Apple
AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation
Headphones
$179List price
Explore this product Your shortlist, side by side
AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation vs AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)
Find the differences that matter for your next decision.
Apple
AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)
Headphones
$249List price
Explore this product What matters most to you?
Start with all rankable specifications, or focus on a particular use.
Your starting point
Tied overall. AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation is cheaper.
- The 2 rankable overall specs split 1 to 1.
- Saves $70 at list price.
How we reached this
We compare the published specifications relevant to your priority. Each rankable specification counts once; your selected requirements can rule a product out. This is a guide to the numbers, not a laboratory performance score.
The trade-off to know
AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation: Open-ear ANC is naturally less isolating than in-ear silicone tip earbuds like AirPods Pro
Look at the differences ↓Refine your requirements
Your other devices
What would rule one out?
Side by side
The differences, in detail.
Start with the key specs, then explore as much as you need.
| What you’re comparing | AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation | AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) |
|---|---|---|
| TypeDesign | Open-ear true wireless earbuds | In-ear true wireless earbuds with silicone ear tips |
| WeightDesign | 8.6 g (0.30 oz) earbuds total (4.3 g each) / 34.7 g charging case | 10.6 g (0.38 oz) earbuds total (5.3 g each) / 50.8 g charging case |
| Carrying caseDesign | Wireless charging case with built-in Find My speaker and USB-C port | MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) with built-in U1 chip, Find My speaker, and lanyard loop |
| Active Noise CancellingAudio | Yes (Active Noise Cancellation with Adaptive Audio and Transparency Mode) | Yes (Pro-level Active Noise Cancellation with up to 2x more noise reduction) |
| Battery lifeConnectivity & Battery | 4 hours listening time on single charge with ANC on (5 hours ANC off) / up to 20 hours with charging case (ANC on) | 6 hours listening time on single charge (ANC on) / up to 30 hours with MagSafe Charging Case |
Showing 5 of 14 specifications. Missing values stay unlisted. About the sources
Both sides of the decision
What you gain. What you give up.
AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation
Reasons to choose it
- Active Noise Cancellation and Adaptive Audio in an open-ear, tip-less fit
- Apple H2 chip with Personalized Spatial Audio and head tracking
- Smallest wireless charging case with built-in Find My speaker and USB-C
Worth considering
- Open-ear ANC is naturally less isolating than in-ear silicone tip earbuds like AirPods Pro
- Battery life drops to 4 hours per charge with ANC enabled (20 hours total with case)
AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)
Reasons to choose it
- Pro-level Active Noise Cancellation and transparent Adaptive Audio
- Clinical-grade Hearing Aid and Hearing Test features (FDA-authorized)
- MagSafe USB-C case with Precision Finding speaker and lanyard loop
Worth considering
- Touch volume swipes on the stem can require a steady hand
- Advanced features (Hearing Health, Spatial Audio) require Apple device ecosystem
Beyond the spec sheet
Living with your choice.
Explore the ownership details available for this pair.
Is the newer model worth it?
Apple sibling models compared across generations.
Our recommendation: Compare the spec differences below to see if the price premium justifies the newer model's additions.
Know what’s behind the comparison
Published specs. Visible sources.
Clinchmark compares manufacturer specifications and other published information. We have not independently lab-tested these products. Editorial assessments and unknown values are identified in the specification details.
Catalog snapshot: September 1, 2026. Prices, availability, and provider terms can change.
Still weighing it up?
Which is cheaper, the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation or the AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)?
AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation costs $70 less at list price.
What is the biggest catch with the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation or AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)?
Both has this deal-breaker: does not fold. Takes a bigger slot in a carry-on.
Which is better for flights & commutes, the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation or the AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)?
Tied on flights & commutes. AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation is cheaper. The 2 rankable flights & commutes specs split 1 to 1. Saves $70 at list price.
What cannot be compared from spec sheets?
Of the 14 specs tracked here, 12 are descriptive and cannot be ranked on numbers alone. Spec sheets also cannot measure subjective factors like build quality, real-world performance, or comfort.