When it comes to premium wireless earbuds, the AirPods Pro 2 remain a top choice due to their unmatched performance in sound quality and noise cancellation. However, for those who dislike silicone ear tips, the AirPods 4 with ANC offer a great alternative. While they don’t match the bass intensity or noise cancellation level of the AirPods Pro 2, they strike an ideal balance between comfort, quality, and price.
If you’re planning to buy a pair of AirPods but are unsure which to choose, my experience with these devices might help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of the AirPods 4 compared to the AirPods Pro 2.
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AirPods 4 with ANC: No Silicone Ear Tips
The AirPods Pro 2 create a perfect in-ear seal to effectively block external noise when the ANC function is activated. However, this can cause discomfort for many users. The AirPods 4 with ANC are an excellent choice for users who find silicone tips uncomfortable. Personally, I found the tips on the AirPods Pro uncomfortable and needed a few months to get used to them. Thus, the silicone-free design of the AirPods 4 makes them much more comfortable for users who dislike in-ear silicone tips.
Although the ANC system on the AirPods 4 isn’t on par with the AirPods Pro 2, it still provides significant ambient noise reduction for a tip-less design. I’d say the ANC performance of the AirPods 4 is comparable to that of the first-generation AirPods Pro. According to Apple, the AirPods 4 with ANC deliver an experience that’s halfway between the performance of the AirPods Pro 2.
The Active Noise Cancellation on the AirPods 4 is highly effective at reducing low-frequency sounds. It minimizes noise from cars, fans, and urban environments quite well. However, if you’re on a plane or in an environment with high-frequency sounds, the ANC on the AirPods 4 isn’t as effective—largely because of the lack of silicone tips that seal the ear canal as the AirPods Pro 2 do.
In terms of smart features, the AirPods 4 with ANC include Conversation Awareness and Personalized Spatial Audio, just like the AirPods Pro 2. Both models are powered by Apple’s H2 chip.
Related: AirPods 4. All the differences between the two versions
Clear Sound with Subtle Bass
Regarding sound quality, the AirPods 4 are an excellent choice. They offer balanced, clear, and detailed audio, with a more subdued bass compared to the AirPods Pro 2. This tradeoff is acceptable, especially for users who prioritize voice clarity and overall audio experience over strong low frequencies. Honestly, I think heavy bass is becoming outdated.
Battery Life: Slightly Reduced for AirPods 4 with ANC
Both the standard and ANC versions of the AirPods 4 have slightly reduced battery life compared to the AirPods Pro 2. They offer about 5 hours of use on a single charge, one hour less than the 6 hours provided by the AirPods Pro 2.
However, the charging case compensates for this difference, delivering a total battery life of up to 30 hours, matching the Pro model. This ensures extended performance for daily use, even if the individual earbuds have a shorter lifespan.
AirPods 4: Excellent Value for Money
The AirPods 4 are very competitively priced. At $179, the ANC model is significantly more affordable than the $2 AirPods Pro 249, without sacrificing too many essential features.
Additionally, the base model, priced at $129, is a good option for those who don’t need ANC but still want premium sound quality.
Conclusion: The Perfect Choice for Comfort and Quality
While the AirPods Pro 2 remain the premium standard for wireless earbuds, the AirPods 4 with ANC provide an ideal solution for users seeking high-quality audio without the discomfort of silicone tips. With surprising ANC performance, clear sound, and a competitive price, they are an excellent alternative for a wide range of users.
If you value the comfort of a silicone-free design without making major compromises in quality, the AirPods 4 with ANC are a choice well worth considering.
