. If you find a good promo, Pro (2) can be the best value thanks to stronger ANC and the feature-rich case. If you want the most comfortable everyday buds on a slightly lower budget, AirPods 4 (standard) makes sense.
Tip: Prices move—check Apple and major retailers for seasonal deals.
Which One Should You Buy?
Buy AirPods Pro (2) if you:
- Commute, fly, or work in noisy spaces and want the quietest experience Apple offers in earbuds.
- Prefer an in-ear seal for fuller bass and consistent sound.
- Value the U1 case with Precision Finding, case speaker, lanyard loop, and flexible charging (USB-C, MagSafe/Qi, Apple Watch).
Note: Specs and features can change with software updates. Check Apple’s product pages for the latest details and regional pricing.
