Today marks a fantastic opportunity for audiophiles and Apple enthusiasts alike—Apple's premier earbuds, the second generation AirPods Pro, are on sale at Amazon for just $169.99, shipped. This represents a remarkable 32% savings and stands as the best deal on AirPods this year. Interestingly, this price matches the current offer for the Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which typically retails for $70 less. Yet, the AirPods Pro remains the superior choice, boasting enhanced sound quality and more effective noise cancellation.
Apple AirPods Pro for $169.99
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Apple AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C
$249.00 save 32%
$169.99 at Amazon
The AirPods Pro is heralded as the top-tier "truly wireless" earbuds for iPhone users, thanks to its innovative design that passively isolates sound, combined with superior active noise cancellation, a low-distortion driver and amp, and the powerful Apple H2 chip. Noteworthy features include Adaptive Transparency Mode, which lets you stay connected to your surroundings without removing your earbuds, and Conversation Mode, which automatically amplifies the voices of those you're speaking with. The second generation AirPods Pro now features a more versatile USB Type-C port, replacing the Lightning port, and comes with a standard MagSafe charging case for added convenience.
Should you get the AirPods Pro over AirPods 4 with ANC?
The AirPods Pro, typically priced $70 higher than the AirPods 4 ANC, is the clear winner in terms of audio performance and noise cancellation effectiveness. Both models boast active noise cancellation, but the AirPods Pro offers a superior listening experience due to its in-ear design. The AirPods 4 ANC adopts an open-ear style with non-adjustable tips, which, while comfortable, leads to sound leakage and increased ambient noise intrusion.
In contrast, the AirPods Pro's in-ear design sits snugly in the ear canal, creating a seal that passively isolates noise. It comes with adjustable tips to fit various ear sizes, ensuring optimal performance. At this discounted price, the AirPods 4 ANC might only be a better choice if you specifically prefer the less intrusive open-ear design.
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