AirPods (Second-Generation, 2019) AirPods (Third-Generation, 2021) AirPods (Fourth-Generation, 2024) AirPods With ANC (Fourth-Generation, 2024) EarPods-like design (2012) with long "stems" AirPods Pro-like design (2019) with wider shape, shorter "stems," and improved fit Further improved, more comfortable fit with narrower shape Further improved, more comfortable fit with narrower shape Vent system for pressure equalization Vent system for pressure equalization Optical in-ear sensors Skin-detect sensors Optical in-ear sensors Optical in-ear sensors Inward-facing microphones Inward-facing microphones Inward-facing microphones Tap sensors Force sensors Force sensors Force sensors Double-tap to play, skip forward, or answer a phone call Press once to play, pause, or answer a phone call, press twice to skip forward, press three times to skip back, and press and hold for Siri Press once to play, pause, or answer a phone call, press twice to skip forward, press three times to skip back, and press and hold for Siri Press once to play, pause, or answer a phone call, press twice to skip forward, press three times to skip back, and press and hold for Siri Sweat and water resistance (IPX4) Dust, sweat, and water resistant (IP54) Dust, sweat, and water resistant (IP54) Custom high-excursion Apple driver Redesigned high-excursion Apple driver based on AirPods Pro New low-distortion driver and acoustic architecture New low-distortion driver and acoustic architecture Custom high dynamic range amplifier Redesigned high dynamic range amplifier based on AirPods Pro New high dynamic range amplifier New high dynamic range amplifier H1 chip H1 chip H2 chip H2 chip Bluetooth 5.0 Bluetooth 5.0 Bluetooth 5.3 Bluetooth 5.3 2.4GHz connectivity 2.4GHz connectivity 2.4GHz and 5GHz connectivity 2.4GHz and 5GHz connectivity Adaptive EQ Adaptive EQ Adaptive EQ Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking Active Noise Cancellation Transparency mode Adaptive Audio Conversation Awareness Personalized Volume Personalized Volume Voice Isolation Voice Isolation "Hey Siri" command support "Hey Siri" command support "Hey Siri" and just "Siri" command support "Hey Siri" and just "Siri" command support Up to five hours of listening time with a single charge Up to six hours of listening time with a single charge (up to five hours with spatial audio) Up to five hours of listening time with a single charge Up to five hours of listening time on a single charge with noise control off (up to four hours of listening time on a single charge with Active Noise Cancellation enabled) Lightning Charging Case Lightning Charging Case/MagSafe Charging Case with support for Apple Watch charger, Qi‑certified wireless chargers, and MagSafe USB-C Charging Case USB‑C Wireless Charging Case with support for Apple Watch charger and Qi‑certified wireless chargers Wider charging case Compact charging case (10% smaller in volume) Compact charging case (10% smaller in volume) Speaker for Find My Lightning port Lightning port USB-C port USB-C port Physical pairing button Physical pairing button Capacitive pairing button Capacitive pairing button Previously $129, now discontinued Previously $179, now discontinued $129 $179 Dimensions With each generation, Apple has refined the design of both the earbuds and the charging case, making them more compact and lightweight.
The AirPods 4 can't match the noise cancellation or seal of the Pro, but they offer a more comfortable alternative for those who prefer an open-ear fit while retaining many of the features Pro users enjoy, such as Personalized Spatial Audio and dynamic head tracking.AirPods 4 or AirPods 4 With ANC?
Key upgrades in the AirPods 4 include a more comfortable fit, improved sound quality with a new low-distortion driver, and enhanced features like Personalized Spatial Audio.
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