With the launch of AirPods 4, Apple’s AirPods range has reached new heights, now featuring many functionalities that were previously reserved for AirPods Pro 2. Nonetheless, there are still three major Pro-exclusive features that I believe justify the investment in the pricier AirPods.
Noise Cancellation Enhanced Up to 2x
This aspect stands out to me. Although the premium AirPods 4 model incorporates ANC (Active Noise Cancellation), its effectiveness is about half compared to that of the AirPods Pro 2.
Throughout my workday, I consistently use my AirPods Pro 2 with ANC activated nearly all the time.
The improved ANC was a significant factor that led me to upgrade from the original AirPods Pro to the Pro 2, and I am eagerly anticipating an even more advanced noise cancellation experience with the upcoming AirPods Pro 3.
To summarize, I wouldn’t want to revert to the less efficient ANC feature provided by AirPods 4.
Hearing Health Features
The latest iOS 18.1 update has introduced three significant features related to hearing health for the AirPods Pro 2:
- Hearing Test
- Hearing Aid
- Hearing Protection
Based on my test results, I currently have minimal to no hearing loss. Otherwise, the Hearing Aid feature would be particularly beneficial to me.
Nonetheless, having the always-on Hearing Protection feature can help guard against potential hearing loss in the future, and I wouldn’t have been able to understand my hearing status without Apple’s assessment.
Regardless of how much you might need or not need the hearing health features of AirPods Pro 2, these functionalities undeniably provide a significant edge over AirPods 4 for many users.
Superior Battery Life
With AirPods Pro 2, you can enjoy up to 6 hours of playback time on a single charge. In contrast, AirPods 4 offer a maximum of 5 hours.
This 20% increase in battery life is incredibly beneficial for someone like me who frequently uses AirPods. I rarely encounter the low-battery alert with my AirPods Pro 2, whereas I suspect I would with a lower battery capacity.
Summary of AirPods Pro 2 Features
Considering the retail price of AirPods Pro 2 at $249 compared to the premium AirPods 4 priced at $179, I find it completely reasonable to pay the additional $80 for the exclusive Pro features.
If you can snag the AirPods Pro 2 for as low as $189 (currently available on Amazon), the benefits of the Pro model become even more compelling.
Which model of AirPods do you prefer and why? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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