Comparison with all the differences between the two versions of AirPods 4
Apple launched its AirPods 4 in mid-September 2024 alongside the iPhone 16 range and introduced two different versions of its mid-range wireless earbuds for the first time in history. The Apple catalog now has some AirPods 4 with noise cancellation and some cheaper AirPods 4. But what other differences exist between them?
We recently shared a comparison between AirPods 3 and AirPods 4, highlighting all the differences between AirPods 4 and the previous generation. We’ve also highlighted the features of AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 and now we’ll focus on the differences between the two versions of AirPods 4.
Below we analyze the differences between AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with noise cancellation in a comparison that will help you understand which type of wireless headphones you should buy.
Main differences
The most advanced version of AirPods 4 has more audio features that take your sound experience even further, such as Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) or the Adaptive transparency mode. These are the main differences of the more advanced AirPods 4 compared to the most basic version.
- Active noise cancellation (ANC).
- Ambient sound mode.
- Adaptive audio.
- Speaker case for the Search app.
- Wireless charging with MagSafe support.
Technical specifications
In this table we invite you to know all the hardware differences between the two versions of Apple AirPods 4. As you can see, there aren’t any big changes beyond a few more advanced audio features.
| AirPods 4 | AirPods 4 with noise cancellation | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | Earbuds: 30.20 x 18.30 x 18.10 mm Estuche: 46.20 x 50.10 x 21.20 mm |
Earbuds: 30.20 x 18.30 x 18.10 mm Estuche: 46.20 x 50.10 x 21.20 mm |
| Weight | Earbuds: 4.30 g Box: 32.30 g |
Earbuds: 4.30 g Case: 34.70 g |
| Chip | H2 chip | H2 chip |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth5.3 | Bluetooth5.3 |
| noise cancellation | No | Yeah |
| Ambient sound mode | No | Yeah |
| Adaptive audio | No | Yeah |
| Voice isolation | No | Yeah |
| Custom spatial audio | Yeah | Yeah |
| Water resistance | Yeah | Yeah |
| Sensors | Optical position sensor, motion detection accelerometer, voice recognition sensor | Optical position sensor, motion detection accelerometer, voice recognition sensor |
| Battery | 5 hours of battery life and 30 hours of battery life with the charging case | 5 hours of battery life and 30 hours of battery life with the charging case 4 hours of battery life with noise cancellation enabled (ANC) |
| Other functions | Hey Siri, Adaptive EQ, Dolby Atmos, Accessibility Features | MagSafe charging, Hey Siri, adaptive EQ, Dolby Atmos, accessibility features | Précio | $149 | $199 |
Comparison: AirPods 4 vs AirPods 4 with noise cancellation
Let’s translate this technical data into more intelligible and clear information. Below these lines we extend the comparison of the basic AirPods 4 and its more advanced version with noise cancellation and other features.
Design
The design of AirPods 4 has been improved to better fit your ears
In terms of design, the two versions of AirPods 4 are exactly identical. Although they have hardware with many differences inside, their appearance is the same.
In fact, AirPods 4 continue to retain the same design essence as AirPods 3 with this iconic Apple minimalism. The Californian firm carries out tests with prototypes, collecting more than 50 million data to make AirPods 4 fit the ears of more users.
Perhaps the most notable design difference we can find between the two versions is that base AirPods 4 are a bit lighteralthough it is a virtually imperceptible difference in weight.
It is interesting to note that The AirPods 4 charging case has been reduced by up to 10% compared to other generations. In both versions, this is the smallest charging case in AirPods history.
Chip (H2)
The most advanced AirPods 4 have noise cancellation and other audio features
Both AirPods 4 models are equipped with an H2 chip capable of processing sound up to 48,000 times per second. Although in the case of the more advanced AirPods 4, the H2 chip is also responsible for managing active noise cancellation.
The H2 chip provides an exceptional sound experience and significantly reduces ambient noise. This also helps improve the battery life of wireless earbuds.
Battery
Its charging case offers 30 hours of battery life
Apple has announced that its two AirPods 4 models have the same battery life. Something that is appreciated given that there is a much cheaper version. Both wireless earbuds offer approximately 5 hours of battery on a single charge and up to 30 hours of audio playback with charging case. Of course, with active noise cancellation enabled, battery life can be reduced by up to an hour.
However, in the case of the base AirPods 4, their charging case does not offer support for MagSafe wireless charginga whole game changer for many users who are considering purchasing one of the two versions of AirPods 4.
Audio
AirPods 4 are available in two versions
This section is where we see a lot more differences between AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with noise cancellation. The most advanced version of AirPods 4 offers Active noise cancellation, adaptive audio mode and ambient sound.
Active noise cancellation function supports minimize all external noise of your surroundings so you can enjoy your music or calls, and technology plays a very good role in the AirPods 4 given that their design is open and without pads.
On the other hand, ambient sound mode does the opposite of noise cancellation. In other words, this allows outside sounds are better appreciated So you can be aware of everything that’s happening in your surroundings and not have to put a single earbud in one ear.
Additionally, Adaptive Audio is a feature that balances the balance between noise cancellation mode and ambient sound mode depending on the surrounding conditions.
Finally, it is worth mentioning that both versions of AirPods 4 include support for Custom Spatial Audio, Apple’s surround sound feature with dynamic tracking.
Pricing and availability
The version of AirPods 4 without noise cancellation is much cheaper, it was launched on the market for a starting price of 149 dollars although in some stores like MediaMarkt they are available for a price of around 139 dollars.
For its part, the most advanced version of AirPods 4 with noise cancellation starts at an initial price of 199 dollars but at the moment it has a very interesting discount on Amazon and they are available for 185 dollars.
Which of the two versions is more worth it?
It’s like everything. Ultimately, it all depends on what you’re going to use your wireless earbuds for. In my case, for example, I’m not going to use the noise-canceling technology and ambient sound features much, so I’d opt for the base AirPods 4. Yes, sometimes I usually take the subway, the bus and move around the noisier parts of the city, but these are not functions that I consider vitally important.
NOW, AirPods 4 with noise cancellation offer a lot more for a price that isn’t exorbitant either and it is well justified. Keep in mind that they are only 30 dollars or 40 dollars difference at most, which includes more audio functions, a speaker for the charging case and wireless charging with MagSafe compatibility. It’s definitely worth it, as long as these are features you’re going to enjoy. The decision is yours, which one do you choose?
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