Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) vs Apple AirPods (4th Generation)
Which is Better? Full Specs & Score Comparison
Comparing Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) and AirPods (4th Gen) specs. Pro 2 offers ANC, Transparency, IPX4, Wireless Charging. AirPods 4th Gen specs not published.
Review
Score breakdown by dimension
Features
Comfort
Audio
Battery
StealScore (Overall)
Weighted composite across all dimensions
Key Differences
Data-backed advantages of each product
Reasons to consider AirPods Pro 2
No significant advantages found
Reasons to consider AirPods 4
- + Newer — released 2 years later
Full Specifications
Side-by-side specs of AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4
Audio
| Specification | AirPods Pro 2 | AirPods 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Size (mm) | 11 | -- |
| Impedance (Ω) | -- | -- |
| Sensitivity (dB) | -- | -- |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Y | N |
| Spatial Audio | Y | Y |
Design & Build
| Specification | AirPods Pro 2 | AirPods 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight (per bud) (g) | 5.3 | -- |
| Case Weight (g) | 50.8 | -- |
Other
| Specification | AirPods Pro 2 | AirPods 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Type | dynamic | -- |
| Frequency Range | 20Hz - 20kHz | -- |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | -- |
| Audio Codecs | ["AAC","SBC"] | -- |
| Multipoint Connection | N | Y |
| ANC Reduction (dB) | -- | -- |
| Transparency Mode | Y | N |
| 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 | Y |
| Wireless Charging | Y | Y |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | -- |
| Companion App | N | N |
| Voice Assistant | Siri | Siri |
| Warranty (months) | 12 | 12 |
Price Comparison
Current retail prices and value analysis
AirPods Pro 2
Price History
AirPods 4
Price History
Value Index
Value index estimates how much performance and quality you get per dollar, relative to the category average.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) have Active Noise Cancellation?
What is the battery life of the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)?
Is the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) water resistant?
What are the key differences in specifications for the Apple AirPods (4th Generation)?
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.
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