AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 are Apple's main wireless earbuds in 2025, each built for different needs and budgets

Apple released AirPods Pro 2 in September 2022 and AirPods 4 in September 2024. Neither is brand new in 2025, but both are what you'll find in stores now. AirPods Pro 2 cost around $249 and include active noise cancellation — they block outside sound so you hear only what you're playing. AirPods 4 cost around $129 and come in two versions: one with noise cancellation and one without. The main difference between them is what features you get and how long the battery lasts on a single charge.

If you own an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, both models work seamlessly with those devices. They pair automatically, switch between your devices without you doing anything, and let you talk to Siri by saying "Hey Siri." If you use Android phones or Windows computers, they still work, but you lose some of that automatic switching and some features don't function at all.

Key Takeaways

  • AirPods Pro 2 have active noise cancellation and cost $249; AirPods 4 come in a cheaper version without noise cancellation for $129.
  • AirPods Pro 2 last up to 6 hours per charge with noise cancellation on, while AirPods 4 last up to 4 hours without it.
  • Both models work with iPhones, iPads, and Macs automatically, but work differently with Android and Windows devices.
  • AirPods Pro 2 include a feature called Adaptive Audio that adjusts what you hear based on your surroundings, which AirPods 4 do not have.

What active noise cancellation actually does

Active noise cancellation (ANC) uses microphones to listen to the sound around you, then plays the opposite sound wave through the speaker to cancel it out. The result is that traffic noise, airplane engines, and office chatter become much quieter. It does not eliminate all sound — you'll still hear very loud noises — but it reduces the volume enough that you can hear your music or podcast clearly without turning up the volume.

AirPods Pro 2 have this feature built in. AirPods 4 come in two versions: one with ANC and one without. If you take the subway, work in an open office, or travel by plane, ANC makes a real difference. If you mostly listen at home or in quiet places, you probably don't need it. The trade-off is that ANC uses more battery power, so AirPods Pro 2 don't last as long on a single charge as AirPods 4 without ANC.

Battery life and charging

AirPods Pro 2 last up to 6 hours per charge when active noise cancellation is on, or up to 9 hours when it's off. AirPods 4 without ANC last up to 4 hours per charge. AirPods 4 with ANC last up to 5 hours. Both models come with a charging case that holds multiple charges — the case itself lasts about 30 hours total before you need to plug it in.

The charging case uses USB-C on both models, which is the same connector used by most Android phones and newer laptops. You can charge the case with any USB-C cable and power adapter you already own. The earbuds themselves charge only inside the case; there's no way to charge them directly.

Transparency mode and Adaptive Audio

Both AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 have a feature called Transparency mode. When you turn it on, the microphones pick up outside sound and play it through the speakers so you can hear what's happening around you without taking the earbuds out. This is useful when you're crossing a street, talking to someone, or need to hear an announcement. You can switch between noise cancellation, transparency, and off with a long press on the earbud.

AirPods Pro 2 add a feature called Adaptive Audio that AirPods 4 do not have. Adaptive Audio automatically adjusts between noise cancellation and transparency based on what's happening around you. If you're walking and someone talks to you, it lets their voice through. If you sit down at your desk, it goes back to blocking noise. It's a convenience feature — you get the same result by manually switching, but Adaptive Audio does it for you.

Spatial audio and head tracking

Both models support spatial audio, which creates a surround-sound effect when you watch movies or play games on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. The sound seems to come from different directions around your head. Head tracking means the sound adjusts as you move your head — if you turn left, the sound that was on your right stays in the same place in the room instead of moving with you. This makes the effect feel more realistic.

Spatial audio works best with Apple's own apps like Apple TV+ and Apple Music, and with some third-party apps. Not every app supports it. If you mostly listen to music on Spotify or YouTube, you won't notice spatial audio because those apps don't use it yet.

Fit, comfort, and water resistance

AirPods Pro 2 come with three sizes of silicone ear tips so you can find the fit that works for your ears. AirPods 4 do not come with different sizes — they have a single design that Apple says fits most people. If the standard fit doesn't work for you, AirPods 4 may feel loose or uncomfortable.

Both models are water-resistant, meaning they can handle sweat and light rain. You can wear them while exercising or in a light drizzle. They are not waterproof, so don't submerge them in water or wear them while swimming. The charging case is not water-resistant at all, so keep it dry.

Microphone quality for calls and voice commands

Both AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 have microphones for phone calls and voice commands. AirPods Pro 2 have more microphones and better noise reduction during calls, so the person on the other end hears you more clearly even in noisy places. AirPods 4 work fine for calls in quiet environments, but in a busy coffee shop or on a windy street, the other person may hear background noise.

For voice commands like "Hey Siri, play my workout playlist," both work equally well. The difference only matters if you make a lot of phone calls in noisy places.

Which model to choose based on your situation

Choose AirPods Pro 2 if you commute by public transit, travel by plane, work in an open office, or make frequent phone calls in noisy places. The active noise cancellation and better microphone are worth the extra cost in those situations. Choose AirPods 4 with ANC if you want noise cancellation but don't need the other Pro features and want to spend less. Choose AirPods 4 without ANC if you mostly listen at home or in quiet places and want the lowest price.

If you use an Android phone as your main device, both models work, but you lose automatic switching between devices and some features won't function. In that case, consider whether the Apple ecosystem lock-in is worth it to you, or whether a different brand of wireless earbuds might be a better fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do AirPods Pro 2 work with Android phones?

Yes, they pair with Android phones via Bluetooth and play music normally. You lose automatic switching between devices and some features like Siri voice commands won't work. You'll need to manually pair them each time you switch devices.

Can I use one AirPod at a time?

Yes, both models work with just one earbud in. The other stays in the case charging. This is useful for phone calls or when you want to stay aware of your surroundings.

How do I know if AirPods 4 without ANC are right for me?

If you listen mostly at home, in your car, or in already-quiet places, you won't notice the lack of noise cancellation. If you spend time in loud environments like offices, trains, or planes, you'll want ANC. Try them in a store first if possible.

What's the difference between AirPods Pro 2 and the older AirPods Pro?

Apple stopped selling the original AirPods Pro in 2022 when Pro 2 came out. Pro 2 have better noise cancellation, longer battery life, and improved audio quality. If you see the original Pro anywhere, they're old stock.

Do I need to replace the ear tips on AirPods Pro 2?

The silicone tips wear out over time and can become less effective at sealing sound. Apple sells replacement tip sets for around $10 to $15. Most people replace them once a year or when they stop fitting snugly.