When it comes to high-end wireless earbuds in 2024, two models stand out: The $179.99 Apple AirPods 4 and the $249 Bowers & Wilkins Pi6. Both offer active noise cancellation (ANC) and premium features, but they take quite different approaches to personal audio. Let's break down everything you need to know to make the right choice.
Wireless earbuds have come a long way since the original AirPods launched in 2016. Today's premium models pack incredible technology into tiny packages - from advanced noise cancellation to spatial audio processing that creates a virtual surround sound experience. The latest models also solve earlier issues with battery life and connection stability.
The AirPods 4 represent Apple's latest mainstream earbud offering, released in early 2024 with significant updates to noise cancellation and smart features. Meanwhile, the B&W Pi6 launched as Bowers & Wilkins' mid-tier audiophile option, focused on pure sound quality over fancy extras.
The Pi6 takes a traditional audiophile approach, using high-quality bio-cellulose drivers (the tiny speakers in each earbud) that produce extremely detailed sound. The bass is rich and controlled, the midrange is natural, and high frequencies sparkle without being harsh. If you're someone who really focuses on music quality, you'll appreciate how the Pi6 reveals subtle details in your favorite tracks.
The AirPods 4 prioritize a different kind of listening experience. While they don't match the Pi6's pure audio performance, they offer spatial audio - a feature that creates a virtual surround sound effect by tracking your head movements. For movies and TV shows especially, this can create a more immersive experience. The sound signature emphasizes vocals and midrange frequencies, which works well for podcasts and calls, though bass lovers might find them a bit thin.
Both models feature active noise cancellation (ANC), which uses microphones to detect external noise and create inverse sound waves to cancel it out. However, they handle this technology quite differently:
The AirPods 4 integrate ANC into a broader "Adaptive Audio" system that automatically adjusts based on your environment. When someone starts talking to you, the "Conversation Awareness" feature automatically lowers your music and enhances their voice. It's genuinely useful in daily life, though the actual noise cancellation isn't quite as strong as some competitors.
The Pi6 takes a more straightforward approach with very effective ANC that you control manually. It doesn't have fancy adaptive features, but it does an excellent job of blocking out constant noise like airplane engines or air conditioners. The "pass-through" mode (which lets you hear your surroundings) sounds more natural than previous B&W models.
Here's where we see some interesting tradeoffs:
Pi6:
The Pi6 wins on single-charge battery life, which is great for long flights or workdays. The AirPods offer more total battery life with the case and more convenient wireless charging options.
This is where the products diverge most significantly. The AirPods 4 are deeply integrated into Apple's ecosystem with features like:
The Pi6 focuses on audio fundamentals but includes:
For home theater use, the AirPods 4 have a clear advantage thanks to their spatial audio feature, which creates a virtual surround sound experience. When watching movies on an Apple TV or iOS device, the sound feels like it's coming from your TV screen, even as you turn your head. It's not quite like having a full surround system, but it's impressive for earbuds.
The Pi6 offer excellent sound quality for movies but lack spatial audio processing. However, their superior bass response might make action movies more impactful, and their longer battery life means you can watch several movies without recharging.
Choose the AirPods 4 if:
Choose the Pi6 if:
Having tested both models extensively, I've found that the AirPods 4 excel at everyday use - they're just incredibly convenient, especially with Apple devices. The smart features really do make a difference in daily life, and the spatial audio is genuinely impressive for movies.
The Pi6, however, provide a noticeably better pure listening experience. If you're someone who really focuses on music quality, the difference is clear. They're also more versatile across different devices and offer more consistent performance regardless of what you're connected to.
At $179.99, the AirPods 4 offer excellent value for Apple users who want a do-everything earbud. The smart features and ecosystem integration justify the price, even if they're not the absolute best-sounding option.
The $249 Pi6 are pricier but justify the cost through superior sound quality and better battery life. For audio enthusiasts who care more about sound than smart features, they represent good value despite the higher price tag.
Your choice ultimately depends on whether you prioritize convenience and smart features (AirPods 4) or pure audio performance and versatility (Pi6). Both are excellent products that serve their target users well.
| $179 Apple AirPods 4 | $249 Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 |
|---|---|
| Sound Quality - The fundamental reason to buy premium earbuds | |
| Good for vocals, weaker bass, optimized for Apple devices | Superior overall sound, excellent bass, high-res audio support |
| Active Noise Cancellation - Critical for commuting and travel | |
| Adaptive ANC with smart features like conversation detection | Strong traditional ANC, better passive isolation with ear tips |
| Battery Life - Important for long listening sessions | |
| 5 hours (buds), 30 hours (with case) | 8 hours (buds), 24 hours (with case) |
| Smart Features - Can significantly improve daily usability | |
| Spatial audio, automatic device switching, Find My tracking | Basic features only, standard Bluetooth multipoint |
| Ecosystem Integration - Affects ease of use across devices | |
| Seamless Apple integration, limited Android compatibility | Universal compatibility, better Android codec support |
| Water/Dust Protection - Important for exercise use | |
| IP54 rated, good for light exercise | IP54 rated, similar durability |
| Charging Options - Affects convenience | |
| Wireless charging, MagSafe, and USB-C | USB-C only |
| Fit Style - Impacts comfort and isolation | |
| Open design, one size fits most | In-ear with multiple tip sizes for better seal |
| Audio Codecs - Affects sound quality potential | |
| AAC only (optimal for Apple devices) | aptX Adaptive, aptX, AAC, SBC (better for all devices) |
| Value Proposition - Price vs Features | |
| Better value for Apple users wanting smart features | Better value for audio quality focused users |
The $179 AirPods 4 have an advantage for movies thanks to spatial audio, which creates virtual surround sound when watching content on Apple devices. While the $249 Pi6 offer superior overall sound quality, they lack this immersive feature for home theater use.
Both offer effective noise cancellation, but serve different needs. The AirPods 4 feature adaptive ANC that automatically adjusts to your environment, while the Pi6 provides stronger consistent noise blocking.
The Pi6 offer longer single-charge battery life at 8 hours versus 5 hours for the AirPods 4. However, the AirPods case provides more total charging capacity (30 hours vs 24 hours).
Both work well, but AirPods 4's spatial audio creates a more theater-like experience. The Pi6's superior sound quality offers better detail and bass response for movie effects.
The AirPods 4 excel at call quality with better voice isolation and adaptive features that help in noisy environments. The Pi6 are good but prioritize music performance over calls.
This depends on personal preference. AirPods 4 have an open design that some find more comfortable, while Pi6 use traditional ear tips that provide better isolation but might cause fatigue for some users.
The AirPods 4 offer better value at $179 if you're in the Apple ecosystem. The Pi6 justify their $249 price through superior sound quality and broader device compatibility.
Yes, both work with any Bluetooth TV, but the AirPods 4's spatial audio only works with Apple devices. The Pi6 offer lower latency with aptX Adaptive on supported devices.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: tomsguide.com - apple.com - youtube.com - apple.com - staples.com - support.apple.com - connection.com - support.apple.com - pcrichard.com - adorama.com - zones.com - cdw.com - stuff.tv - bowerswilkins.com - youtube.com - tomsguide.com - bowerswilkins.com - audio46.com - crutchfield.com - baybloorradio.com - skybygramophone.com - nfm.com - ofinet.es - bowerswilkins.com
