Apple's top-tier earbuds are currently on a fantastic sale. Amazon is offering the second-generation Apple AirPods Pro wireless noise-canceling earbuds for just $169.99, including shipping. This represents a 32% discount and marks the best AirPods deal we've seen this year. Interestingly, this matches the current price of the Apple AirPods 4 with ANC, which typically costs $70 less. However, 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

Original Price: $249.00
Current Price: $169.99 at Amazon

The AirPods Pro is renowned as the best-sounding "truly wireless" earbuds for iPhone users, thanks to its passively isolating in-ear design combined with excellent active noise cancellation, a low-distortion driver and amplifier, and the advanced Apple H2 chip. They also feature useful functionalities like Adaptive Transparency Mode, which allows you to stay aware of your surroundings without removing the earbuds, and Conversation Mode, which enhances the voices of people you're talking to. The second-generation AirPods Pro now includes a more universal USB Type-C port instead of the Lightning port, and comes with a MagSafe charging case as standard.

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

The AirPods Pro is considered a superior earbud, which is why it usually retails for $70 more than the AirPods 4 ANC. Both models boast active noise cancellation, but the AirPods Pro delivers superior sound quality and more effective noise cancellation due to its design. The AirPods 4 ANC uses an open-ear style with non-adjustable tips, designed to sit just outside the ear. While this can be more comfortable, it results in more sound leakage and ambient noise intrusion.

In contrast, the AirPods Pro features an in-ear design that sits inside the ear canal, sealing it off and passively isolating it from ambient sounds. They come with adjustable tips to fit various ear sizes, ensuring a proper seal which is crucial for optimal performance. At this price, the only compelling reason to opt for the AirPods 4 ANC would be a preference for the less intrusive nature of open-ear style earbuds.

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