Talking about differences, the major difference between AirPods and AirPods Pro is that AirPods Pro has a design with ear tips that fit snugly in your ear, providing active noise cancellation and better sound quality, while AirPods (regular) have a more open design with no ear tips, relying on the shape of the earbud to fit your ear. If you already have a clear picture of the difference between AirPods and AirPods Pro, you can jump to AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods 4 section to learn the detailed difference between AirPods Pro 2 and 4 to see if you should wait for AirPods 4 or buy AirPods Pro 2 now.
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AirPods vs AirPods Pro
The regular AirPods feature a distinctive open-air design that sits loosely in the ear, providing a comfortable but less secure fit. In contrast, the AirPods Pro have an in-ear design with silicone ear tips that create a tighter seal within the ear canal. This in-ear design not only provides a more secure and stable fit but also helps to passively block out external noise. The AirPods Pro comes with three different sizes of ear tips (small, medium, and large), allowing users to select the most comfortable and optimal fit for their ears.
Also, one of the standout features of the AirPods Pro is their active noise cancellation (ANC) technology. By using advanced microphones and processing algorithms, the AirPods Pro can effectively block out a significant amount of ambient noise, providing a more immersive and distraction-free listening experience. This is particularly useful in noisy environments, such as office settings, public transportation, or during air travel. In addition to noise cancellation, the AirPods Pro also offers a unique Transparency mode. This feature allows users to hear their surroundings, including voices and environmental sounds, while still enjoying their music or audio.
The AirPods Pro are designed to deliver a more premium audio experience compared to the regular AirPods. They feature upgraded audio drivers and processing algorithms that result in a richer, more detailed, and more balanced sound profile. The AirPods Pro offers better bass response, a wider soundstage, and improved clarity, making them a better choice for music enthusiasts or those who value high-quality audio playback.
AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods 4: Quick Comparison Table
| AirPods 4 | AirPods Pro 2 | |
| Active noise cancellation | Yes (For high-end variant) | Yes (up to 2X) |
| Transparency mode | Yes | Yes |
| Spatial Audio | Yes | Yes |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IP54 |
| Price | $179 – $200 (Prediction) | $249 |
| Features (chip) | H2 chip | H2 chip |
| Silicone tips | Uncertain | Yes |
| Dynamic head tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Speakers | Yes | Yes |
| Touch Control | Yes | Yes |
AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods 4: Features and Differences
1. AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods 4: Design
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Apple has a history of keeping the same design across generations, as evidenced by the lack of changes from the first-generation AirPods to the second generation. So, when it comes to design, it is unlikely that we will see significant changes in the AirPods 4. While there has been no official confirmation from Apple, rumors suggest that the AirPods 4 may take design cues from both the AirPods 3 and the AirPods Pro 2. This suggests that there may not be any major design overhauls, as the current AirPods and Pro 2 already share similarities in their appearance.
2. AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods 4: Features
It is highly probable that the upcoming AirPods will incorporate a significant feature from the latest AirPods Pro model: the H2 chip. Currently, both the second and third-generation AirPods are equipped with the H1 chip. The potential integration of the H2 chip by Apple is expected to bring about several enhancements, including improved personalized spatial audio, quicker pairing processes, and simplified device switching. Additionally, there are speculations that the upcoming AirPods model will feature noise-cancellation technology. In addition, there have been suggestions from Gurman that future AirPods could feature temperature sensors, although it remains unclear whether this technology will be integrated into AirPods 4 or the next generation of AirPods Pro.
3. AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods 4: Battery Life
It is anticipated that the battery life of AirPods 4 will be enhanced with the addition of Apple’s H2 chip, which is already present in the AirPods Pro 2. The H2 chip supports Bluetooth 5.3, which is more reliable and energy-efficient compared to Bluetooth 5.0. The AirPods Pro 2 has a battery life of up to 6 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation enabled and up to 30 hours of total listening time with Active Noise Cancellation enabled, using the case.
4. AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods 4: Price
The anticipated price for the Apple AirPods 4 is expected to be in line with the third-generation AirPods, which were priced at approximately $179 when they were first released. The entry-level models are projected to start at $179, while the higher-end versions may cost slightly more but will still fall below the $200 mark. In comparison, the price range for the second generation of Apple AirPods Pro is $249.
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5. AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods 4: Water resistance
The second generation of Apple AirPods Pro is designed to be resistant to water and sweat, with an IPX4 rating that indicates they can withstand splashes and light rain. While they are not waterproof and should not be submerged in water, they can handle sweat and water splashes from any direction. This level of water resistance makes them suitable for use during workouts or in outdoor settings where there may be light rain. Also, the much anticipated AirPods 4 will also have a similar rating.
6. AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods 4: Active noise cancellation
Active Noise Cancellation technology in AirPods utilizes small microphones to identify surrounding noises and generate anti-noise to eliminate them before reaching the wearer’s ears. This feature creates a personalized listening experience by blocking out external distractions. The AirPods Pro 2 will enhance this technology with dual microphones and intelligent software that adapts to each individual ear and a power 2x active noise canceling. On the other hand, the lower variant of AirPods 4 may not feature active noise canceling. However, the AirPods 4 will offer a standard version with advanced noise-cancellation capabilities.
7. AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods 4: Charging
Both the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 will feature the same charging ports. Apple is making a significant change with its upcoming AirPods 4, moving away from the Lightning port in favor of the more universal USB-C port. This shift is part of a larger trend within Apple, as the company plans to transition all AirPods models and accessories to USB-C by the end of 2024. With the release of the AirPods 4 expected this fall, users can look forward to the convenience of charging their devices with a single USB-C cable. The wireless charging capabilities of the AirPods 4, coupled with the new USB-C port on the charging case, will provide users with a more seamless and integrated charging experience across their Apple devices.
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