Airpods Pro vs AirPods 4 – Which Should You Buy?
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You’re looking for new AirPods but not sure which to pick. The AirPods Pro come with noise cancellation, silicone ear tips, and better sound. While the AirPods 4 bring upgrades from AirPods 3 at a lower price. Both are made by Apple and work great with iPhones. But which one is right for you? Let’s find out.
Side by Side Comparison
| Feature | Apple AirPods Pro | Apple AirPods 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Design | In-ear with silicone tips | Open-ear design without silicone tips |
| Noise Control | Active Noise Cancellation + Transparency | No noise cancellation or transparency |
| Chip | Apple H1 | Apple H2 |
| Audio Features | Adaptive EQ, Spatial Audio | Personalized Spatial Audio |
| Controls | Force sensor only | Force sensor only |
| Battery Life (Buds) | Up to 6 hours with ANC | Up to 6 hours |
| Battery Life (Case) | Up to 30 hours | Up to 30 hours |
| Charging Port | Lightning | USB-C |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 (earbuds only) | IPX4 (earbuds only) |
| Find My Support | Basic tracking | Full Find My integration |
Detailed Feature Comparisons
Design and Comfort
AirPods Pro use a sealed in-ear design with silicone ear tips. This helps with fit and noise isolation. AirPods 4 stick to the open-ear design with a hard plastic tip like earlier models. They rest lightly in the ear and are more comfortable for long listening sessions, especially if you dislike in-ear pressure.
Fit and Stability
With multiple ear tip sizes, AirPods Pro stay secure during workouts or movement. AirPods 4 have a one-size-fits-most shape. They’re better for casual use but may feel less stable during high activity or running.
Noise Control
AirPods Pro include Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode, making them ideal for travel, noisy offices, or commutes. The AirPods 4 do not offer any noise control features. You’ll hear everything around you, which can be helpful outdoors but distracting in loud environments.
Sound Quality
AirPods Pro deliver deeper bass and a more immersive sound due to their in-ear seal. AirPods 4 use Apple’s H2 chip and support Personalized Spatial Audio. This gives clear, well-balanced sound, but without the depth or isolation of the Pro.
Controls and Usability
Both earbuds use a force sensor on the stem for playback and call controls. Neither model supports volume swipe gestures. You’ll need to adjust volume through Siri or your device.
Battery Life
AirPods 4 offer longer battery life, with up to 8 hours of listening on a single charge. The AirPods Pro last up to 4.5 hours with ANC enabled. Both models come with a charging case, but the AirPods 4 case gives up to 30 hours total, compared to 24 hours for the Pro.
Charging and Port Type
The AirPods Pro case uses Apple’s older Lightning connector. AirPods 4 come with USB-C, which is more compatible with modern Apple devices. This makes them more convenient for newer iPhone and MacBook users.
Water Resistance
Both models offer IPX4 sweat and water resistance for the earbuds. That makes them suitable for light workouts or rainy conditions. The charging cases are not water resistant.
Chip and Performance
AirPods 4 are powered by Apple’s newer H2 chip, which improves efficiency and audio performance. The AirPods Pro use the older H1 chip. While both perform well, the H2 chip makes AirPods 4 feel faster and more modern.
FAQ
Do the AirPods 4 have noise cancellation like the AirPods Pro?
No, the standard AirPods 4 do not include noise cancellation. Only the Pro model offers Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode.
Are AirPods 4 more comfortable than AirPods Pro?
Yes, many users find the open-ear design of AirPods 4 more comfortable for long use. AirPods Pro can cause discomfort for those who dislike in-ear tips.
Which model has better sound quality?
The AirPods Pro sound more immersive and deliver stronger bass due to the in-ear seal. The AirPods 4 sound clear and balanced but less full in noisy environments.
Can I adjust volume directly on either model?
No, neither the AirPods Pro nor the standard AirPods 4 support swipe gestures for volume. You’ll need to use Siri or your phone.
Which one has better battery life?
The AirPods 4 have longer battery life. They offer up to 6 hours per charge and up to 30 hours with the case. AirPods Pro offer up to 6 hours and 30 hours with the case.
Do both models work with Find My?
AirPods 4 integrate better with the Find My network, offering precise tracking. AirPods Pro offer basic Find My support only.
Do they both support Spatial Audio?
Yes, both support Spatial Audio. The AirPods 4 offer Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking.
Are they good for workouts?
The AirPods Pro are better for workouts due to their secure in-ear fit. The AirPods 4 may fall out more easily during intense movement.
What charging port do they use?
AirPods Pro use a Lightning port. AirPods 4 use USB-C, which is more modern and compatible with other Apple devices.
Which one should I buy if I’m on a budget?
If you don’t need noise cancellation or a tight fit, the AirPods 4 offer excellent features at a much lower price. They’re great for casual, everyday use.