Apple’s device launches continue to make headlines, spurring sales through fresh designs, new functionality, and clever marketing.
Take, for example, AirPods 2 Pro and AirPods 4: They’re two of the options available in Apple’s audio lineup, and although they share several features, they have some distinct differences in fit, sound control, and price. Use this overview to determine which Apple product might be right for you.
Design and comfort
The biggest difference between AirPods 2 Pro and AirPods 4 is the fit type. Pro 2 earbuds have standard silicone tips, creating a tight in-ear seal.
In contrast, AirPods 4 have an open-fit design. The earbuds stay in your outer ear, making them more comfortable for extended listening sessions.
Both models have an IP54 rating, which means they’re resistant to splashing water and dust intrusion. This rating doesn’t mean that a product is completely waterproof, so you can’t swim with your AirPods or dunk them in water. However, you can wear them to the gym or near the pool without worrying about splash-related damage.
Older models had an IPX4 rating for water resistance, but they didn’t prevent dust buildup. If you tend to use earbuds in a dusty environment, the IP54 rating represents a major upgrade.
Audio features and noise control
Both models come with active noise cancellation (ANC), but the fit type makes a difference in how well ANC works. Due to their in-ear design, AirPods 2 Pro block out more noise (passive noise cancellation) than AirPods 4.
If noise cancellation is important to you, the AirPods 2 Pro might be a better fit, as they offer a more immersive experience. AirPods 2 have stronger ANC than AirPods 4, making them ideal for commuting via public transportation or blocking out distractions at the office.
AirPods 2 Pro and AirPods 4 also have transparency mode and spatial audio for an improved listening experience. Transparency mode allows you to let background noise in, making it easier to hear what’s happening around you.
This makes AirPods 2 Pro and AirPods 4 ideal for frequent travelers. You can listen to your favorite music at the airport without worrying that you’ll miss your boarding announcement.
Spatial audio is similar to the surround-sound feature on high-end televisions. When you make a FaceTime call or listen to supported media, you’ll feel as if the sound is all around you — just like you’re attending a live concert or watching a movie on the big screen.
Smart features and chip performance
Many Apple products use artificial intelligence to improve performance, including AirPods 2 Pro and AirPods 4. Once you set up Siri on your iPhone or iPad, you can access it on your AirPods 2 Pro or AirPods 4 by saying, “Siri” or “Hey, Siri.” As your digital assistant, Siri can announce notifications, silence incoming calls, and more.
Both models include Apple’s latest audio chip, H2, a custom audio processor that allows ANC and spatial audio to work as intended. Whether you’re headed to the beach or working from your home office, H2 improves your audio experience.
If you have mild to moderate hearing loss, AirPods Pro 2 have one valuable feature that’s missing from AirPods 4: Hearing Aid. This feature allows you to access clinical-grade hearing aid features, making it easier to hear phone calls, music, movies, and TV shows.
AirPods Pro 2 also come with volume swipe and conversation awareness, giving you more control over your volume settings. With volume swipe, changing the volume is as easy as swiping up or down on the stem of your earbuds.
Conversation awareness recognizes when you’re speaking or listening to someone, prompting your AirPods Pro 2 to amplify the other person’s voice and turn down the volume of your music, movie, TV show, or call. This makes the AirPods Pro 2 a great fit for users who work in an office and need to juggle in-person conversations with phone calls and video conferences.
As long as you’re logged in with your Apple Account, both models allow you to switch seamlessly between devices. You can listen to music while typing a paper on your iMac and then switch to your iPhone without missing a note.
Charging case and battery life
Both models give you up to 30 hours of listening time with the charging case. However, AirPods Pro 2 give you six hours of listening on one charge, compared to five hours for AirPods 4. If you’re frequently on the go, AirPods Pro 2 have a slight edge.
AirPods Pro 2 also come with a MagSafe charging case, which allows you to charge wirelessly if you have a Qi-certified charger. AirPods 4 don’t support wireless charging.
Although both models support the Find My feature, the AirPods Pro 2 case includes a U1 chip for precision tracking. AirPods 4 don’t have the U1 chip, so tracking isn’t as precise, but you’ll still be able to use Find My to get basic location information.
Pricing and value
AirPods 4 sit in the middle of Apple’s pricing structure, while AirPods Pro 2 are positioned as a premium option. Which one is better depends on your needs. If budget is your primary concern, AirPods 4 offer plenty of high-end features at an affordable price.
If you live an active lifestyle or own multiple Apple devices, the AirPods Pro 2 are a better value. You can easily switch between devices, charge your AirPods wirelessly, and take advantage of other features. AirPods Pro 2 even give you an extra hour of battery life on one charge.
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