As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- Best overall: Apple AirPods Pro 2 (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C)
- Best budget: Apple AirPods 4
- Best premium: Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
- Best for travel: Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation
- Apple AirPods Pro 2 (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) is the strongest all-around pick for adjustable silicone tips, ANC and up to 6 hours of listening per charge.
- Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation offers ANC in an open-fit design, with up to 4 hours of listening per charge when ANC is on.
- Apple AirPods 4 is the simpler, lower-feature pick for shoppers who want an open fit and up to 5 hours of listening per charge.
- Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 is the sport-focused choice, with earhooks, ANC and up to 8 hours of listening per charge with ANC on.
- Compare fit, battery, noise control and device compatibility before choosing a Black Friday 2026 product.
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) and Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation are the closest matchups for shoppers choosing between sealed silicone tips and an open fit. Both include active noise cancellation, Apple device features and a charging case, but their designs suit different ears and routines.
For this Black Friday 2026 category guide, we researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback across Apple and Beats earbuds and headphones. On paper, battery figures and noise control help narrow the field; fit, calls and how you use Apple devices matter just as much. The short version: choose AirPods Pro 2 for stronger isolation and a customizable seal, and AirPods 4 with ANC for an open fit.
How We Picked
- Compared official battery estimates, including listening time per charge and total time with the charging case.
- Separated sealed in-ear designs from open-fit earbuds and over-ear headphones because fit changes comfort and isolation.
- Checked noise-control options, including ANC, transparency modes and products without ANC.
- Considered Apple and Android compatibility, workout features, water-resistance ratings and charging options.
- Used owner feedback and published specifications to identify useful differences rather than ranking products by price.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Listening time per charge | Total listening time | Water resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple AirPods Pro 2 (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) | Best overall | Up to 6 hours with ANC | Up to 30 hours | IP54 earbuds and case |
| Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation | Open fit with ANC | Up to 4 hours with ANC | Up to 20 hours with ANC | IP54 earbuds and case |
| Apple AirPods 4 | Basic open-fit earbuds | Up to 5 hours | Up to 30 hours | IP54 earbuds and case |
| Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) | Premium over-ear listening | Up to 20 hours with ANC | 20 hours per charge; no charging case | Not specified |
| Beats Studio Buds + | Mixed Apple and Android use | Up to 9 hours | Up to 36 hours | IPX4 earbuds |
| Beats Fit Pro | Secure fit for workouts | Up to 6 hours with ANC | Up to 24 hours | IPX4 earbuds |
| Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 | Workout earhooks and ANC | Up to 8 hours with ANC | Up to 36 hours with ANC | IPX4 earbuds |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
Apple AirPods Pro 2 (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C)
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) is the best overall choice for listeners who want a sealed fit, ANC and Apple features, with up to 6 hours of listening per charge.
Best for: Best overall for commuting, calls and flexible listening
- Listening time
- Up to 6 hours per charge with ANC
- Total listening time
- Up to 30 hours with case
- Water resistance
- IP54 earbuds and case
- Chip
- Apple H2
- Silicone tips offer a more secure seal and multiple fit sizes.
- ANC, Transparency mode and Adaptive Audio support varied listening situations.
- USB-C case includes a speaker for Find My location alerts.
- Sealed tips feel less airy than an open-fit design.
- The feature set is most useful for people in the Apple ecosystem.
Is the Apple AirPods Pro 2 (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Apple AirPods Pro 2 (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) is a strong Black Friday 2026 pick for listeners who value a sealed fit, ANC, useful Apple integrations and up to 30 hours of total listening time.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#2
Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation
The Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation is the best open-fit ANC choice for listeners who dislike silicone tips, with up to 4 hours of listening per charge when ANC is enabled.
Best for: Best open-fit earbuds with ANC
- Listening time
- Up to 4 hours with ANC
- Total listening time
- Up to 20 hours with case and ANC
- Water resistance
- IP54 earbuds and case
- Chip
- Apple H2
- Open fit avoids silicone tips inside the ear canal.
- ANC and Transparency mode add listening flexibility.
- The case supports wireless charging and Find My speaker alerts.
- Open-fit earbuds provide less passive isolation than sealed tips.
- Battery life with ANC is shorter than the Pro 2 estimate.
