I’ve been reviewing Apple AirPods in addition to other wireless earbuds for years now, and I currently use Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 earbuds as my daily driver. It’s still safe to say that the Apple AirPods Pro series earbuds are a bit better in terms of sound quality than the standard AirPods series; however, with the release of the AirPods 4 in September of 2024, the gap has been closed significantly.
If you’ve been shopping around for new earbuds for your iOS devices, you might be deciding which is the better buy for you: the AirPods 4 or the AirPods Pro 2. Today, I’ll do an in-depth comparison of the two Apple offerings to help you decide which one is the better purchase for yourself. Let’s get into it.
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Pricing: AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro 2
AirPods 4 are cheaper, but you can get a good deal on AirPods Pro 2
If you are shopping for AirPods on a budget, the AirPods 4 standard model is a quality set of earbuds that retails for $129 from Apple. An AirPod 4 model with Active Noise Cancellation is also available, but you’ll need to pay a bit more for it at $179. We’ll unlikely see any price fluctuation on the AirPods 4 as they just released until the Winter holiday season. Still, even that is unlikely outside of bundle deals with the newest iPhone 16.
The more premium AirPods Pro 2 retails from Apple at an MSRP of $250. However, keep in mind that the AirPods Pro 2 was released in March 2019, meaning that they frequently go on sale from third-party stores and websites such as Amazon and BestBuy. Currently, at the time of writing, you can pick up a pair of AirPods Pro 2 for $189 from Amazon.
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Hardware: AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro 2
The AirPods 4 catch up to the H2 chip
For me, audio quality is the most essential factor in buying new headphones or earbuds. When it comes to the actual hardware inside both of these earbuds, they are pretty on par. The AirPods 4 features the same H2 chip that has been in the Apple AirPods Pro 2 since 2019.
When I first tried the debut Apple AirPods, I found something missing in the overall audio quality. The H2 chip finally converted me to AirPods in 2019 with the Apple AirPod Pro 2, and I’m more than excited to see it finally come to the standard AirPods series. The H2 chip brings many new hardware-based audio features to the AirPods, such as spatial audio, Dynamic Head Tracking, hands-free interaction with Siri, and an improved microphone with voice isolation.
For the AirPods 4 with ANC, you’ll also get access to the AirPods Pro 2 ANC settings, which include adaptive audio, conversation awareness, and a transparency mode that balances background noise in your earbuds to help you hear a bit of everything. The AirPods 4 feature a force sensor, which allows you to control playback with a simple tap on the AirPods stem, while the AirPods Pro 2 feature a Touch control, which will enable you to turn the volume up or down by swiping on the AirPod Pro 2 while it’s in your ear.
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Performance: AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro 2
Comparable performance, different wearing styles
Thanks to the audio improvements that come with the H2 chip, there really isn’t much to write about the difference in audio quality between the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2, especially if you compare the AirPods 4 with ANC to the AirPods Pro 2. The ultimate difference comes down to whether or not you find silicone-tipped earbuds comfortable. I personally like the forming-to-size use of silicone tips, and I generally prefer silicone-tipped earbuds over plastic earbuds, which means I prefer the AirPods Pro series over standard AirPods.
However, many people find plastic-tipped earbuds like the one featured on the AirPods to be fine or comfortable. It ultimately comes down to which type of earbud you prefer. This also depends on whether or not you want or need ANC. I like ANC, especially when traveling by plane or on a train, to block out background noise. However, some people find that ANC, especially when paired with a silicone-tipped earbud, can cause headaches or an uncomfortable layer of pressure between the earbud and ear.
If this describes you, I recommend getting the AirPods 4 without ANC and avoiding the AirPods Pro series. At the same time, if you enjoy the plastic construction of the earbuds but also want ANC, you can pick up the AirPods 4 with ANC, which is a better bargain than the AirPods Pro 2.
Hearing aid functionality: A key differentiator
It’s worth noting that if you’re interested in the hearing aid functionality, you’ll need to opt for the AirPods Pro 2. This feature, which will be available through a software update this fall, allows users with mild to moderate hearing loss to use their AirPods Pro 2 as FDA-approved over-the-counter hearing aids. The AirPods 4 do not have this capability, making the AirPods Pro 2 a more versatile choice for those who may benefit from hearing assistance.
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| Feature | Apple AirPods 4 | Apple AirPods Pro 2 |
| Price | $129 (Standard), $179 (with ANC) | $250 (often discounted to $189) |
| Chip | H2 Chip | H2 Chip |
| Audio Quality | Comparable to AirPods Pro 2 with the H2 Chip | Superior with H2 Chip, spatial audio, Dynamic Head Tracking |
| Noise Cancellation | Available only in $179 model (Adaptive Audio, ANC, Transparency mode) | Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, ANC, Transparency |
| Fit | Plastic-tipped | Silicone-tipped |
| Comfort Preference | Suitable for users preferring plastic construction | Suitable for users preferring silicone tips |
| Controls | Force sensor (tap on the stem to control playback) | Touch control (swipe to adjust volume) |
| Microphone | Improved microphone with voice isolation | Improved microphone with voice isolation |
| Siri Interaction | Hands-free Siri interaction | Hands-free Siri interaction |
| Special Features | Spatial Audio, Dynamic Head Tracking | Spatial Audio, Dynamic Head Tracking |
| Release Date | September 2024 | March 2019 |
| Battery Life | Standard battery life for regular AirPods models | Better battery life due to premium build |
| Target Audience | Budget-conscious buyers, those who prefer lighter plastic fit | Premium buyers, users needing superior ANC and audio quality |
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AirPods Pro 2 vs. Traditional Hearing Aids: What to consider
The AirPods Pro 2, equipped with hearing assistance features, offers a cost-effective alternative to popular hearing aids for those with mild hearing issues. With the new Conversation Boost feature and sound amplification, it caters to everyday use and provides flexibility. However, traditional hearing aids, tailored for more serious hearing conditions, often deliver superior customization and speech clarity. While the AirPods Pro 2 can bridge the gap for some, dedicated hearing devices remain the best choice for more advanced need.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
Now is a great time to pick up any AirPods, as the new AirPods 4 release has brought prices down. Thanks to the inclusion of the H2 chip into the AirPods 4 lineup, especially the AirPods 4 with ANC, you are essentially getting the same audio quality in the AirPods Pro 2, just with a different earbud tip style. If you prefer the silicone-tip earbud style of the AirPods Pro 2, I would suggest keeping an eye on prices at stores such as Amazon that way, you can keep track of any sales on the AirPods Pro 2 as we approach the holiday shopping season.
Are you planning on buying any new headphones or earbuds as the holiday shopping season approaches? Let us know what you’re looking at in the comments below.
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