AirPods 4 With ANC vs. AirPods Pro 2

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.


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.

Related Roundups: AirPods 4, AirPods Pro
Related Forum: AirPods

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Top Rated Comments

Mac Fly (film) Avatar
2 hours ago at 07:20 am
For those who liked to use the magnetic case, know that Apple removed those magnets in the case on AirPods 4 ('//www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGpdK_dxtlA&t=3m59s').
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Populus Avatar
2 hours ago at 07:21 am
I’m doubting between the two AirPods 4 models, and I don’t think I’m the only one. Those of us who hate or are uncomfortable with the rubber tips inside our ear canals, are probably wondering if the ANC variant is worth the extra 50€.

Personally, I think the best route is to try them out, and decide. But it’s a bit of a hassle buying and returning.

The noise cancellation doesn’t seem too powerful, however, the feature that lowers the volume when someone is talking to you (or is it you talking?) seem quite useful. I’d like to know for how long does it lower the volume before rising it again, maybe 5 seconds after your last word? 10 seconds?

Oh, and the speaker in the case to let you know where they are seems like a very handy addition.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Moukee Avatar
1 hour ago at 07:48 am

The recent software update weakened the ANC on the Pro 2 though. Quite noticeable.
Haven't noticed that myself so far.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
yanki01 Avatar
1 hour ago at 07:54 am

For those who liked to use the magnetic case, know that Apple removed those magnets in the case on AirPods 4 ('//www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGpdK_dxtlA&t=3m59s').
FWIW, it does work with the apple watch charger. I do wish they kept the magsafe.


Many thanks! Although your video is from AirPods Pro 2. If Conversation Awareness works that way also in AirPods 4, I’m not interested in that feature at all.

If the noise cancellation isn’t good either, then I think I’ll be fine with the regular AirPods 4. However, if it actually works well, it could be handy for when I commute on the bus, where usually the noisy ambient doesn’t let me hear the content on the regular AirPods.

So I guess I’ll have to try both, anyways…

By the way, if you’re the one doing the video and accept some criticism, I think it would be better without the joke of the AirPod that falls into the floor. It makes it look less professional and the joke is not smart enough. But I guess you’re beginning so I’m sure you’ll get better!
for me it stays low for about 4 seconds and then slowly raises. the ANC works pretty well. I tried the APP2 but didn't like the full silicone tip. I was cutting my yard yesterday, so the noise of the weed eater, blower and mower was reduced significantly. Of course a lot better than my AirPods 2. Some noise was still present but I was able to listen to my music with noise cancelling without an issue. The weed eater was the loudest and did hear it at times but still, not an issue and really enjoy them.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
yanki01 Avatar
1 hour ago at 08:12 am

> Price is also a factor, as the ‌AirPods [S][B]Pro‌[/S][/B] 4 with ANC are $179 and the ‌AirPods Pro‌ 2 are $249.
One "Pro" too many in the original paper
price was already wrong too. the AirPods Pro 2 can be had for $189 @ BestBuy/Walmart/Target. The NEW AirPods 4 w/ ANC can be had for $169 on Amazon.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
techyOS Avatar
53 minutes ago at 08:22 am

Many thanks! Although your video is from AirPods Pro 2. If Conversation Awareness works that way also in AirPods 4, I’m not interested in that feature at all.

If the noise cancellation isn’t good either, then I think I’ll be fine with the regular AirPods 4. However, if it actually works well, it could be handy for when I commute on the bus, where usually the noisy ambient doesn’t let me hear the content on the regular AirPods.

So I guess I’ll have to try both, anyways…

By the way, if you’re the one doing the video and accept some criticism, I think it would be better without the joke of the AirPod that falls into the floor. It makes it look less professional and the joke is not smart enough. But I guess you’re beginning so I’m sure you’ll get better!
Thanks for watching my video! Yes, I’m the one creating it, and in hindsight, you’re right, that joke was pretty terrible.

I don’t believe Conversation Awareness would have improved considering it hasn’t gotten better with all the AirPods Pro 2 firmware updates, and the AirPods 4 have the same H2 chip. But since I haven’t tried it out for myself, I can’t say for sure.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)