AirPods 4 vs. AirPods Pro 2 – which is better? Comparison guide 2025: the differences, pros, cons, prices, features, and performance in this blog before deciding to buy it. Introduction – Apple’s AirPods Evolution A Brief History of Apple’s Wireless Earbuds When Apple first launched AirPods in 2016, it revolutionized the wireless audio market. Since then, Google has constantly raised the standard of the product by launching several updated models with better sound, longer battery life, and smarter features. Apple fans are facing a new dilemma and that is AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro 2—which is better? What’s New in 2025? Recently, Apple updated the AirPods 4 without any notification, adding new features inside the AirPods 4 that differentiate it between its standard and Pro models. Meanwhile, the AirPods Pro 2, which has been receiving high ratings since its launch in the market, still dominates the premium segment. Let’s compare the two and see which one suits your life and budget. AirPods 4 Overview – What’s New? Design and Build Quality In terms of design, the AirPods 4 are a hybrid of the AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro 2. They offer a more contoured shape than their previous versions and are slightly smaller, making them more comfortable and secure for everyday wear. However, they still don’t feature silicone ear tips, which are standard on the Pro model. Audio Enhancements and Features Apple has launched upgraded drivers for better bass and clearer mids, making the AirPods 4 a huge improvement over the AirPods 3. While they still lack active noise cancellation (ANC), they give you benefits for adaptive audio, personal spatial audio, and dynamic head tracking — technologies that were previously installed in Pro lineup. Battery Life Improvements You can expect about 6 hours of listening time and up to 30 hours with the MagSafe-enabled charging case. This is on par with the AirPods Pro 2 and better than many wireless earbuds in this price range Price and Availability in the USA The AirPods 4 are priced at around $179 in the US, placing them in the budget bracket between the AirPods 3 and the Pro series. They are widely available through Apple, Amazon, Best Buy, and other major online retail platforms. AirPods Pro 2 Overview – Still Worth It? Premium Design and Fit The Pro 2 also features a compact form factor with customisable silicone ear tips that provide a comfortable, secure fit. The stem is shorter than the AirPods 4 and also features pressure-sensitive controls for better use. Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode One of its best features is Active Noise Cancellation, which dynamically adapts to your environment. In contrast, the Transparency mode lets ambient sounds in, making it suitable for outdoor use or office use. Adaptive EQ and Spatial Audio The Pro 2 has an inbuilt Adaptive EQ that automatically tunes the music to the shape of your ear. This, combined with personalised spatial audio, gives you a cinematic experience that is hard to match for any other brand. Price and Market Position in 2025 As of now, the AirPods Pro 2 will be priced around $249, although discounts vary. They remain a favorite choice for those who want the latest and top Apple audio technology. Design & Comfort Comparison Which One Fits Better? The AirPods Pro 2 wins out over the AirPods 4 with its in-ear design and customizable tips as it has more leverage for people who don’t like in-ear pressure but might not want to stay in during a workout. Materials and Build Durability Both are made of durable materials, are IPX4-rated for sweat and water resistance, and have nearly identical charging cases. However, the Pro 2 has a slightly more premium feel. Sound Quality – Who Wins? Audio Drivers and Bass Response Thanks to high-excursion drivers, the AirPods Pro 2 offer punchier bass and more detailed treble. The AirPods 4 sound great for casual listeners, but not so good for audiophiles. Call Quality & Microphone Performance Both models include beamforming mics and voice isolation tech, but the Pro 2 slightly edges out with clearer call quality and better noise suppression in windy environments. Feature Face-Off: Smart Features & Sensors Find My Integration Both earbuds offer Find My support, with the Pro 2 featuring U1 chip integration for accurate case tracking. The AirPods 4 still let you locate them via Bluetooth pinging. Touch Controls and Customization AirPods Pro 2 include touch volume controls, whereas AirPods 4 enable basic tap motions. Both devices offer iOS customization. Sweat and Water Resistance Both earphones have an IPX4 rating, making them appropriate for light workouts and rainy weather. Still, the Pro 2’s in-ear seal provides added confidence during strenuous activity. Performance and Battery Life Chipset Differences (H2 vs H1) AirPods Pro 2 are powered by the Apple H2 chip, which allows for smarter ANC, lower latency, and improved audio quality. AirPods 4 are powered by an H2 or a new mid-tier chip, which provides reliable but slightly less powerful performance. Charging Case Differences (MagSafe, USB-C) Both cases now allow USB-C charging (until late 2024), MagSafe, and wireless charging. The Pro 2 case has a built-in speaker and lanyard loop, which are missing from the AirPods 4. Compatibility and Ecosystem Integration iOS 17 Features for AirPods With iOS 17, both models now feature Audio Handoff, Live Listen, Adaptive Audio, and Personalized Volume. Nonetheless, Pro 2 models respond better to Siri and have improved background noise detection. Switching Between Apple Devices Automatic switching between iPhone, Mac, and iPad is flawless on both devices, however the Pro 2 performs somewhat faster thanks to the U1 chip and newer firmware. AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro 2: Price Comparison in the US Feature AirPods 4 AirPods Pro 2 MSRP $179 $249 Best Deal Price ~$159 ~$199 Availability Widely available Also widely available Value for Money ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ FAQs – AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro 2 Do AirPods 4 have noise cancellation? No, they do not have Active Noise Cancellation but support Adaptive