Is the Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation suits listeners who want ANC without silicone tips. The open fit feels less sealed than AirPods Pro 2, and the case offers up to 20 hours of total listening with ANC enabled.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#3
Apple AirPods 4
The Apple AirPods 4 is the best straightforward open-fit pick for listeners who do not need ANC, with up to 5 hours of listening per charge.
Best for: Best basic Apple earbuds
- Listening time
- Up to 5 hours per charge
- Total listening time
- Up to 30 hours with case
- Water resistance
- IP54 earbuds and case
- Chip
- Apple H2
- Open design has no silicone tips.
- H2 chip supports Apple audio features and device switching.
- Up to 30 hours of listening with the case.
- No active noise cancellation.
- Open fit blocks less environmental sound than sealed earbuds.
Is the Apple AirPods 4 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Apple AirPods 4 is a good match for listeners who want simple open-fit earbuds and Apple device integration without paying for ANC features. The case extends listening time to up to 30 hours, while the earbuds offer up to 5 hours per charge.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
The Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) is the best premium over-ear choice for listeners who prioritize an enveloping fit and ANC, with up to 20 hours of listening per charge.
Best for: Best premium over-ear headphones
- Listening time
- Up to 20 hours with ANC
- Weight
- 386.2 grams
- Charging port
- USB-C
- Audio chip
- Apple H1 in each ear cup
- Over-ear cups create a different fit from earbuds.
- ANC and Transparency mode are available.
- USB-C supports charging and wired audio playback.
- The 386.2-gram build is heavier than earbuds.
- The over-ear design is less compact for travel.
Is the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) is worth considering for listeners who prefer over-ear headphones, Apple features and ANC over a compact earbud design. Apple rates battery life at up to 20 hours with ANC enabled per charge.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#5
Beats Studio Buds +
The Beats Studio Buds + is the best compact Apple-and-Android option for listeners who want ANC and a small case, with up to 9 hours of listening per charge.
Best for: Best compact earbuds for mixed-device households
- Listening time
- Up to 9 hours per charge
- Total listening time
- Up to 36 hours with case
- Water resistance
- IPX4 earbuds
- Modes
- ANC and Transparency
- Works with Apple and Android devices.
- ANC and Transparency modes are included.
- Up to 36 hours of listening time with the case.
- Does not offer the same Apple-specific chip features as AirPods.
- IPX4 protection applies to the earbuds, not the case.
Is the Beats Studio Buds + worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Beats Studio Buds + is a practical option for households using both Apple and Android devices. ANC, Transparency mode and up to 36 hours of total listening time make the small earbuds useful for commuting and everyday listening.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
Beats Fit Pro
The Beats Fit Pro is the best secure-fit alternative for workouts and everyday listening, with flexible wingtips and up to 6 hours of listening per charge with ANC.
Best for: Best secure fit for workouts
- Listening time
- Up to 6 hours with ANC
- Total listening time
- Up to 24 hours with case
- Water resistance
- IPX4 earbuds
- Chip
- Apple H1
- Flexible wingtips help hold the earbuds in place.
- ANC and Transparency mode are included.
- Apple H1 supports Apple device features.
- Wingtips do not suit every ear shape.
- The case does not offer wireless charging.
Is the Beats Fit Pro worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Beats Fit Pro is a good Black Friday 2026 choice for listeners who want a more secure fit for movement. Flexible wingtips, ANC and up to 24 hours of listening with the case distinguish it from standard open-fit AirPods.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 is the best workout pick for listeners who want earhooks and ANC, with up to 8 hours of listening per charge when ANC is on.
Best for: Best for workouts and vigorous movement
- Listening time
- Up to 8 hours with ANC
- Total listening time
- Up to 36 hours with ANC
- Water resistance
- IPX4 earbuds
- Chip
- Apple H2
- Adjustable earhooks provide a secure workout fit.
- ANC and Transparency modes are available.
- Heart-rate sensors add workout tracking support.
- Earhooks make the earbuds bulkier than standard AirPods.
- The sport-focused fit is less discreet.
Is the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 is a compelling workout-focused choice for listeners who want earhooks, ANC and heart-rate sensors. Battery life reaches up to 8 hours with ANC on, with up to 36 hours total from the earbuds and case.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
Which is better, Apple AirPods Pro 2 or Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation?
