So, Apple has just updated its base model AirPods for the very first time in years. Now there are two new models, one with Active Noise Cancellation and one without, starting at $129.
ANC was the standout feature exclusive to AirPods Pro… until today. So how do the new AirPods (not Pro) stack up? Here are all the differences.
Apple’s new lineup of AirPods has a lot of overlapping features, although there is a clear distinction with Active Noise Cancellation only available on the higher-end models. The new base model AirPods 4 can be seen as a direct replacement for AirPods (second-generation), although they do have an updated design.
Here are all the changes between the new AirPods 4 lineup and AirPods Pro 2:
Active Noise Cancellation
The new AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation are making noise cancellation capabilities available for the first time for Apple’s non in-ear earbuds. However, don’t expect the same level of noise cancellation effect as AirPods Pro.
Apple says AirPods Pro can cancel noise twice as much as AirPods 4. We’ll have to wait to get our hands on the new AirPods 4 and test it ourselves to see how it performs in terms of noise cancelling. Apple’s stated tech specs suggest the AirPods 4 will perform about as well as the original first-generation AirPods Pro in noise cancelling.
However, in essence, the feature set is the same. Both AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 are powered by the H2 chip and support noise control features like Transparency mode, Adaptive Audio, and Conversation Awareness. These features intelligently enable, disable, and adjust the active noise cancellation effect based on your current environment.
It goes without saying that the base model AirPods have no active noise cancellation at all and therefore lack support for any of the related features.
Charging Case Features
A more subtle difference in the lineup is the functionality of the charging case. AirPods 4 comes with the most basic USB-C charging case and doesn’t even have wireless charging.
AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation includes a USB-C charging case that also supports wireless charging using Qi chargers or an Apple Watch charger. The case also has an integrated speaker for Find My.
However, AirPods Pro has the most advanced charging case, boasting MagSafe support (meaning it can magnetically align with MagSafe chargers). The AirPods Pro case also has an integrated lanyard loop, which AirPods 4 cases don’t have.
Battery Life
AirPods 4 without noise cancellation have the same long battery life as AirPods (third-generation), i.e., up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge.
With Active Noise Cancellation enabled, the quoted battery life drops to just 4 hours of listening on a single charge. This is a significant difference from AirPods Pro, which can last up to 6 hours of listening time with noise cancellation active.
If long listening session battery life is a primary concern, AirPods 4 may not be the right choice for you.
The charging case across all models can recharge the earbuds about six times, providing up to 30 hours of total listening time.
Price
The cheapest AirPods in the lineup are AirPods 4, which are priced at $129. The AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation are $179. AirPods Pro 2 are listed at Apple at $249, although you can often find them at a lower price elsewhere.
Effectively, compared to the base AirPods 4, you pay an extra $50 for noise cancellation and the upgraded case. AirPods Pro 2 are $70 more on top of that, with their in-ear design, better battery life, volume adjustment swipe gesture, and MagSafe case benefits. AirPods Pro 2 also come with a bundled USB-C cable in the box; for AirPods 4, you’ll have to provide your own charging cable.
In Summary
Overall, the new AirPods 4 with noise cancellation is a great option for Apple users who want wireless earbuds but don’t like the in-ear feel. It offers a nice balance of functionality, including some degree of noise cancellation in loud environments. At $179, it seems like a good deal.
However, AirPods Pro still reigns supreme, with the best noise cancellation, longer battery life, and a touch sensor on the stalk for volume adjustment, albeit at an additional $70 cost. The new hearing test, hearing aid, and hearing protection features will also be exclusive to AirPods Pro when they are launched later this year.
