AirPods 4 With ANC vs. AirPods Pro 2

[MacRumors]

Apple last week released the AirPods 4, and one version of the new earbuds has Active Noise Cancellation included. ANC means the AirPods 4 have a feature set that rivals the AirPods Pro 2, so we thought we'd compare the two for those undecided on which to get.

Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.​

The AirPods 4 are Apple's first open-ear earbuds to include ANC, and the major difference between the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods 4 is the silicone tips. The AirPods Pro 2 have silicone tips for a tighter seal in the ear, while the AirPods 4 don't.

You're not going to get the same level of ANC with the AirPods 4 that you get with the AirPods Pro 2 because there's no sealing mechanism to block out noise, but the AirPods 4 still perform impressively well. The new earbuds are able to cut down on plane and road noise even without the tight ear seal.

Sound quality is about the same because the AirPods 4 now have the same H2 chip as the AirPods Pro 2. The AirPods 4 have a much smaller case than the AirPods Pro 2, but both cases have a speaker that can play a sound when you need to track them down using Find My. MagSafe wireless charging is exclusive to the AirPods Pro 2, though. The AirPods 4 with ANC can wirelessly charge, but not with the strong magnetic connection available with the AirPods Pro.

There are a few other differences that are worth knowing about, which we go over in the video above.

Choosing between the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods 4 with ANC mostly comes down to fit. For some people, the silicone tips for the AirPods Pro 2 are more comfortable, and others find an open-ear design to be better for long wear. Price is also a factor, as the AirPods Pro 4 with ANC are $179 and the AirPods Pro 2 are $249. Of course, if you don't need ANC at all, you can get the AirPods 4 without ANC for $129.

Let us know which earbuds you prefer in the comments below.

Article Link: AirPods 4 With ANC vs. AirPods Pro 2

 

[antiprotest]

The recent software update weakened the ANC on the Pro 2 though. Quite noticeable.

 

[Mac Fly (film)]

For those who liked to use the magnetic case, know that Apple removed those magnets in the case on AirPods 4.

 

[Populus]

I’m doubting between the two AirPods 4 models, and I don’t think I’m the only one. Those of us who hate or are uncomfortable with the rubber tips inside our ear canals, are probably wondering if the ANC variant is worth the extra 50€.

Personally, I think the best route is to try them out, and decide. But it’s a bit of a hassle buying and returning.

The noise cancellation doesn’t seem too powerful, however, the feature that lowers the volume when someone is talking to you (or is it you talking?) seem quite useful. I’d like to know for how long does it lower the volume before rising it again, maybe 5 seconds after your last word? 10 seconds?

Oh, and the speaker in the case to let you know where they are seems like a very handy addition.

 

[techyOS]

however, the feature that lowers the volume when someone is talking to you (or is it you talking?) seem quite useful. I’d like to know for how long does it lower the volume before rising it again, maybe 5 seconds after your last word? 10 seconds?

In some situations, the volume doesn’t lower at all, and in other situations, the volume never returns back to original levels. I tried to make a video that explains this in detail, give it a watch if you want: AirPods’ Conversation Awareness: The Reality - YouTube

 

[Populus]

In some situations, the volume doesn’t lower at all, and in other situations, the volume never returns back to original levels. I tried to make a video that explains this in detail, give it a watch if you want: AirPods’ Conversation Awareness: The Reality - YouTube

Many thanks! Although your video is from AirPods Pro 2. If Conversation Awareness works that way also in AirPods 4, I’m not interested in that feature at all.

If the noise cancellation isn’t good either, then I think I’ll be fine with the regular AirPods 4. However, if it actually works well, it could be handy for when I commute on the bus, where usually the noisy ambient doesn’t let me hear the content on the regular AirPods.

So I guess I’ll have to try both, anyways…

By the way, if you’re the one doing the video and accept some criticism, I think it would be better without the joke of the AirPod that falls into the floor. It makes it look less professional and the joke is not smart enough. But I guess you’re beginning so I’m sure you’ll get better!

