Apple's acclaimed AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are on sale now at Amazon for just $169.99 with free shipping—a remarkable 32% discount and the best price we've seen all year. This is surprisingly the same price as the AirPods (4th generation) with ANC, which typically costs $70 less. However, the AirPods Pro remain the superior choice, offering noticeably better sound quality and noise cancellation.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) for $169.99
$249.00 $169.99 at Amazon
The AirPods Pro deliver the best sound quality among truly wireless earbuds for iPhone users. This is achieved through a combination of passive noise isolation (thanks to its in-ear design), excellent active noise cancellation, a low-distortion driver and amplifier, and the powerful Apple H2 chip. Enjoy added convenience with features like Adaptive Transparency Mode for enhanced awareness of your surroundings and Conversation Mode for clearer voice pickup during conversations. The second-generation model also boasts a convenient USB-C charging port and includes a MagSafe charging case.
AirPods Pro vs. AirPods (4th generation) with ANC: Which Should You Choose?
The AirPods Pro's superior audio and noise cancellation justify its $70 higher retail price compared to the AirPods (4th generation) with ANC. While both offer active noise cancellation, the AirPods Pro's in-ear design provides a significantly better seal, resulting in superior sound quality and more effective noise reduction. The AirPods (4th generation) with ANC, being an open-ear design with non-adjustable tips, lets in more ambient noise.
The AirPods Pro's in-ear design, with its adjustable ear tips, creates a crucial seal for optimal performance. This passive isolation, combined with the active noise cancellation, delivers a far more immersive listening experience. The only reason to opt for the AirPods (4th generation) with ANC at this price point would be a strong preference against in-ear earbuds.
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