AirPods 4 (ANC) vs. AirPods Pro 2 - Which Should You Buy?

Key Concepts

• AirPods Pro Gen 2: In-ear earbuds with silicone tips, active noise cancellation (ANC), and advanced features.
• AirPods 4 with ANC: Open-ear design earbuds with active noise cancellation, designed for a more open fit.
• Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Technology to reduce ambient noise.
• Spatial Audio: Immersive audio experience for Apple devices.
• Sound Signature: The characteristic sound profile of audio devices.
• MagSafe Charging: Apple's magnetic wireless charging system.
• Automatic Device Switching: Seamlessly switching between Apple devices.

Noise Cancellation

• The AirPods Pro Gen 2 offer superior noise cancellation due to their silicone tips creating a seal in the ear canal, effectively blocking a wider range of frequencies, especially lower frequencies like jet engine rumble.
• The AirPods 4 with ANC are effective for reducing noise in moderately noisy environments like busy parks, but less effective at blocking out louder, more sudden noises like children screaming or passing cars.
• The AirPods 4 exhibit more wind noise compared to the AirPods Pro.

Sound Quality

• AirPods 4: Clear sound with punchy bass, particularly in the low to mids. However, they lack the ability to reproduce very low-frequency bass compared to the AirPods Pro. The sound stage is also less wide.
• AirPods Pro: Richer and more balanced sound signature with better detail due to superior noise cancellation. They also offer better bass performance due to the ear canal seal.
• The presenter prefers the sound signature of the AirPods Pro.

Battery Life

• AirPods Pro: Up to 6 hours of listening time with ANC enabled.
• AirPods 4: Up to 5 hours of listening time with ANC enabled, and 30 hours of total listening time with the charging case.

Microphone Performance

• Mic Test: A mic test was conducted in a room with background noise (bathroom fan and hard drive hum).
• AirPods Pro: The presenter found the AirPods Pro to have clearer audio and less distortion compared to the AirPods 4.
• The presenter invites viewers to share their own observations in the comments.

Exclusive Features of AirPods Pro

• Volume Control: Volume can be adjusted by swiping up and down on the stems.
• Adaptive Audio: Automatically reduces the intensity of sudden loud noises.
• Conversation Boost: Amplifies the voice of the person directly in front of the user.
• Ambient Sounds: Plays calming ambient sounds to block unwanted noises.
• Hearing Aid Functionality: Can be used as a clinical-grade hearing aid, with the ability to amplify specific frequencies based on a hearing test conducted on an iPhone.

Advantages of AirPods 4

• Open-Ear Design: More comfortable for users who dislike the feeling of silicone tips in their ear canals. They fit more like the original AirPods.
• Price: Start at $179 US, compared to $249 for the AirPods Pro Gen 2. However, the AirPods Pro are often on sale.
• Case Size: The case is significantly smaller and lighter than the AirPods Pro case, making it more pocketable (177% narrower and 36% lighter).

Downsides of Both Models

• Slippery Cases: Both cases are slippery and easily fall out of pockets, and they are prone to scratches.
• Ecosystem Lock-in: Limited functionality outside of the Apple ecosystem. There is no web app for settings adjustments like Google's Pixel Buds.
• No Customizable EQ: Users are stuck with Apple's tuned sound signature.
• AirPods 4 Earwax Buildup: The open-ear design of the AirPods 4 can lead to earwax buildup on the speaker grill, which can be more difficult to clean than the silicone tips of the AirPods Pro.

Common Features

• Wireless Charging: Both cases support wireless charging.
• MagSafe Compatibility: The AirPods Pro case magnetically attaches to MagSafe chargers, while the AirPods 4 case can charge on MagSafe chargers but does not magnetically attach. Both work with Apple Watch chargers.
• Spatial Audio: Both support Spatial Audio for Apple TV.
• Automatic Device Switching: Both offer automatic device switching between Apple devices.
• Hands-Free Siri: Both can trigger Apple's assistant hands-free.

Recommendation

• The presenter recommends the AirPods Pro for their better noise cancellation, sound quality, slightly better battery life, and volume controls on the stems.
• The AirPods 4 are recommended only for those who dislike the fit of the AirPods Pro and are okay with some sound leakage.

Additional Resources

• The presenter directs viewers to a blog post at 6MonthsLater.net for current prices and product links.
• Viewers are also directed to other Apple product reviews and audio device reviews on the channel.

Conclusion

The AirPods Pro Gen 2 offer superior noise cancellation, sound quality, and features, making them the preferred choice for most users. However, the AirPods 4 with ANC provide a more comfortable open-ear fit and a lower price point, making them a suitable option for those who prioritize comfort and are less concerned about top-tier noise cancellation and sound fidelity.