Apple’s AirPods lineup is stronger than it’s ever been, with compelling options at multiple different price points. If you’re exploring which AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro to buy this holiday season, whether for yourself or someone else, here’s what you need to know.
AirPods 4
AirPods 4 are available in two different versions: a base model and a higher-end option that offers Active Noise Cancellation support.
The base model AirPods 4 give you a lot of the best AirPods features. They feature Apple’s H2 audio chip for seamless connection with all your devices, including automatic device switching, Adaptive EQ, Personalized Volume, and more.
AirPods 4 with ANC, however, take things to the next level. In addition to noise cancellation itself, the higher-end AirPods 4 configuration also offersAdaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, and Transparency mode.
The AirPods 4 with ANC also come with a more capable charging case. While the base model charges via USB-C, the higher-end model also supports wireless charging and includes a built-in speaker for Find My. So if you misplace your AirPods 4 charging case, you play a sound with the case to find it.
| Feature | AirPods 4 | AirPods 4 with ANC |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | No | Yes: ANC + Transparency + Conversation Awareness |
| Case Charging Options | USB-C wired charging only | USB-C + wireless charging (Qi + Apple Watch chargers) |
| Case Speaker (Find My) | No | Yes: built-in speaker for Find My alerts |
| Case Precision Finding | Standard Find My support | Enhanced Precision Finding |
| Battery Life (earbuds) | Up to 5 hours | Up to 4 hours with ANC on (5 hours with ANC off) |
| Total Battery (with case) | Up to 30 hours | Up to 20 hours with ANC on (30 hours with ANC off) |
| Price (retail) | $129 | $179 |
AirPods 4 vs AirPods 4 with ANC: Which should you buy?
Both of these are excellent options. AirPods 4 with ANC, however, really impress me. They feature an open-ear design, yet are still able to block out the noise around you. This is great for people who want ANC features, but who don’t like the in-ear design of AirPods Pro.
But while AirPods 4 with ANC would be my recommendation to most people reading this, you can’t go wrong with the standard AirPods 4. They’re still great, and they’re especially compelling at their sub-$100 sale price on Amazon.
- Apple AirPods 4 $80 (Reg. $129) | All-time low
- Apple AirPods 4 with ANC $100 (Reg. $179) | All-time low
Read our full AirPods 4 review.
AirPods Pro 3
This year, Apple released AirPods Pro 3 as the biggest update ever to its in-ear earbuds. They feature 2x better Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) than AirPods Pro 2 and a revamped fit that Apple says is more comfortable for more people.
There’s also a built-in heart rate sensor, so your AirPods Pro can track your heart rate during workouts and sync that information to Apple Health and Apple Fitness on your iPhone.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancellation | Stronger ANC with adaptive adjustments |
| Transparency Mode | Enhanced Transparency with voice-boost handling |
| Adaptive Audio | Blends ANC + Transparency automatically |
| Heart Rate Sensor | Built-in optical sensor for HR and workout data |
| Live Translation | Real-time conversation translation via iPhone |
| Fit / Tips | 5 sizes of foam-infused ear tips |
| Durability | IP57 dust, sweat, and water resistance |
| Battery Life | Up to ~8 hours with ANC on |
| Audio Architecture | New multi-port acoustic design with updated driver |
Who should buy AirPods Pro 3?
I believe that AirPods Pro 3 are the best bang-for-your-buck product in Apple’s lineup today. The combination of features, form factor, and price make them the best $250 you can spend at Apple today. I use AirPods Pro 3 for hours every day and couldn’t imagine life without them.
That said, if you or the person you’re shopping for doesn’t like the in-ear design of AirPods Pro, the aforementioned AirPods 4 are the way to go. The fact that Apple offers AirPods with noise cancellation capabilities in both form factors is fantastic.
- Apple AirPods Pro 3 $220 (Reg. $249) | All-time low
Read our full AirPods Pro 3 review.
AirPods Max
AirPods Max are Apple’s pricey over-ear headphones. They feature a premium aluminum design with an elegant Digital Crown that controls volume.
While they did get updated to swap Lightning for USB-C charging last year, AirPods Max have otherwise been mostly neglected by Apple. They still use the H1 chip that Apple launched in 2019. This means you miss out on features like Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Personalized Volume, and much.
Who should buy AirPods Max?
AirPods Max aren’t the best AirPods that Apple sells, despite being the most expensive. That title goes to AirPods Pro 3.
That makes AirPods Max tricky to recommend. They just don’t really justify their price point anymore. They’re great headphones, but they need a proper update beyond just changing the charging port.
AirPods Max, though, are Apple’s only option for people who want the basic AirPods connectivity features in the over-ear headphone form factor. If that’s something that really matters to you, they’re an option worth considering.
You might be better off checking out options from companies like Sony instead, many of which are currently on sale at significant discounts.
- Apple AirPods Max $430 (Reg. $549)
Wrap up
Are you planning to buy anyone AirPods this holiday season? Are they on your wishlist? Let us know down in the comments.
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