If you're in the market for premium wireless earbuds in 2024, you're probably overwhelmed by choices. Today, we're comparing two standouts: the $129.99 Apple AirPods 4 and the $349 Denon PerL Pro. While they might seem similar at first glance, they're actually quite different products aimed at different users.
Wireless earbuds have come a long way since the original AirPods debuted in 2016. Today's models pack impressive technology into tiny packages - we're talking about advanced noise cancellation, spatial audio (which creates a 3D sound effect), and battery life that can last all day.
The most important features to consider are:
The AirPods 4 represent Apple's latest iteration of their standard wireless earbuds. They've made some meaningful improvements over previous generations, particularly in sound quality and noise cancellation.
Key improvements include:
What I particularly like about these is their seamless integration with Apple devices. If you're already using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, these earbuds practically set themselves up. They'll automatically switch between your devices as needed, which is incredibly convenient when going from watching a video on your iPad to taking a call on your iPhone.
The Denon PerL Pro earbuds, released in late 2023, take a different approach. These are audiophile-grade earbuds that support high-resolution audio formats through advanced codecs (think of codecs as different languages for transmitting digital audio - better codecs mean better sound quality).
Standout features include:
This is where these products really diverge. The AirPods 4 provide good, balanced sound that works well for most people. They handle popular music, podcasts, and calls admirably, but they're not going to blow away any audiophiles.
The PerL Pro, however, are in a different league. They support higher-quality audio formats and have more sophisticated drivers (the tiny speakers inside the earbuds). In my testing, the difference is noticeable even with standard streaming services like Spotify. Put on a well-recorded jazz album or classical piece, and the PerL Pros really shine, revealing details you might miss with the AirPods.
Both products offer active noise cancellation (ANC), which uses microphones to detect external noise and create inverse sound waves to cancel it out. The AirPods 4's noise cancellation is good for their price point, handling constant noises like airplane engines or air conditioners well.
The PerL Pro's more advanced system, with its array of eight microphones, does an even better job, especially with variable noises like conversations or traffic. However, for most users, both will provide sufficient noise reduction for comfortable listening in noisy environments.
Here's where things get interesting:
Both cases support wireless charging and USB-C, which is convenient. The AirPods 4 case is notably smaller, making it more pocket-friendly.
The AirPods 4 excel at ecosystem features:
The PerL Pro offers its own unique features:
For home theater use, both can work well, but they serve different purposes. The AirPods 4 integrate perfectly with Apple TV, offering low-latency audio and spatial audio effects that work great for movies. The PerL Pro offer superior sound quality but lack the specialized spatial audio integration with Apple TV.
At $129.99, the AirPods 4 represent solid value, especially for Apple users. They're not cheap, but they offer a good feature set for the price.
The PerL Pro's $349 price tag puts them in premium territory. You're paying for superior sound quality, better noise cancellation, and more advanced features. Whether that's worth the extra $220 depends on how you'll use them and how much you value audio quality.
Choose the AirPods 4 if you:
Choose the PerL Pro if you:
Both products excel in their intended use cases. The AirPods 4 are perfect for Apple users wanting a seamless, reliable experience without breaking the bank. The PerL Pro are for those who prioritize sound quality and are willing to pay for it.
My personal take? If you're deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem and want a great all-around performer, the AirPods 4 are an excellent choice. But if you're an audio enthusiast who wants the best possible sound quality and more advanced features, the PerL Pro are worth the premium price.
Remember, the best choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and how you plan to use them. Consider your priorities and choose accordingly.
| Apple AirPods 4 ($129.99) | Denon PerL Pro ($349) |
|---|---|
| Audio Codec Support - Determines maximum sound quality possible | |
| AAC only (good for basic streaming) | aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, AAC (superior for high-res audio) |
| Battery Life - Critical for daily use without recharging | |
| 5 hours per charge, 30 hours with case | 8 hours per charge, 32 hours with case |
| Noise Cancellation - Important for commuting and office use | |
| Basic ANC with 3 mics per bud | Advanced ANC with 8 mics total, superior isolation |
| Ecosystem Integration - Affects ease of use with your devices | |
| Seamless Apple integration, instant pairing | Platform agnostic, multipoint connection for any two devices |
| Water Resistance - Important for exercise and outdoor use | |
| IP54 (dust and splash resistant) | IPX4 (splash resistant only) |
| Sound Customization - Affects how well they adapt to your hearing | |
| Basic EQ settings through iOS | Advanced personalization with Masimo AAT technology |
| Special Features - Added value beyond basic functionality | |
| Find My support, Spatial Audio, Hey Siri | Dirac Virtuo Spatial Audio, personalized sound profiles |
| Driver Size - Influences sound quality and bass response | |
| Custom Apple driver (size undisclosed) | 12mm titanium drivers (larger typically means better bass) |
| Case Charging - Convenience factor | |
| Wireless charging, USB-C, smaller case | Wireless charging, USB-C, slightly larger case |
| Best For - Key deciding factor | |
| Apple users wanting convenience and value | Audiophiles seeking premium sound regardless of cost |
For movie watching, the $349 Denon PerL Pro offers superior sound quality with better bass response and clarity. However, the $129.99 AirPods 4 integrate better with Apple TV and offer specialized spatial audio features for movies.
The Denon PerL Pro has lower latency and better sound quality, making it superior for gaming. However, the AirPods 4 work seamlessly with Apple Arcade and offer decent performance for casual gaming.
The Denon PerL Pro offers 8 hours per charge, while the AirPods 4 provides 5 hours. Including the charging case, total playtime is 32 hours and 30 hours respectively.
The Denon PerL Pro features superior noise cancellation with 8 microphones total. The AirPods 4 offers good but basic noise cancellation suitable for most environments.
The Denon PerL Pro significantly outperforms in sound quality with better drivers and advanced codec support. The AirPods 4 offer good but basic sound quality suitable for casual listening.
The Denon PerL Pro offers true multipoint connection for any two devices. The AirPods 4 seamlessly switch between Apple devices but don't support true multipoint.
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: cnet.com - apple.com - youtube.com - tomsguide.com - apple.com - support.apple.com - phonearena.com - apple.com - cdw.com - apple.com - apple.com - connection.com - bhphotovideo.com - techradar.com - popsci.com - masimo.com - whathifi.com - audio46.com - headphones.com - head-fi.org - rtings.com - denon.com - stereonet.com - avsforum.com - audiosciencereview.com