 

[Moukee]

The recent software update weakened the ANC on the Pro 2 though. Quite noticeable.

Haven't noticed that myself so far.

 

[yanki01]

For those who liked to use the magnetic case, know that Apple removed those magnets in the case on AirPods 4.

FWIW, it does work with the apple watch charger. I do wish they kept the magsafe.

Many thanks! Although your video is from AirPods Pro 2. If Conversation Awareness works that way also in AirPods 4, I’m not interested in that feature at all.

If the noise cancellation isn’t good either, then I think I’ll be fine with the regular AirPods 4. However, if it actually works well, it could be handy for when I commute on the bus, where usually the noisy ambient doesn’t let me hear the content on the regular AirPods.

So I guess I’ll have to try both, anyways…

By the way, if you’re the one doing the video and accept some criticism, I think it would be better without the joke of the AirPod that falls into the floor. It makes it look less professional and the joke is not smart enough. But I guess you’re beginning so I’m sure you’ll get better!

for me it stays low for about 4 seconds and then slowly raises. the ANC works pretty well. I tried the APP2 but didn't like the full silicone tip. I was cutting my yard yesterday, so the noise of the weed eater, blower and mower was reduced significantly. Of course a lot better than my AirPods 2. Some noise was still present but I was able to listen to my music with noise cancelling without an issue. The weed eater was the loudest and did hear it at times but still, not an issue and really enjoy them.

 

[QuarterSwede]

John Siracusa did a decent review of them on ATP and his basic findings were they’re much better than not having ANC but not quite as good as the AirPods Pro 2s. That being said he said that they’re excellent for not having silicon tips to completely seal out the outside world. Basically think of it as masking white noise while still being able to hear certain sounds and being aware of your surroundings.

For sound quality the bass is dramatically better than the AirPods 3s, so much so that if you’re just looking for great sound, the AirPods 4 are close to the AirPods Pro 2s if not identical.

Clip:

A Decade of Half-Presses - Accidental Tech Podcast

Three nerds discussing tech, Apple, programming, and loosely related matters.

pca.st

Personally, I think this is great for people that are sensitive to things in their ears (me). I’m interested to these being my next pair as my AirPod 2s are aging and don’t always report the correct battery life. Otherwise, they work great for my usage (listening to podcasts during chores). I get my music kicks on much better equipment, like my upgraded car speakers or home systems so sound quality isn’t the upmost importance to me in AirPods. I suppose the higher fidelity would be welcome but I’m guessing I’ll have to attenuate the bass even more for podcast listening (I HATE the boomy “radio voice” from Shure SM58s, ugh).

 

[iPay]

> Price is also a factor, as the ‌AirPods Pro‌ 4 with ANC are $179 and the ‌AirPods Pro‌ 2 are $249.
One "Pro" too many in the original paper

 

[frou]

I'm tempted by the 4 ANC but my 2's that I've been using for almost three years surprisingly still have acceptable battery so it'd be wasteful to replace them now.

 

[yanki01]

> Price is also a factor, as the ‌AirPods Pro‌ 4 with ANC are $179 and the ‌AirPods Pro‌ 2 are $249.
One "Pro" too many in the original paper

price was already wrong too. the AirPods Pro 2 can be had for $189 @ BestBuy/Walmart/Target. The NEW AirPods 4 w/ ANC can be had for $169 on Amazon.

 

[EricOSU]

I have to ask how the AirPod 4 fit? Are they like the headphones that came with the iPhone or are they a different form factor? I know the pros have different tips.

 

[techyOS]

Many thanks! Although your video is from AirPods Pro 2. If Conversation Awareness works that way also in AirPods 4, I’m not interested in that feature at all.

If the noise cancellation isn’t good either, then I think I’ll be fine with the regular AirPods 4. However, if it actually works well, it could be handy for when I commute on the bus, where usually the noisy ambient doesn’t let me hear the content on the regular AirPods.

