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After using the original AirPods Pro for over four years, I’m ready for an upgrade. While the AirPods Pro models are still superior to standard AirPods, Apple has now bridged the gap. Here’s why I’m choosing the AirPods 4 over the AirPods Pro 2.
1AirPods 4 Are Cheaper
While I’m generally okay with paying a bit more for premium features that come with Pro models, likepaying more for the iPhone 16 Pro models, that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t attempt to save a bit of money when I get the opportunity to do so.
The standard AirPods 4 retails for $129, while the higher-tier model withActive Noise Cancellation (ANC)is slightly pricier, at $179. On the other hand,the AirPods Pro 2 we reviewedhas an MSRP of $249. While you can purchase the AirPods Pro 2 for much less on third-party websites likeAmazonand BestBuy, the price disparity still exists.
2AirPods 4 Are Available With Noise Cancellation
I’ve always been the kind of person who can’t focus on a task unless there’s pin-drop silence. Of course, finding a place that’s always quiet is realistically impossible. That’s why Active Noise Cancellation on my AirPods Pro has always been a lifesaver, and I can’t imagine buying a pair of earbuds without them.
So far, standard AirPods models lacked noise cancellation, but Apple finally offers ANC as an option for the AirPods 4. While it costs $50 more than the standard AirPods 4, it’s a price I’m willing to pay.
AlthoughApple claimsthat the AirPods Pro 2 can remove twice the noise compared to the AirPods 4 with ANC, I believe that’s mostly due to the silicone ear tips. Since I’m not a fan of those tips, I’m not too concerned about the difference. I typically use ANC with music playing in the background regardless, so it shouldn’t affect me much.
3No Silicone Ear Tips
While I’m a big fan of the AirPods Pro, I’m not the biggest fan of silicone ear tips. Even though I’ve never had to worry about my AirPods falling from my ears, I’ve often experienced severe migraines after using them for extended periods. While I can use them comfortably for an hour or two, discomfort starts to set in once I pass the three-hour mark.
I’ve considered switching to the standard AirPods several times since they don’t have silicone ear tips, but the lack of Active Noise Cancellation (as mentioned above) is one of the few reasons why I’ve stuck with the AirPods Pro all this time. With Apple now offering the best of both worlds in the AirPods 4 with ANC, I can finally make the upgrade I’ve wanted for years without losing one of my favorite features.
4It Has the Same H2 Chip as AirPods Pro 2
Ultimately, what matters most when you’re purchasing new headphones or earbuds is the audio performance. Thankfully, both versions of the AirPods 4 pack the same H2 chip that Apple introduced alongside the AirPods Pro 2.
The H2 chip brings many features that previous iterations of the standard AirPods lacked, such as Personalized Spatial Audio, Dynamic Head Tracking, Voice Isolation, and a hands-free way to interact with Siri. Additionally, the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods 4 with ANC feature Adaptive Audio,Conversation Awareness, and Transparency mode.
Like the original AirPods Pro, both AirPods 4 variants feature a force sensor, allowing you to control playback simply by pressing the stem of your AirPod. On the other hand, the AirPods Pro 2 features Touch control instead, which allows you to turn the volume up or down with a light swipe up or down. Although Touch control is a neat addition, I wouldn’t pay extra for it since I’m used to the force sensor on my original AirPods Pro.
Thanks to the H2 chip, both AirPods 4 models get all the advanced audio features of AirPods Pro 2. Ultimately, that means the only two noteworthy differences between the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods 4 with ANC are the silicone ear tips and lack of Touch control. If you’re like me and aren’t a fan of those ear tips, theAirPods 4 with ANCoffers far better value than the AirPods Pro 2.
