Those two are not in the same league, lol.
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
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AirPods 4 With ANC vs. AirPods Pro 2
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My experience is the opposite. Noise cancellation seems to be better with the latest firmware.
I have serious issues since both the update of the Airpods Pro 2 and MacOS. There are times I cannot even play a video on a web page or Youtube with the Airpros on. It starts then stops and continues this pattern. Yet, when I take off the Airpods and use desktop speakers, all is well. Is this also perhaps a problem with Safari?
I like Airpods and ANC is really useful but it bothers me that they are very expensive disposable items. Once that battery wears out in 2-3 years, there is no way to replace it. What would actually impress me at this point would be a set of wired (USB-C) ANC Airpods. USB-C opens up a lot of options in terms of powering the ANC and cables aren't that bad.
The ANC works surprisingly well for constant noise like subway rumble or street noise of cars. It doesn't really do much against voices. It's nowhere near as good as the ANC of the PRO 2, don't be fooled. Looking at them as a cheaper alternative for the PRO 2 would be a mistake in my books. If the PROs work for you and aren't uncomfortable, 100% get them over the 4. I can't stand the sealed ear canals so the regular Airpods are my only alternative if I don't want to go over ear. For that they are fantastic.
Has anyone tried these? I bought the AirPods Pro 2 last year but had to return them because of the weird hissing sound when I turned off ANC. I personally don’t like ANC cos I like to be somewhat alert to my surroundings but just got a hiss when I turned it off. I returned them and for the AirPods 3. Wondering if the new 4 with ANC still has the hiss.
Noise cancelling on my 2 year old Air Pods Pro 2 is practically non existent. I keep them clean so it’s not the dirt or wax issue (and yes I use blue tack to clean them). They have gotten a lot worse whereas my Sony XM3 still perform as new. Not going to buy AirPods in future, an overhyped product.
People have been saying this since the original pro with every software release. At this point they must be just piping in straight noise to the ears.
I can’t do the ”ear canal” thing so the new AirPod 4 with ANC were my choice and I have no regrets. The ANC works way better than I expected and the addition “clean” bass is awesome. Truly a winner for me!
So you’d rather Apple provide fewer options?
I really don’t get it. It’s always good for a company to provide two options (or at least more than one!!) at different price points. You don’t need to buy both.
FWIW, I walk to work, and I only wear my AirPods when walking to work, or my dogs. I WANT to hear external noises, especially traffic noises, and so I’m planning to buy the cheaper AirPod 4. I don’t want to buy ANC AirPods and keep the ANC off, and also pay more money for the privilege.
For other situations, if I want ANC, I’ll wear my Sony WH-1000 XM4. 🤷🏻♂️
I have the APP 2 and the XS tips fits fine, but I think I’d prefer the open ear design better vs jamming the tips in my ear canal. I’ve always found open more comfortable, but I wanted noise canceling. Pros would probably be better if you’re trying to block noise while not playing music, but if I have them in, I’m typically playing music.
The only thing I’d miss is MagSafe, but it works with an Apple Watch charger (the video should mention that, unless I’m mistaken). I’ve never used the stems for playback or volume control — those always appear on my watch. And I have no interest in using them for health: hearing aids or temperature (which has been rumored for the future). I want good sound, acceptable ANC, and comfort. So I think the 4s sound like a win-win. But I’m not in a rush, so I’ll wait for some deep discounts. And for supreme NC, I have the Max.
The only thing I’d miss is MagSafe, but it works with an Apple Watch charger (the video should mention that, unless I’m mistaken). I’ve never used the stems for playback or volume control — those always appear on my watch. And I have no interest in using them for health: hearing aids or temperature (which has been rumored for the future). I want good sound, acceptable ANC, and comfort. So I think the 4s sound like a win-win. But I’m not in a rush, so I’ll wait for some deep discounts. And for supreme NC, I have the Max.
HI,
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
My wife as a birthday present offered me the Air Pods Pro 2 in february.She knows how I enjoyed listening to music and I was flabbergasted at the sound quality of the earbuds.I listened a lot of Hi Res through Qobuz and Apple Music.Even if Apple does not endorsed completely Hi Res,I can feel the difference listening to them.No complaint so far for the sound quality but I got some Foam Masters to replace the original ear buds from Apple:nice addition!
I'm hearing impaired and have hypersensitivity to noise so I always wear my AirPods Pro2 in public settings, sometimes 4 - 6 hours a day or more, to reduce the noise. They are a blessing for noise cancellation in noisy environments. I bought a second pair as a backup if I'm going to be in a noisy environment for more than the 6-hour battery life of my first pair.
I'm thrilled with the comfort and fit of my AirPods Pro2. They never fall out either (unless I take my tee shirt off while they are still in my ears
I'm thrilled with the comfort and fit of my AirPods Pro2. They never fall out either (unless I take my tee shirt off while they are still in my ears
I would rather wait to recoup a year-old buy of my AirPods Pro 2 and wait for the next generation, probably in six months’ time, as MacRumors has predicted many times. BTW, there's a lot room for improvement with the crazy equalizations of each noise control. I think the balanced is Adaptive, because Noise Cancellation is hard on the bass and kills thin sounds. I hope future firmware software and next hardware will take this issue seriously. That being said, it’s been a long way from the first pods with tight ear seals.
Dear MR, I am signed in to my account and in the front page forum thread, not the news article, so stop asking to to sign in to watch your video.
Regardless, its APP2 for me because Adaptive works great at concerts and under my motorcycle helmet.
Regardless, its APP2 for me because Adaptive works great at concerts and under my motorcycle helmet.
In my opinion, unless you are in a budget situation where $50 is going to make a difference to your life over a year or so, the ANC is 100% worth it. I was surprised and very impressed by how good it is and how much more comfortable it is for me than my APP2s. Unless you never use AirPods outdoors, it is worth the extra $50 all day long, and if you use these for 2-3 years, that is even more the case.
I didn't even have an issue in wind. I think mine just happen to be a really good fit in my ears.
I have not noticed that at all. Mind you, maybe mine have not updated? I don't have any interest to whether they update or not. It is odd how so many people do seem to worry about this, even wanting an update button etc. and then complain about the updates. (Not saying you do that by the way, but I notice it in the forums a fair bit).
I tried that out too around my city. It was not as effective as the AP4s at cancelling noise and it did not sound as good. But it was not a disaster, and it would be a workable solution for a bit if getting ear-tip fatigue.
Bought AirPods 4 ANC to replace my wife’s AirPod Pro gen1s. Sound quality seems about the same, but the phone call quality in noisy enviroment improved.
Surprisingly good fit in her and my ears, but she said she can’t wear them more than one hour at a time, starts hurting unlike the pros.
I think the AirPod Pro gen1 microphones must be getting old/bad as my APPgen1 also have started to show the same problem. Both pairs were replaced around 2022 under warranty, probably >2hrs/day in use. I think I’ll wait for gen3 pro.
Surprisingly good fit in her and my ears, but she said she can’t wear them more than one hour at a time, starts hurting unlike the pros.
I think the AirPod Pro gen1 microphones must be getting old/bad as my APPgen1 also have started to show the same problem. Both pairs were replaced around 2022 under warranty, probably >2hrs/day in use. I think I’ll wait for gen3 pro.