So I guess I’ll have to try both, anyways…

By the way, if you’re the one doing the video and accept some criticism, I think it would be better without the joke of the AirPod that falls into the floor. It makes it look less professional and the joke is not smart enough. But I guess you’re beginning so I’m sure you’ll get better!

Thanks for watching my video! Yes, I’m the one creating it, and in hindsight, you’re right, that joke was pretty terrible.

I don’t believe Conversation Awareness would have improved considering it hasn’t gotten better with all the AirPods Pro 2 firmware updates, and the AirPods 4 have the same H2 chip. But since I haven’t tried it out for myself, I can’t say for sure.

 

[yanki01]

I have to ask how the AirPod 4 fit? Are they like the headphones that came with the iPhone or are they a different form factor? I know the pros have different tips.

I honestly like these more than the wired headphones from Apple and my AirPods 2. they don't leave my ear sore like they would when i'd wear the AP2 for a while. less noticeable when they're in my ear. I never tried the AP3 to compare.

 

[Tyler O'Bannon]

I’m doubting between the two AirPods 4 models, and I don’t think I’m the only one. Those of us who hate or are uncomfortable with the rubber tips inside our ear canals, are probably wondering if the ANC variant is worth the extra 50€.

Personally, I think the best route is to try them out, and decide. But it’s a bit of a hassle buying and returning.

The noise cancellation doesn’t seem too powerful, however, the feature that lowers the volume when someone is talking to you (or is it you talking?) seem quite useful. I’d like to know for how long does it lower the volume before rising it again, maybe 5 seconds after your last word? 10 seconds?

Oh, and the speaker in the case to let you know where they are seems like a very handy addition.

If you’re only going to have 4’s and not also pros, the ANC is well worth it. I have both and have tested ANC in several scenarios this past week on AP4 and it’s well worth it IMO

 

[dannyyankou]

I don’t know if they changed anything in the last update, but noise cancellation seems significantly better on AirPods Pro 2 in the last month. Almost on par with AirPods Max.

 

[StoneJack]

Generally, Apple now has a very good line of Airpods *even taking into account the incremental upgrade of Airpod Max.
There are good choices of Apple heaphones in virtually every category of wireless headphones (active, sports, studio, tw, etc).
Just like Apple became one of largest music player producers by releasing series of iPods and pushing out Sony Walkmans out of the market, the company became one of world leaders in wireless headphones. I bought recently Sennheiser and Audio Technica wireless headphones and TW headphones, but Apple's integration is with other Apple products is on another level and makes it so attractive to use in combination (I use Apple Airpods Pro 2 USB), even if spec-wise Sennheiser and Audio Technica products are superior.

 

[jz0309]

The recent software update weakened the ANC on the Pro 2 though. Quite noticeable.

I don’t know if they changed anything in the last update, but noise cancellation seems significantly better on AirPods Pro 2 in the last month. Almost on par with AirPods Max.

So which one of you two should we believe?
just tells that it is very subjective…

 

[L92]

So which one of you two should we believe?
just tells that it is very subjective…

If my ANC worsened every time someone mentioned this after an update my APP2 would run on transparency mode only.

 

[JohnC1959]

Sure you can compare various features, but really it all comes down to how you feel about the rubber tipped seal of the pro vs not having that. Ear size, situations you are in when wearing and things like sweating all influence that.

 

[Dianneeraser]

I’m doubting between the two AirPods 4 models, and I don’t think I’m the only one. Those of us who hate or are uncomfortable with the rubber tips inside our ear canals, are probably wondering if the ANC variant is worth the extra 50€.

Personally, I think the best route is to try them out, and decide. But it’s a bit of a hassle buying and returning.

The noise cancellation doesn’t seem too powerful, however, the feature that lowers the volume when someone is talking to you (or is it you talking?) seem quite useful. I’d like to know for how long does it lower the volume before rising it again, maybe 5 seconds after your last word? 10 seconds?

Oh, and the speaker in the case to let you know where they are seems like a very handy addition.

