Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) vs Apple AirPods (4th Generation)
Technical Specs & Value Comparison
Comparison Summary
AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods 4
Pros
- + Product B does not publish Active Noise Cancellation specifications.
- + Product B does not publish Transparency Mode specifications.
- + Product B does not publish Water Resistance specifications.
- + Product B does not publish Wireless Charging specifications.
Cons
- - Current best price ($148.5) is higher than Product A's price.
- - Product B does not publish battery life specifications.
- - Product B does not publish Bluetooth version or audio codec specifications.
Best for
- -- Cannot be determined due to lack of published specifications.
- -- Cannot be determined due to lack of published specifications.
- -- Cannot be determined due to lack of published specifications.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
Apple AirPods (4th Generation)
Full Specifications Comparison
Side-by-side technical specs of AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 verified from official manufacturer documentation. Advantages are highlighted automatically.
| Specification | AirPods Pro 2 | AirPods 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Type | dynamic | -- |
| Driver Size (mm) | -- | -- |
| Frequency Range | -- | -- |
| Impedance (Ω) | -- | -- |
| Sensitivity (dB) | -- | -- |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | -- |
| Audio Codecs | ["AAC","SBC"] | -- |
| Multipoint Connection | N | -- |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Y | -- |
| ANC Reduction (dB) | -- | -- |
| Transparency Mode | Y | -- |
| Battery (buds, ANC off) (hours) | 6 | -- |
| Battery (buds, ANC on) (hours) | 6 | -- |
| Battery (total w/ case) (hours) | 30 | -- |
| Quick Charge | 5 min charge for 1 hour playback | -- |
| USB-C Charging | N | -- |
| Wireless Charging | Y | -- |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | -- |
| Weight (per bud) (g) | 5.3 | -- |
| Case Weight (g) | 50.8 | -- |
| Spatial Audio | Y | -- |
| Companion App | N | -- |
| Voice Assistant | Siri | -- |
| Warranty (months) | 12 | -- |
When comparing the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) and the Apple AirPods (4th Generation), the most striking difference is the availability of detailed specifications. The AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) provides a comprehensive list of features, starting with a robust battery performance. It offers 6 hours of playback time for the earbuds on a single charge, consistent whether Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is enabled or not. This is further extended by the charging case, providing a total battery life of 30 hours. For convenience, a quick 5-minute charge yields 1 hour of playback. In stark contrast, the Apple AirPods (4th Generation) does not publish any battery specifications, leaving potential buyers completely in the dark regarding its endurance.
Beyond battery, the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) excels with features like Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode, both explicitly listed as true. These capabilities are crucial for users who need to either block out ambient noise for focused listening or remain aware of their surroundings. The AirPods (4th Generation) does not publish whether it includes ANC or Transparency Mode, which is a significant unknown for those prioritizing these functionalities. For active users, the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) boasts an IPX4 water resistance rating, ensuring protection against splashing water, making it suitable for workouts. The water resistance rating for the AirPods (4th Generation) is similarly not published.
Connectivity on the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) is handled by Bluetooth 5.3, supporting AAC and SBC audio codecs for a reliable wireless connection and audio transmission. The AirPods (4th Generation) does not publish its Bluetooth version or supported audio codecs. Charging convenience is another area where the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) offers wireless charging, a feature not published for the AirPods (4th Generation). However, the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) does not support USB-C charging, which might be a consideration for some users. The charging port type for the AirPods (4th Generation) is also not published.
Other notable features of the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) include Spatial Audio, listed as true for an immersive listening experience, and integrated Siri voice assistance. The presence of Spatial Audio or voice assistant capabilities for the AirPods (4th Generation) is not published. Physically, each AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) bud weighs 5.3 g, with the case adding 50.8 g, but the weight specifications for the AirPods (4th Generation) are not published, preventing a physical comparison. Finally, the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) does not support multipoint connection, which is not published for the AirPods (4th Generation).
Given the detailed and robust feature set of the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) at $144.99, including its known battery life, ANC, and water resistance, it presents a clear value proposition. The AirPods (4th Generation), priced slightly higher at $148.5, offers no published specifications beyond its name and price, making it impossible to assess its technical capabilities or justify its cost based on available data. For buyers who rely on verified specifications and desire known performance, the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) is the only choice based on the provided information.
Scenario Performance Breakdown
How each product ranks based on its spec profile for common use cases.
commuting
Excellent isolation. Offers 6 hrs continuous ANC playback.
Passive isolation only. External background noise will bleed in.
gym/running
Sweat-resistant (IPX4). Lighter build at 5.3g.
Minimal or unrated sweat resistance. Not ideal for heavy workouts.
calls/work
Stable Bluetooth 5.3 connection. Manual switching required.
Single device pairing only.
audiophile listening
Standard Bluetooth codecs (SBC/AAC).
Standard Bluetooth codecs (SBC/AAC).
sleep
Meets basic specifications for typical use.
Meets basic specifications for typical use.
gaming
Meets basic specifications for typical use.
Meets basic specifications for typical use.
Affiliate Disclosure: We earn commissions on qualifying purchases through retail links on this site at no extra cost to you. We verify all specifications rigorously but are not responsible for pricing drifts on external retailer sites. Learn more in our Affiliate Disclosure.