Apple AirPods 4 (with Active Noise Cancellation) vs JBL Tour One M2
Apple AirPods 4 deliver impressive ANC for an open-fit design, featuring the H2 chip, Adaptive Audio, and Personalized Spatial Audio at an accessible $179 price point. JBL Tour One M2 are over-ear headphones offering superior battery life (30 hours ANC on vs. 5 hours), true multipoint connectivity, and LDAC hi-res audio codec support for audiophiles. Sound quality favors JBL's 40mm drivers with hi-res capability, while AirPods 4 excel in everyday convenience, seamless Apple ecosystem integration, and portability at half the cost. AirPods 4 lack multipoint connectivity and are limited to AAC/SBC codecs, while JBL lacks IP rating protection. Choose AirPods 4 for active lifestyle users prioritizing comfort and Apple integration; select JBL Tour One M2 if you demand longer listening sessions, hi-res audio quality, and professional multipoint features despite their bulk and premium price.
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple AirPods 4 (with Active Noise Cancellation) | JBL Tour One M2 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 4.3 g (per bud) | 268 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 5 hrs buds (ANC on), up to 30 hrs total with case | 30 hours ANC on (50 hours ANC off) |
| Charging | USB-C, Qi wireless, Apple Watch charger | USB-C, 10 min = 5 hours quick charge |
| Drivers | Custom Apple low-distortion driver with high-dynamic-range amplifier | 40mm dynamic |
| Features | Active Noise Cancellation in an open-fit (non-tip) design, Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness, Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking, H2 chip, Find My (case speaker, no Precision Finding U1), Voice Isolation for calls | True Adaptive Noise Cancelling 2.0, Spatial Sound with head tracking, Personi-Fi 2.0 hearing personalization, Multipoint pairing, LDAC hi-res audio |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IP54 (buds and case) | None |
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods 4 (with Active Noise Cancellation)
Pros
- First open-fit AirPods with active noise cancellation
- Much more comfortable than Pro for users who dislike silicone tips
- Smaller, lighter case with USB-C and wireless charging
- Adaptive Audio, Spatial Audio, and Conversation Awareness
- Cheaper than AirPods Pro 2
Cons
- ANC is weaker than tip-sealed earbuds like AirPods Pro 2
- No swappable ear tips means fit may not suit everyone
- AAC only — no hi-res or lossless codecs
- No Precision Finding (no U1 chip in case)
- No wireless charging on the cheaper non-ANC variant (this model has it)
JBL Tour One M2
Pros
- Strong feature set including LDAC and spatial audio
- Effective adaptive ANC
- Comfortable and foldable design
- Good multipoint implementation
Cons
- Sound signature divisive out of the box
- Companion app can be buggy
- Build quality feels plasticky
- Microphone quality below class leaders
Related Comparisons
Explore more in headphones, see all Apple products or all JBL products. View full details for the Apple AirPods 4 (with Active Noise Cancellation) or the JBL Tour One M2.