I’ve been reviewing Apple AirPods in addition to other wireless earbuds for years, and currently use Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 earbuds as my daily driver.
It’s safe to say that the Apple AirPods Pro series earbuds offer slightly better sound quality than the standard AirPods series. However, with the release of AirPods 4 in September 2024, that gap has narrowed significantly.
If you’re shopping around for new earbuds for your iOS device, you might be deciding which is the better purchase for you. AirPods4 Today we will thoroughly compare two Apple products to help you decide which one is better to buy. Let’s get started.
Get security alerts, tips from experts – Sign up for Cart Newsletter – Cyber Guy Report here
A woman holding AirPods in her hands (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
Price: AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro 2
AirPods 4 are cheaper, but AirPods Pro 2 are also a bargain
If you’re looking to buy AirPods on a budget, AirPods4 The standard model is a high-quality set of earbuds sold by Apple for $129. An AirPod 4 model with active noise cancellation is also available, but you’ll have to pay a little more at $179. AirPods 4 has just been released, so the price is unlikely to change until the winter holiday season. Still, even that seems unlikely outside of a bundle sale with the latest iPhone 16.
What is artificial intelligence (AI)?
The more premium AirPods Pro 2 Available from Apple for a suggested retail price of $250. However, note that AirPods Pro 2 was released in March 2019, so they are often sold through third-party stores and websites like Amazon and BestBuy. As of this writing, you can purchase AirPods Pro 2 from Amazon for $189.
AirPods next to iPhone (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
Apple turns Airpods Pro 2 into a low-cost hearing aid
Hardware: AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro 2
AirPods 4 catches up to H2 chip
For me, the most important factor when purchasing new headphones or earbuds is audio quality. When it comes to the actual hardware inside these earbuds, they’re pretty much on par. AirPods 4 are powered by the same H2 chip found in Apple AirPods Pro 2 since 2019.
When I first tried out the debut Apple AirPods, I noticed something was missing in the overall audio quality. The H2 chip finally converted me to AirPods with 2019’s Apple AirPod Pro 2, and I’m so excited to finally see it in the standard AirPods series as well. The H2 chip brings many new hardware-based audio features to AirPods, including spatial audio, dynamic head tracking, hands-free interaction with Siri, and an improved microphone with voice isolation.
For AirPods 4 with ANC, you can also access AirPods Pro 2 ANC settings. This includes adaptive audio, speech recognition, and a transparency mode that balances background noise in the earbuds and makes everything a little more audible. AirPods 4 are equipped with force sensors that allow you to control playback with just a tap on the AirPods stem. AirPods Pro 2, on the other hand, comes with touch controls that allow you to increase or decrease the volume by swiping on your AirPods Pro. 2 Keep it in your ears.
People with AirPods (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
Apple’s Bold Move to AI: New iPhone 16, AirPods, and Watches
Performance: AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro 2
Equal performance, different wearing style
Thanks to the audio improvements made by the H2 chip, there’s not much to write about about the difference in sound quality between AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2, especially when comparing AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 with ANC. The ultimate difference comes down to whether you find silicone chip earphones comfortable or not. I personally like to use silicone tips for size and generally prefer silicone tip earphones over plastic earphones. In short, I prefer the AirPods Pro series to the standard AirPods.
However, many people find plastic-tipped earbuds, like those found in AirPods, to be just fine and comfortable. Ultimately, it comes down to what type of earphones you prefer. This also depends on whether you need ANC or not. I like ANC to block out ambient noise, especially when traveling by plane or train. However, some people feel that ANC can cause headaches and an uncomfortable layer of pressure between the earbuds and the ear, especially when combined with silicone tip earbuds.
If this applies to you, we recommend purchasing AirPods 4 without ANC and avoiding the AirPods Pro series. At the same time, if you want to enjoy the plastic construction of the earbuds but also want ANC, you can opt for AirPods 4 with ANC. This is a better deal than the AirPods Pro 2.
Hearing aid features: key differentiators
Note that if you are interested in hearing aid features, you should choose AirPods Pro 2. This feature will be available through a software update this fall, allowing users with mild to moderate hearing loss to use AirPods Pro 2 to: FDA-approved over-the-counter hearing aids. The AirPods 4 lack this feature, making the AirPods Pro 2 a more versatile choice for people who might benefit from hearing aids.
CLICK HERE TO GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO
Set of Apple AirPods (apple)
The hidden cost of free apps: personal information
Cart important points
Now’s a great time to get your hands on new AirPods. AirPods4 The price went down when it was released. Thanks to the inclusion of the H2 chip in the AirPods 4 lineup, especially AirPods 4 with ANC, you get basically the same sound quality in any environment. AirPods Pro 2only the style of the earphone tip is different. If you prefer the silicone-tip earbud style of the AirPods Pro 2, you might want to keep an eye on prices at stores like Amazon. That way, you can track your AirPods Pro 2 sales as the holiday shopping season approaches.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
As the holiday shopping season approaches, are you planning to buy new headphones or earbuds? Email us. Cyberguy.com/Contact.
For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report newsletter using the link below. Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.
Ask your cart a question or let us know your story you’d like us to feature.
Follow Kurt on his social channels.
Answers to CyberGuy frequently asked questions:
New from cart:
Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.
