AirPods are one of the easiest gifts to get right, and buying refurbished takes a big chunk off the price. But with AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 2 and the original AirPods Pro all on sale, which pair should you choose?
This guide compares the three most popular refurbished models in plain English.
The quick answer
- AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C): the best noise cancelling and the most features. Choose these if you commute, travel or work somewhere noisy.
- AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation: noise cancelling in a lighter, open design with no ear tips. Best if in-ear tips feel uncomfortable.
- AirPods Pro (1st generation): noise cancelling and ear tips for the lowest price.
Side by side
| AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) | AirPods 4 (ANC) | AirPods Pro (1st gen) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Released | 2023 (USB-C case) | 2024 | 2019 |
| Fit | In-ear with silicone tips | Open fit, no tips | In-ear with silicone tips |
| Chip | H2 | H2 | H1 |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Yes, strongest | Yes | Yes |
| Adaptive Audio | Yes | Yes | No |
| Volume control on the stem | Yes, swipe | No | No |
| Case charging | USB-C, MagSafe, Qi, Apple Watch charger | USB-C, Qi, Apple Watch charger | Lightning, wireless charging |
| Find My with case speaker | Yes | Yes | Find My only, no case speaker |
Features are Apple's specifications when new. Battery life on any pair of AirPods reduces with age and use.
AirPods Pro 2: the all-rounder
AirPods Pro 2 seal into your ear with silicone tips (four sizes in the box when new), which is why their noise cancelling is the strongest of the three. Adaptive Audio blends noise cancelling and transparency automatically, and Conversation Awareness lowers your music when you start talking.
The case charges with USB-C, MagSafe or any Qi pad, has a speaker so Find My can play a sound to help you find it, and a lanyard loop. If you want one pair that does everything, these are it. Shop AirPods Pro 2.
AirPods 4 with ANC: comfort first
AirPods 4 sit in the ear like classic AirPods, with no silicone tips. Lots of people find that more comfortable for long periods. The ANC version still offers Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency and Adaptive Audio, all powered by the same H2 chip as AirPods Pro 2.
Because there is no seal, noise cancelling is not as strong as on AirPods Pro 2, especially with low rumbles like trains and planes. The case is smaller, charges by USB-C or wirelessly, and also has a Find My speaker. Shop AirPods 4 with ANC.
AirPods Pro (1st gen): lowest price for noise cancelling
The original AirPods Pro brought noise cancelling and ear tips to AirPods. They still work well with iPhone and iPad, with Transparency mode and Spatial Audio. They use the older H1 chip, so they miss newer features like Adaptive Audio, and the case uses Lightning rather than USB-C.
If you want noise cancelling for the least money, or a spare pair for the gym, they are great value. Shop AirPods Pro (1st gen).
Which should you buy?
- Daily commuter or frequent flyer: AirPods Pro 2.
- Find ear tips uncomfortable: AirPods 4 with ANC.
- Gift on a budget, or a second pair: AirPods Pro (1st gen).
- Use an Android phone: all three connect by Bluetooth and play music and calls, but many features such as automatic switching, Find My and Spatial Audio need an Apple device.
Are refurbished AirPods hygienic?
Yes. Every pair we sell is tested and cleaned before it goes out, and comes with our 12-month warranty and free 30-day returns. If you prefer, you can buy replacement silicone tips cheaply for AirPods Pro.
Quick questions
Will refurbished AirPods work with my iPhone?
Yes. They pair with any recent iPhone in seconds. Open the case next to your unlocked iPhone and follow the prompt.
Can I use a USB-C cable from my iPhone 15 or 16?
Yes, for AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) and AirPods 4. The original AirPods Pro case uses a Lightning cable.
How long does the battery last?
When new, Apple quotes up to about 6 hours of listening for AirPods Pro 2 with noise cancelling on, and around 4 to 5 hours for AirPods 4 depending on the mode, with many more hours from the case. Older pairs will have less, so check the condition and battery notes on each listing.
See every model on our AirPods comparison page or shop all refurbished AirPods.
