AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro 2: I used both and I give you my honest opinion

News JVTech AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro 2: I used both and I give you my honest opinion

Open vs semi-intra: what does that mean?

The main difference between the two peers lies in their own functioning.

• AirPods 4 are open headphones: there is no silicone tip, no special system that would block the entry of external sounds into the ear canal. The headphones sit simply in the ear, without any frills. It’s a pretty unique way of approaching things; The vast majority of headphones on the market have tips to passively block sounds and hold the headphones in place. This is important information to take into account: these AirPods 4 are therefore made for those who prefer to have a certain openness to the world around them, to the detriment of sound quality… but we will see that shortly after.

• AirPods Pro 2 are semi-in-ear headphones: Unlike traditional in-ear headphones, which have a plastic protrusion under the silicone tips, the AirPods Pro 2 do not. So, the headphones don't fit as deep into the ear, but still manage to block out ambient sounds, without being too intrusive. This is a popular system on the market. We therefore benefit from better passive isolation than on the AirPods 4, and there is no photo.

At this level, I have a big weakness for the AirPods Pro 2. I don't mind not hearing around me, and the stability of the headphones is a big plus. Also, the AirPods 4 don't really fit the shape of my ears. Apple has made efforts to adjust the design of the headphones so that they fit as many people as possible, but it is impossible to satisfy everyone with a non-flexible plastic structure.

Active noise reduction: AirPods Pro 2 much better than AirPods 4?

Yes. I'm not going to beat around the bush ; even though my ears were the perfect shape for these AirPods 4, they are about half as good as the AirPods Pro 2. The latter are excellent and are among the best on the market. I can sit in an open space or on a train, and make the ambient sounds negligible. With the AirPods 4, we can talk more about attenuation, but no more. You can definitely feel the difference when the mode is activated, but that's it. Speaking example: I can still hear the keys on my mechanical keyboard clearly when I type, not with the AirPods Pro 2.

The little extra features: who has what?

Apple has given almost all the features of the AirPods Pro 2 to the AirPods 4. The H2 chip allows it to benefit from things like adaptive audio, conversation detection, reduction of loud sounds… On the hardware side, we also find wireless charging. wire, MagSafe, compatibility with Apple Watch chargers, and speakers to beep them when you can't find them.

What AirPods 4 ANC doesn't have:

• Swipe on the stem to increase or decrease the volume
• The hearing aid feature coming to AirPods Pro 2
• The hole to add a strap on the case

Autonomy: a real difference?

Another point where the AirPods Pro 2 outperform the AirPods 4. Apple had warned us in their description of the new models: the noise reduction puts the autonomy of the AirPods 4 below that of the AirPods 3. Logical, because the whole thing does not really change, but an additional functionality which consumes a lot is added.

Conclusion: AirPods Pro 2 win, but for one simple reason

The two products are so similar, but also so different. If you prefer an open design, there's no debate: choose AirPods 4 ANC (and vice versa). On the other hand, if you are hesitating between the two, know that the experience of AirPods Pro is superior, but not for such a high price. Indeed, the AirPods Pro 2 are €279 on the Apple website, but have already dropped in price since their release on various third-party merchants, which is not yet the case for the AirPods 4 ANC, which must be content with mini promos, or the full price of €199.