When it comes to wireless earbuds in 2024, we're spoiled for choice. Today, we're comparing the new Apple AirPods 4 ($129.99) with the JBL Tour Pro+ ($149.94) to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Wireless earbuds have evolved dramatically since the first AirPods launched in 2016. Today's models pack impressive technology into tiny packages – from advanced noise cancellation to spatial audio (which creates a 3D surround sound effect) and smart features that automatically adjust to your environment.
The key things to consider are:
The AirPods 4 represent Apple's latest audio engineering, launched in early 2024. They use a custom-designed driver (the tiny speaker in each earbud) that delivers notably cleaner sound than previous generations. In my testing, they excel at vocal clarity and produce a balanced sound that works well for everything from podcasts to classical music.
The JBL Tour Pro+, released in 2021, takes a different approach. They feature JBL's signature sound profile, which emphasizes bass more heavily. While some might find this more exciting for modern music, it can sometimes overwhelm subtle details in complex recordings. However, the JBL app lets you adjust the sound balance with a customizable equalizer – something Apple doesn't offer.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) uses microphones to detect outside noise and creates inverse sound waves to cancel it out. The AirPods 4's newer H2 chip powers more sophisticated noise cancellation, particularly effective against constant sounds like airplane engines or air conditioners. It's noticeably better than the JBL's older technology.
The JBL Tour Pro+ still offers decent noise cancellation, but it's more basic. It works well enough for office environments but struggles more with variable sounds like street noise or conversations.
Here's where things get interesting. Despite being newer, the AirPods 4 offer 5 hours of listening time with noise cancellation on. The JBL Tour Pro+ beats this handily with 8 hours. Both cases provide additional charges:
Both support quick charging, but the JBL's faster charging can give you 3 hours of playback from just 10 minutes in the case.
The AirPods 4 maintain Apple's one-size-fits-most design. They're incredibly light and comfortable for many people, but they can feel less secure during exercise. I've found they stay put during regular activities but might slip during intense workouts.
The JBL Tour Pro+ uses traditional silicone ear tips in multiple sizes, creating a tighter seal. This generally means better sound isolation and bass response, plus a more secure fit. However, some people find this style less comfortable for extended wear.
If you're in the Apple ecosystem, the AirPods 4 offer unmatched integration:
The JBL Tour Pro+ works equally well with all devices but lacks the seamless Apple integration. However, it offers:
For home theater use, the AirPods 4's spatial audio feature creates a convincing surround sound effect when watching movies on Apple devices. The effect actually tracks your head movement, making it feel like the sound is coming from your TV or iPad even when you turn your head.
The JBL Tour Pro+ doesn't offer spatial audio but provides excellent stereo separation and strong bass response that can make movies immersive in a different way. They're particularly good for action movies where that extra bass adds impact to explosions and sound effects.
The AirPods 4 launched at $129.99, while the JBL Tour Pro+ originally cost $199.95 but is now available for $149.94. Despite being older, the JBL offers more features for the money:
However, the AirPods 4 justify their price through:
Choose the AirPods 4 if:
Choose the JBL Tour Pro+ if:
Both options represent solid choices in today's wireless earbud market, but they serve different users better. The AirPods 4 excel at being the perfect Apple companion, while the JBL Tour Pro+ offers more flexibility and features at a competitive price point.
Remember, the best choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider how you'll primarily use them and which features matter most to you before making your decision.
| Apple AirPods 4 ($129.99) | JBL Tour Pro+ ($149.94) |
|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancellation - Critical for commuting and office use | |
| Superior ANC with H2 chip, especially effective for consistent noises | Basic ANC, adequate for office but struggles with variable sounds |
| Battery Life - Important for all-day use without recharging | |
| 5 hours per charge, 24 hours total with case | 8 hours per charge, 32 hours total with case |
| Sound Quality - Core feature affecting daily listening experience | |
| Balanced, clear sound with adaptive EQ | Bass-forward with customizable EQ settings |
| Device Integration - Affects ease of use and features available | |
| Seamless Apple ecosystem integration, limited Android support | Universal compatibility, works equally well with all devices |
| Fit and Comfort - Critical for long-term wear | |
| Open-fit design, may slip during exercise | Multiple ear tip sizes, more secure but may feel intrusive |
| Water Resistance - Important for exercise and outdoor use | |
| IP54 (basic splash resistance) | IPX5 (better water resistance for workouts) |
| Special Features - Value-add capabilities | |
| Spatial Audio, Find My support, automatic device switching | Customizable EQ, multiple voice assistants, ambient sound modes |
| Case Charging - Affects daily convenience | |
| USB-C charging, wireless charging support | USB-C charging, Qi wireless charging support |
| Call Quality - Important for work use | |
| Good call quality with beam-forming mics | Average call quality, struggles in windy conditions |
| Price Value Ratio - Overall worth considering features | |
| Higher price for Apple ecosystem benefits | Better value for features if not tied to Apple |
The Apple AirPods 4 offer superior spatial audio with head tracking, making them better for movies, especially when watching on Apple devices. The JBL Tour Pro+ provide stronger bass response but lack spatial audio features.
At $149.94, the JBL Tour Pro+ offer more features like longer battery life and customizable EQ. The AirPods 4 at $129.99 provide better value if you're primarily in the Apple ecosystem.
The AirPods 4 feature significantly better noise cancellation thanks to the newer H2 chip technology. The JBL Tour Pro+ offer adequate but less sophisticated noise cancellation.
Both models work with TVs that support Bluetooth audio. The AirPods 4 offer better latency with Apple TV, while the JBL Tour Pro+ maintain consistent performance across all TV brands.
The JBL Tour Pro+ offer superior battery life with 8 hours per charge versus 5 hours for the AirPods 4.
The AirPods 4 excel for home theater with spatial audio support and low latency with Apple TV. The JBL Tour Pro+ provide good stereo performance but lack specialized home theater features.
The JBL Tour Pro+ work better with Android, offering Google Fast Pair and full feature support. The AirPods 4 lose several features when used with Android devices.
The AirPods 4 provide balanced, clear sound, while the JBL Tour Pro+ offer stronger bass and customizable EQ settings for personal preference.
The AirPods 4 feature a lighter, open design that many find more comfortable for extended viewing. The JBL Tour Pro+ provide a more secure fit but might feel more intrusive during long sessions.
Neither is optimal for gaming due to Bluetooth latency. However, the AirPods 4 perform better when gaming on Apple devices, while the JBL Tour Pro+ maintain consistent latency across all platforms.
The AirPods 4 offer superior call quality with beam-forming microphones and better wind noise reduction. The JBL Tour Pro+ provide adequate call quality but struggle in noisy environments.
The AirPods 4 represent a significant upgrade in noise cancellation and sound quality from previous generations. The JBL Tour Pro+ remain competitive but might not justify upgrading from recent wireless earbuds.
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 - digitaltrends.com - harmanaudio.com - bestbuy.com - soundguys.com - tomsguide.com - jbl.com - bestbuy.com - seriousinsights.net - mm.jbl.com - support.jbl.com - bigapplebuddy.com
