Today marks an exciting opportunity for audio enthusiasts as Apple's premier earbuds, the second-generation Apple AirPods Pro with wireless noise-canceling capabilities, are on sale. Amazon is offering these top-tier earbuds for just $169.99 shipped, marking a substantial 32% discount and presenting the best AirPods deal we've seen this year. Interestingly, this price matches that of the Apple AirPods 4 with ANC, which typically retails for $70 less. However, when comparing the two, the AirPods Pro emerges as the superior choice due to its enhanced sound quality and superior 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 stands out as the best-sounding "truly wireless" earbuds for iPhone users, thanks to its passively isolating in-ear design, excellent active noise cancellation, low-distortion driver and amplifier, and the powerful Apple H2 chip. It also boasts practical features like Adaptive Transparency Mode, which allows you to stay aware of your surroundings without removing your earbuds, and Conversation Mode, which automatically enhances the voices of people you're interacting with. The second-generation AirPods Pro now features a more universal USB Type-C port, replacing the previous Lightning port, and comes standard with a MagSafe charging case.

Should you get the AirPods Pro over AirPods 4 with ANC?

The AirPods Pro is the superior earbud, justifying its usual $70 higher price tag compared to the AirPods 4 ANC. Both models offer active noise cancellation, but the AirPods Pro delivers superior sound quality and more effective noise canceling due to its design. The AirPods 4 ANC uses an open-ear style with non-adjustable tips, sitting just outside the ear. While this design may be more comfortable, it leads to sound leakage and increased ambient noise intrusion.

In contrast, the AirPods Pro features an in-ear design that sits directly inside the ear canal, effectively sealing it and passively isolating it from external noise. It includes adjustable tips to fit various ear sizes, ensuring a snug fit that's crucial for optimal performance. At this discounted price, the only reason to opt for the AirPods 4 ANC would be if you prefer the less intrusive feel of open-ear earbuds.

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