Apple AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro 2: Which Should You Buy?
AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro 2 compared on ANC, sound quality, comfort, and value. Find out which Apple earbuds are right for your needs and budget.
Quick Verdict
The [AirPods Pro 2](/en/product/earbuds/apple-airpods-pro-3s-unopened-fast) are the better earbuds overall, delivering superior ANC, better sound isolation, and clinical-grade hearing health features. The [AirPods 4](/en/product/earbuds/apple-airpods-4-wireless-earbuds-headphones-noise-cancel) (with ANC) are the smarter buy if you prefer an open-ear fit, want to save $70, and don't need the strongest noise cancellation available.
AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro 2: Full Specs Comparison
| Feature | AirPods 4 (ANC) | AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) |
|---|---|---|
| Price (USD) | $179 | $249 |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Yes (moderate) | Yes (class-leading) |
| Ear tips | Open-ear, no tips | Silicone tips (XS/S/M/L) |
| Battery (buds) | 5 hours | 6 hours |
| Battery (with case) | 30 hours | 30 hours |
| Chip | H2 | H2 |
| Spatial Audio | Yes | Yes |
| Adaptive Audio | Yes | Yes |
| Conversation Awareness | Yes | Yes |
| Hearing Aid Feature | No | Yes (FDA-cleared) |
| Hearing Test | No | Yes |
| Water resistance | IP54 | IP54 |
| Wireless charging case | Yes (MagSafe + Qi2) | Yes (MagSafe + Qi2) |
Sound Quality
Both models use Apple's H2 chip and support Adaptive Audio, Personalized Spatial Audio, and Lossless via Apple Music (when connected to Apple devices). In isolation, neither sounds dramatically different from the other.
The key difference is fit. The AirPods Pro 2's silicone ear tips create a physical seal that improves bass response and blocks ambient noise passively. The AirPods 4 sit in your ear canal without a seal, which makes bass slightly thinner but gives a more natural, airy soundstage. If you've always disliked the feeling of in-ear tips, the AirPods 4 are the first open-fit earbuds with credible ANC.
Noise Cancellation Compared
This is where the AirPods Pro 2 pull ahead decisively. Apple's best-in-class ANC on the Pro 2 reduces ambient noise by roughly 2x compared to the AirPods 4. The silicone tips provide passive isolation on top of active cancellation, making the Pro 2 genuinely effective on airplanes, trains, and busy offices.
The AirPods 4's ANC is impressive for an open-ear design -- it noticeably reduces low-frequency hum and office chatter -- but it cannot match the Pro 2's sealed design. If you fly frequently or work in noisy environments, the Pro 2 is the clear winner.
Comfort and Fit
The AirPods 4 are more comfortable for most people during long listening sessions. The open-ear design eliminates ear canal pressure and the "plugged-up" feeling. They weigh just 4.3g per earbud.
The AirPods Pro 2 require finding the right ear tip size. With the correct fit, they're comfortable for 3-4 hours. Beyond that, some users experience ear fatigue from the silicone tips. Apple includes four tip sizes (XS, S, M, L), and the in-app fit test helps you choose.
Unique AirPods Pro 2 Features
The AirPods Pro 2 have two features the AirPods 4 lack entirely:
Hearing Aid mode -- FDA-cleared to function as an over-the-counter hearing aid. This is a genuine medical feature that amplifies and clarifies sound for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Clinical Hearing Test -- Take a validated audiogram test directly from your iPhone. Results are stored in the Health app.
If you or someone you're buying for has any level of hearing difficulty, the Pro 2 is the only choice.
Which Should You Buy?
Buy AirPods 4 ($179) if: You dislike in-ear tips, want a more natural fit, primarily listen in moderate-noise environments, and want to save $70. The ANC model gives you 80% of the Pro experience at 72% of the price.
Buy AirPods Pro 2 ($249) if: You need maximum noise cancellation, travel frequently, value hearing health features, or want the best overall sound isolation Apple offers.
Compare both models side by side in our [earbuds category](/en/category/earbuds).
Frequently Asked Questions
Are AirPods 4 as good as AirPods Pro 2?
The AirPods 4 with ANC offer roughly 80% of the AirPods Pro 2 experience at a lower price. They share the same H2 chip, Adaptive Audio, and Spatial Audio. The Pro 2 wins on noise cancellation strength, sound isolation, and exclusive hearing health features.
Do AirPods 4 have noise cancellation?
Yes, the AirPods 4 come in two versions: a base model without ANC ($129) and an upgraded model with Active Noise Cancellation ($179). The ANC version is the first open-ear Apple earbud with noise cancellation, though it is less effective than the sealed AirPods Pro 2.
Which AirPods are best for working out?
The AirPods 4 are better for most workouts because their open-ear design stays secure without creating suction in the ear canal. Both models are IP54 rated for sweat and water resistance. For running specifically, the lighter AirPods 4 (4.3g per bud) stay in place more reliably.
How long do AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 batteries last?
AirPods 4 last 5 hours per charge (30 hours with the case). AirPods Pro 2 last 6 hours per charge (30 hours with the case). With ANC turned on, expect about 4.5 hours and 5.5 hours respectively. Both support fast charging -- 5 minutes in the case gives about 1 hour of playback.
VersusMatrix Editorial
Product Research Team · VersusMatrix
The VersusMatrix editorial team evaluates products using our AI-powered scoring engine combined with hands-on research across specifications, user reviews, and expert benchmarks. Our goal is to provide objective, data-driven comparisons to help consumers make smarter buying decisions.