Apple’s newest release — the AirPods (4th generation) — made its debut in late 2024, building on the success of its predecessors with improved audio quality, a new USB‑C charging case, and IP54 dust and water resistance.

Meanwhile, the AirPods Pro 2 (USB‑C) remains the flagship in the in-ear category, offering best-in-class noise cancellation, Spatial Audio, and a suite of health and accessibility features powered by iOS 18.

Check some total thoughts

Pros and Cons Values

Positive

Sleek, lightweight open-fit design (no silicone tips) — great for comfort and breathability
Powered by Apple’s H2 chip more stable connection, better energy efficiency, and Bluetooth 5.3
Personalized Spatial Audio/strong with dynamic head tracking
Active Noise Cancellation/strong (on ANC variant and AirPods Pro 2)
USB‑C charging case with compatibility for Apple Watch charge/strong and Qi wireless charging/strong
IP54 dust; water resistance — good for workouts and commutes
iOS 18 features/strong: Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, and head-based gestures for Siri
Hearing aid capabilities/strong and hearing test/strong tools (AirPods Pro 2 only)

Negatives

Open-ear design (AirPods 4) may let in too much ambient noise for some users
No manual volume buttons (still requires Siri or iPhone)
No ANC on the base model of AirPods 4
Less secure fit than in-ear AirPods Pro if used during vigorous activity

Product specification

Specification for product

Feature	AirPods 4 (No ANC)	AirPods 4 (With ANC)	AirPods Pro 2 (USB‑C)
Chip	H2, Bluetooth 5.3	H2, Bluetooth 5.3	H2, Bluetooth 5.3
Fit Style	Open-ear (non-in-ear)	Open-ear with ANC	In-ear with silicone tips
Active Noise Canceling	❌	✅	✅ (Best-in-class)
Spatial Audio	Personalized	Personalized	Personalized + dynamic head tracking
Water/Dust Resistance	IP54	IP54	IP54
Battery (buds)	~5 hours	~4 hours (ANC on)	~6 hours
Battery (with case)	~30 hours	~30 hours	~30 hours
Charging Case	USB‑C	USB‑C + Apple Watch & Qi	USB‑C MagSafe + U1 + speaker
Hearing Aid Support	❌	❌	✅ (FDA cleared)

Privacy, Accessibility: Special Features

What about security?

Adaptive Audio: Blends ANC and transparency mode automatically

Conversation Awareness: Detects speech and lowers media volume during face-to-face conversations

Voice Isolation: Enhances your voice during calls by suppressing background noise

Head gestures: Nod or shake your head to answer or decline calls (iOS 18+)

Find My with precision tracking: Only available in AirPods Pro 2 USB‑C case (thanks to the U1 chip and built-in speaker)

Hearing Test & Assistive Audio: Great accessibility support built directly into iOS (AirPods Pro 2 only)

Price list of packages?

Where to Buy and price list

Apple AirPods (4th Generation) – Full Review

Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, Best Values

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Buy now Read full review

✅ Conclusion

If you prefer open-fit, lightweight earbuds with decent features and price:
→ AirPods 4 (ANC) is a great upgrade from earlier generations.
If you want the best sound, ANC, and health-focused tools in an in-ear form:
→ Go for AirPods Pro 2 (USB‑C) — it’s the most versatile and “Pro” option available.
Need over-ear premium sound and design?
→ Consider the AirPods Max, but at a significantly higher price point.