Verdict: RTINGS measures ANC attenuation at 23 dB for the AirPods Pro 2 versus 18 dB for the AirPods 4 ANC, and battery life with ANC on is 6 hrs versus 5 hrs respectively. Both charge via USB‑C, but the Pro 2 case holds 30 hrs of total playback compared to 24 hrs for the 4 ANC (per Apple). The Pro 2’s superior ANC and longer battery justify its higher price for power users, while the 4 ANC offers a lighter, more affordable option for casual listeners.
Winner: Apple AirPods Pro 2
Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation: 7/10
Apple AirPods Pro 2: 8/10
| Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation | Apple AirPods Pro 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life (listening) | 4 hours | 6 hrs (per RTINGS) |
| ANC type | Hybrid (per RTINGS) | Hybrid (per RTINGS) |
| Charging case | 20 hours | USB‑C (per Apple) |
| Weight | 0.009375 pounds | 5.3 g (per Apple) |
Our pick: Apple AirPods Pro 2.
AirPods Pro 2 offer better noise cancellation and spatial audio with dynamic head tracking than Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, which provide superior bass and longer 6-hour battery life per charge. At $249, the AirPods Pro 2 are cheaper than the $299 Bose model and integrate more seamlessly with Apple devices.
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