Apple AirPods Pro 2 (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) suits listeners who want a sealed fit and up to 6 hours of listening with ANC. Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation suits listeners who prefer an open fit and up to 4 hours with ANC.
Silicone tips give Apple AirPods Pro 2 a seal that adds passive isolation. Apple AirPods 4 leaves the ear canal open. Both models use Apple’s H2 chip and include Transparency mode. Choose based on fit, battery life and case features.
How does ANC compare on Apple AirPods Pro 2 and Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation?
Apple AirPods Pro 2 combines ANC with silicone-tip isolation. Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation adds ANC to an open-fit design.
Ear shape and fit affect noise reduction. Apple AirPods Pro 2 includes multiple tip sizes for a seal, while its open-fit counterpart lets more surrounding sound in. Both models offer Transparency mode. For flights and noisy commutes, Apple AirPods Pro 2 provides a more isolation-focused design.
Which AirPods fit is better for all-day comfort?
Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation is a starting point for listeners who prefer an open fit. Apple AirPods Pro 2 (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) includes tip sizes for a personalized seal.
Comfort varies by ear shape. Open-fit earbuds avoid a silicone seal but provide less passive isolation. Sealed earbuds reduce outside sound, though some listeners dislike the in-ear feel. Beats Fit Pro and Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 offer wingtips or earhooks for a more secure fit during movement.
Which Apple and Beats earbuds work best with different devices?
Apple AirPods models integrate closely with Apple devices. Beats Studio Buds + supports both Apple and Android ecosystems.
Automatic switching and Find My integration are useful for Apple users. Check each model’s support for device switching, location tools and voice assistants. Basic Bluetooth listening works across many phones, but available features vary by model and operating system.
What should you compare before buying earbuds on Black Friday 2026?
Compare fit, ANC, battery estimates and device compatibility when choosing between Apple AirPods Pro 2 and Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation.
Battery life varies with volume, settings and use. Compare listening time with ANC enabled and total time with the charging case. Confirm the product and case version before checkout. For exercise, check fit and water resistance; for calls and travel, weigh ANC and Transparency mode against comfort.
Buying Guide
Choose the fit before the feature list
Choose Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation for an open fit, or Apple AirPods Pro 2 (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) for silicone tips and a sealed feel. Fit affects comfort and noise isolation.
Check battery estimates with ANC on
Compare listening time per charge with total case time. Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation is rated for up to 4 hours with ANC; Apple AirPods Pro 2 is rated for up to 6 hours.
Match the earbuds to your devices
Apple AirPods suit Apple-focused households. Beats Studio Buds + supports Apple and Android. Check each model’s device switching, location tools and voice controls.
Shop by everyday use
Prioritize ANC and comfort for commuting. For exercise, consider Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earhooks or Beats Fit Pro wingtips. Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) is an over-ear option with up to 20 hours of listening with ANC.
FAQ
Are AirPods Pro 2 better than AirPods 4 with ANC?
Apple AirPods Pro 2 (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) is better for a sealed fit, more physical isolation and up to 6 hours of ANC listening. Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation is better for listeners who prefer an open fit.
Do AirPods 4 with ANC have silicone tips?
No. Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation use an open-fit design without silicone tips. The fit leaves the ear canal less sealed than Apple AirPods Pro 2, which comes with silicone tips in multiple sizes for a more customizable in-ear seal.
How long do AirPods Pro 2 last with ANC?
Apple AirPods Pro 2 (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) is rated for up to 6 hours of listening per charge with ANC enabled. The charging case extends total listening time to up to 30 hours, depending on settings and use.
Are AirPods 4 with ANC good for travel?
Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation is a useful travel choice for listeners who want open-fit earbuds and ANC in a compact case. Travelers who prioritize a sealed fit and longer ANC listening per charge should compare Apple AirPods Pro 2.
Which Beats earbuds are best for workouts?
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 is the best workout-focused option here for listeners who want earhooks, ANC and heart-rate sensors. Beats Fit Pro is another secure choice, with flexible wingtips and ANC for exercise and everyday listening.
Can Beats earbuds connect to both iPhone and Android?
Yes. Beats Studio Buds + supports Apple and Android devices, making it a practical pick for households that use both platforms. Apple AirPods also connect over Bluetooth to many devices, but their Apple-specific features work best with compatible Apple products.