I’ve been using ANC for 20 years. Flying headsets and audio etc.

Yes, the ANC is worth it. I have the 4’s and Pro 2. The Aipods 4 ANC is maybe 85 percent of the AirPods Pro 2. At work, the 4’s will block out background air conditioner and noises like that. I can still hear the voices on TV. The AirPods Pro 2 will drown out background noises and voices on the tv. I’d guess that’s more from the rubber seal though.

I don’t really use the conversation awareness feature so I can’t comment on that. When I have ANC, it’s because I don’t want to hear anyone or anything😂.

 

[CarAnalogy]

I’m doubting between the two AirPods 4 models, and I don’t think I’m the only one. Those of us who hate or are uncomfortable with the rubber tips inside our ear canals, are probably wondering if the ANC variant is worth the extra 50€.

Personally, I think the best route is to try them out, and decide. But it’s a bit of a hassle buying and returning.

The noise cancellation doesn’t seem too powerful, however, the feature that lowers the volume when someone is talking to you (or is it you talking?) seem quite useful. I’d like to know for how long does it lower the volume before rising it again, maybe 5 seconds after your last word? 10 seconds?

Oh, and the speaker in the case to let you know where they are seems like a very handy addition.

To me they made a mistake with the cheaper version. They should have just made one version, the one with ANC. And if they were really going to make two, they shouldn't have also made the cases different.

I guess I see what they were going for since there's now no longer a very low end option except for the wired ones which are thankfully still available.

At this price point, with all the cuts from the base model (I can't help but see it as a subset of the real version rather than the more expensive version having "more") you lose too many features to make it worth AirPods vs some other brand.

 

[SoldOnApple]

Would like to see if they perform better than the Pro 2 for ANC when some kind of rubber seal is added somehow.

 

[gdmedia]

Apple last week released the AirPods 4, and one version of the new earbuds has Active Noise Cancellation included. ANC means the AirPods 4 have a feature set that rivals the AirPods Pro 2, so we thought we'd compare the two for those undecided on which to get.

Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.​

The AirPods 4 are Apple's first open-ear earbuds to include ANC, and the major difference between the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods 4 is the silicone tips. The AirPods Pro 2 have silicone tips for a tighter seal in the ear, while the AirPods 4 don't.

You're not going to get the same level of ANC with the AirPods 4 that you get with the AirPods Pro 2 because there's no sealing mechanism to block out noise, but the AirPods 4 still perform impressively well. The new earbuds are able to cut down on plane and road noise even without the tight ear seal.

Sound quality is about the same because the AirPods 4 now have the same H2 chip as the AirPods Pro 2. The AirPods 4 have a much smaller case than the AirPods Pro 2, but both cases have a speaker that can play a sound when you need to track them down using Find My. MagSafe wireless charging is exclusive to the AirPods Pro 2, though. The AirPods 4 with ANC can wirelessly charge, but not with the strong magnetic connection available with the AirPods Pro.

There are a few other differences that are worth knowing about, which we go over in the video above.

Choosing between the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods 4 with ANC mostly comes down to fit. For some people, the silicone tips for the AirPods Pro 2 are more comfortable, and others find an open-ear design to be better for long wear. Price is also a factor, as the AirPods Pro 4 with ANC are $179 and the AirPods Pro 2 are $249. Of course, if you don't need ANC at all, you can get the AirPods 4 without ANC for $129.

Let us know which earbuds you prefer in the comments below.

Article Link: AirPods 4 With ANC vs. AirPods Pro 2

I just bought the AirPods Pro 2. (Like 'em!) Tried them on at the Apple Store, to see if they would fit, which they did. But did not buy them there because Amazon has them for $190, while they're $250 at the Apple Store. I showed the Apple Store guy the Amazon listing. His reaction was, "You definitely have to buy them from Amazon." He said Apple Store could match competitive prices up to 10% (I've never known that) but this was way more. I ordered them from Amazon from my phone on the sidewalk outside the Apple Store and had them in hand later that afternoon.