AirPods Pro 2 vs. AirPods 4 — which should you choose?
AirPods Pro 2 are the better choice for everyday wear: they have active noise cancellation (ANC), silicone tips for a better seal and Transparency Mode. AirPods 4 (without ANC) are cheaper and open-fit — worth it only if you can't stand tips or need to hear your surroundings. The price difference of around 2,000–3,000 CZK pays off in comfort and sound isolation.
AirPods Pro 2 are the better choice for everyday wear: they have active noise cancellation (ANC), silicone tips for a better seal and Transparency Mode. AirPods 4 (without ANC) are cheaper and open-fit — worth it only if you can't stand tips or need to hear your surroundings. The price difference of around 2,000–3,000 CZK pays off in comfort and sound isolation.
In this article
- The key difference: shape and isolation
- AirPods Pro 2 — advantages:
- AirPods 4 — advantages:
- Watch out for the AirPods 4 versions
- Comparison of key parameters
- When to choose AirPods Pro 2
- When to choose AirPods 4
- Our tip
The key difference: shape and isolation
AirPods Pro 2 have silicone tips that sit snugly in the ear canal. AirPods 4 keep the classic 'open' shape without tips — sitting loosely in the ear like the original AirPods. This difference affects everything else: isolation, bass, ANC quality and comfort during long-term wear.
AirPods Pro 2 — advantages:
- Silicone tips in 4 sizes (XS, S, M, L) — a perfect fit for everyone.
- Passive isolation from your surroundings (you hear less even without ANC).
- Active ANC up to 2x better than AirPods 4 thanks to a better seal.
- Deeper bass thanks to the sealed ear canal.
- Adaptive Audio — automatically adjusts ANC based on your surroundings.
- Conversation Awareness — lowers the music volume when you speak.
- MagSafe charging case + speaker for Find My.
AirPods 4 — advantages:
- Open shape — doesn't plug your ears, suitable for people who can't stand silicone tips.
- More natural awareness of your surroundings without needing to turn on Transparency mode.
- Lighter and less noticeable than the Pro version.
- Lower price — the ANC version costs around 4,990 CZK vs. AirPods Pro 2 at 5,990 CZK.
- The version without ANC costs around 3,990 CZK for more budget-conscious buyers.
Watch out for the AirPods 4 versions
Apple released two versions of AirPods 4: without ANC (from 3,990 CZK) and with ANC (from 4,990 CZK). If you want active noise cancellation, buy only the ANC version. Without ANC you just get the earbuds and Find My, but none of the features that make buying into the AirPods range worthwhile.
Comparison of key parameters
| Parameter | AirPods Pro 2 vs. AirPods 4 (with ANC) |
|---|---|
| Active ANC | Excellent vs. Decent |
| Shape | Silicone tips vs. Open |
| Battery life (with ANC) | 6 h + 30 h case vs. 5 h + 20 h case |
| MagSafe case | Yes vs. Yes |
| USB-C charging | Yes vs. Yes |
| Price (pre-owned) | from 5,990 CZK vs. from 4,990 CZK |
When to choose AirPods Pro 2
You travel by plane, train or public transport, or work in an open-plan office — you want maximum isolation and the best ANC. You exercise in noisy environments (gym, street). You listen to music at a louder level and want full bass range. You plan to wear the AirPods long-term (the tips hold more securely and fall out less).
When to choose AirPods 4
You don't want your ears plugged by tips (common for people with sensitive eardrums). You often make calls and want to hear your own voice naturally. You use earbuds in a quiet environment (office, home). You're looking for a cheaper version with basic ANC and modern features (USB-C, MagSafe case).
Our tip
For most users, AirPods Pro 2 are the better choice — stronger ANC, better sound and longer battery life for an extra 1,000 CZK. If the tips bother you, AirPods 4 with ANC are the first generation of the base model worth the money. Skip the version without ANC. At iLoveServis we sell all versions in pre-owned condition with a 2-year warranty.