The release of AirPods 4 has solidified Apple’s AirPods lineup, introducing a variety of features that were once limited to AirPods Pro 2. However, there are three essential Pro-only features that I believe justify the investment in the pricier model.
Up to 2x Enhanced Noise Cancellation
This feature is crucial for me. Although the premium AirPods 4 version comes equipped with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), its effectiveness is approximately half that of AirPods Pro 2.
I rely on my AirPods Pro 2 throughout my workday, keeping ANC active almost all the time.
The superior ANC was a significant factor in my decision to upgrade from the original AirPods Pro to the Pro 2 model. I’m eagerly anticipating an even greater noise-canceling experience with the upcoming AirPods Pro 3.
To put it simply, reverting to the less effective ANC of AirPods 4 isn’t an option for me.
Hearing Health Features
iOS 18.1 introduced three significant hearing health features for AirPods Pro 2:
- Hearing Test
- Hearing Aid
- Hearing Protection
Based on my testing, I currently have minimal to no hearing loss, but should that change, the Hearing Aid feature would be invaluable.
Nonetheless, the always-active Hearing Protection feature helps shield against potential hearing loss in the future, which I wouldn’t have been aware of without Apple’s testing.
Regardless of individual needs, the hearing health features offered by AirPods Pro 2 provide a significant advantage over AirPods 4 for many users.
Improved Battery Life
The AirPods Pro 2 provide up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge, while the AirPods 4 offer a maximum of just 5 hours.
This additional 20% battery life is especially beneficial for someone like me who uses AirPods extensively. I rarely hear the low-battery alerts with my AirPods Pro 2, but I imagine they’d be more frequent with the lesser battery capacity of the 4.
Conclusion on AirPods Pro 2 Features
When comparing the retail price of AirPods Pro 2 at $249 to the top-tier AirPods 4 at $179, I’m more than willing to spend an extra $80 for the Pro-exclusive capabilities.
If you manage to find AirPods Pro 2 for as low as $189 (the ongoing price at Amazon), the argument for choosing the Pro version becomes even stronger.
Which AirPods model do you prefer and why? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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