If you're looking to upgrade your audio experience, today's your lucky day. Apple's top-tier earbuds, the second generation Apple AirPods Pro with wireless noise-canceling capabilities, are on sale at Amazon for just $169.99. That's a whopping 32% off the original price of $249.00, marking the best AirPods deal of the year so far. Interestingly, this deal matches the current price of the Apple AirPods 4 with ANC, despite the latter typically being $70 less. However, when it comes to choosing between the two, the AirPods Pro stands out as the superior choice due to its enhanced sound quality and more effective noise cancellation.
Apple AirPods Pro for $169.99
Apple AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C
$249.00 save 32%
$169.99 at Amazon
The AirPods Pro is renowned as the best-sounding "truly wireless" earbuds for iPhone users. This acclaim is thanks to its passively isolating in-ear design, combined with excellent active noise cancellation, a low-distortion driver and amp, and the innovative Apple H2 chip. Additionally, the AirPods Pro comes equipped with useful features like Adaptive Transparency Mode, which allows you to hear your surroundings without removing your earbuds, and Conversation Mode, which automatically enhances the voices of those you're talking to. The second generation AirPods Pro introduces a more universal USB Type-C port, replacing the Lightning port, and includes a MagSafe charging case as standard.
Should you get the AirPods Pro over AirPods 4 with ANC?
The AirPods Pro is a superior earbud, which is why it typically retails for $70 more than the AirPods 4 ANC. Both models feature active noise cancellation, but the AirPods Pro delivers better sound quality and more effective noise canceling due to its design. The AirPods 4 ANC adopts an open-ear style with non-adjustable tips, designed to sit just outside the ear. While this design is comfortable, it results in sound leakage and increased ambient noise intrusion.
In contrast, the AirPods Pro uses an in-ear style that sits inside your ear canal, effectively sealing it and passively isolating it from ambient noise. The inclusion of adjustable tips ensures a proper fit for different ear sizes, which is crucial for optimal performance. At this price point, the only compelling reason to opt for the AirPods 4 ANC would be if you prefer the less intrusive nature of open-ear style earbuds.
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