Which Are the Best Apple ANC Earbuds?

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The AirPods 4 arrived last September with a meaningful upgrade; they’re the first non-Pro model to feature Active Noise-Canceling, giving iPhone users a more budget-friendly alternative to the AirPods Pro 2. Apple also rolled out a non-ANC version of the AirPods 4, meaning there are now three AirPod models to choose from.

If you’re looking for ANC, the AirPods 4 and the AirPods Pro 2 are both solid options, but there are meaningful differences in both performance and price, with $70 separating the two at retail. We put both models to the test, peering under the hood at the specs and testing the ANC in a variety of settings to see how they stack up.

AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro 2 Design

The AirPods 4 are more compact than the AirPods Pro 2, but both retain a lightweight design that’s easy to take on the go. I weighed both on a basic kitchen scale, with the AirPods 4 weighing 43 grams in the case and 9 grams for both buds, while the AirPods Pro 2 weighed 62 grams with the buds in the case and 11 grams with just the earbuds.

The biggest design difference between the two earbuds is the tips, with the AirPods 4 featuring a hard plastic tip that doesn’t seal the ear canal, while the Pro 2 features squishy silicone tips for a secure in-ear fit. Neither earbud would be my first choice for workout earbuds, but of the two, I’d rather workout with the Pro 2 thanks to the more secure fit.

AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro 2 Performance

Credit where it’s due: Apple managed to pack pretty impressive ANC despite the “open” design of the AirPods 4. It’s not the monastic silence of the Bose QuietComfort Ultras, but it will sufficiently dim outside noise, allowing you to enjoy music and podcasts without having to crank up the volume.

The AirPods Pro 2, on the other hand, has noise-canceling that ranks among the best on the market. If you frequently find yourself in noisy situations, you’re a commuter or frequent flier, or you just want top-of-the-line ANC, the AirPods Pro 2 have the clear edge. If you work in an office and just want to quiet the HVAC hum and ambient chatter or need earbuds that can handle day-to-day distractions, the AirPods 4 with ANC is more than sufficient.

In terms of audio quality, the AirPods Pro 2 sound great, with clear audio across a variety of genres. The AirPods 4 are no slouch either, with clear audio and punchy bass. In-ear detection on both models is reliable and quick, automatically pausing the music if you take an earbud out to have a conversation at the office or listen for your gate number at the airport.

AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro 2 Features

The controls on the AirPods 4 are basic, with a single press to control playback and the ability to customize a single press or double press for phone call actions like answering, declining, and muting. The AirPods Pro 2 add a volume slider — a pinch controls playback, while swiping on the stem raises and lowers the volume.

Both earbuds have various ANC settings, including adaptive and transparency, plus features like spatial audio and head gestures to accept or decline phone calls. Both are Find My compatible to track down your misplaced earbuds, and the AirPods case can chirp if you’ve misplaced them nearby.

The AirPods Pro 2 also have hearing protection and hearing assistance for mild to moderate hearing loss.

AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro 2: Verdict

Beyond their easy compatibility with Apple devices, AirPods are a popular option because of their “open” design that doesn’t sit in the ear canal. Good ANC typically requires a secure in-ear fit, which is why it’s impressive that Apple was able to pack pretty solid ANC into the standard AirPod design.

That said, the AirPods Pro 2 have excellent ANC and audio quality and are the better option if you’re frequently in noisy environments. The AirPods Pro 2 also has unique features like hearing protection and hearing assistance and better (though not exceptional) battery life. Both earbuds feature spatial audio, head gestures to answer and decline calls, and in-ear detection to play and pause music.

The AirPods Pro 2 are worth the splurge and are a no-brainer when they’re on sale (like right now), but the AirPods 4 with ANC are a great option if you prefer an open design and a more compact carrying case. As for the non-ANC AirPods 4, you’ll lose out on features like wireless charging, but they’re still a good option if you don’t want to spend too much.