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Apple sells two versions of AirPods 4: standard AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). The ANC model adds noise-control features and wireless charging support; the standard model costs less but omits those extras. In Brad Bennett’s September 2024 MobileSyrup review, both sounded good and the redesigned open-ear fit felt more secure in his ears, while ANC reduced some city noise without matching AirPods Pro 2’s isolation. Choose based on whether those added features—and the fit—matter to you.
What is different between AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC?
Both versions use Apple’s H2 chip, charge over USB-C, and are rated IP54 for dust, sweat, and water resistance. Only the ANC configuration includes active noise cancellation. Apple also lists Adaptive Audio, Transparency, and Conversation Awareness for that version.
| Feature | AirPods 4 | AirPods 4 with ANC |
|---|---|---|
| Noise control | No ANC listed | ANC, Adaptive Audio, and Transparency listed by Apple |
| Conversation Awareness | Not listed for this version | Listed by Apple |
| Charging case | USB-C charging case | USB-C case with speaker and wireless charging support |
| Apple’s battery estimate | Up to 5 hours per charge and up to 30 hours with the case | Up to 4 hours per charge with ANC enabled |
These are Apple’s listed features and battery estimates, not guarantees of real-world performance. Apple’s pages: AirPods 4 technical specifications, AirPods 4 with ANC technical specifications, and AirPods 4 with ANC product listing.
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In his hands-on review, Brad Bennett found that ANC reduced low-frequency city noise, but did not isolate as strongly as AirPods Pro 2. That is a reviewer’s listening impression, not a controlled noise-cancellation test. AirPods 4 with ANC remain open-ear earbuds, without the silicone tips used by AirPods Pro 2; that design may appeal if you dislike sealed ear tips, but it also means the listening experience and fit will differ.
#1 Best Overall
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation help reduce outside noise before it reaches your ears, so you can immerse yourself in what you’re listening to.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU — The powerful H2 chip comes to AirPods 4. Adaptive Audio seamlessly blends ANC and Transparency mode — which lets you comfortably hear and interact with the world around you exactly as it sounds — to provide the best listening experience in any environment.* And when you’re speaking with someone nearby, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — Voice Isolation improves the quality of calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
Apple lists Adaptive Audio, which adjusts noise control, and Transparency, which lets outside sound through. Conversation Awareness is also listed for the ANC version. These features make the ANC model more versatile when moving between listening and awareness of your surroundings, but they do not turn it into the stronger-isolating Pro design Bennett described.
How do AirPods 4 fit and sound?
Bennett praised the sound and found the redesigned buds more secure in his own ears than earlier AirPods. His fit experience is personal: an open-ear shape that stays put for one listener may not sit securely in another person’s ears. If fit is a concern, try them before committing where possible, and consider the return policy of the retailer you use.
Rank #2
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO — Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you, creating a theater-like listening experience for music, TV shows, movies, games, and more.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — AirPods 4 feature the Apple-designed H2 chip. Voice Isolation improves the quality of phone calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
- LONG BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge. And get up to 30 hours of total listening time using the case.*
What is the AirPods 4 battery life?
Apple lists up to five hours per charge and up to 30 hours with the case for standard AirPods 4. For AirPods 4 with ANC, Apple’s product comparison lists up to four hours per charge with ANC enabled. Those figures are maximum manufacturer estimates under specified conditions, not a promise of everyday runtime.
Bennett reported a little over four hours in his own test with ANC and Spatial Audio active. That is one reviewer’s usage observation, not a general battery benchmark; actual endurance can vary with settings and use. The ANC case supports wireless charging, while the standard case does not.
Rank #3
- WORLD’S BEST IN-EAR ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — Removes up to 2x more unwanted noise than AirPods Pro 2* so you can stay fully immersed in the moment.*
- BREAKTHROUGH AUDIO PERFORMANCE — Experience breathtaking, three-dimensional audio with AirPods Pro 3. A new acoustic architecture delivers transformed bass, detailed clarity so you can hear every instrument, and stunningly vivid vocals.
- HEART RATE SENSING — Built-in heart rate sensing lets you track your heart rate and calories burned for up to 50 different workout types.* With iPhone, you will have access to the Move ring, step count, and the new Workout Buddy,* powered by Apple Intelligence.*
- LIVE TRANSLATION — Communicate across language barriers using Live Translation,* enabled by Apple Intelligence.*
- EXTENDED BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 8 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation on a single charge. Or up to 10 hours in Transparency using the Hearing Aid feature.*
Which AirPods 4 should you choose?
Choose standard AirPods 4 if
- You want the lower-cost configuration and do not need ANC, Adaptive Audio, Transparency, or Conversation Awareness.
- You are comfortable charging the case by USB-C rather than wirelessly.
- Apple’s longer listed per-charge estimate is more relevant to you than the ANC feature set.
Choose AirPods 4 with ANC if
- You want ANC for reducing some surrounding noise, while understanding Bennett found its isolation weaker than AirPods Pro 2.
- You value Adaptive Audio, Transparency, or Conversation Awareness.
- You want a case with a speaker and wireless charging support.
The MobileSyrup review listed Canadian launch prices of CAD $179 for standard AirPods 4 and CAD $249 for the ANC model when it was published on September 16, 2024. Those are historical launch prices, not current quotes. Prices and availability vary by country and date, so compare current local listings before buying. Apple’s current US listing is market-specific and can change.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How this review was assessed
Brad Bennett’s MobileSyrup review, published September 16, 2024, provides the hands-on impressions of fit, sound, noise reduction, and battery use cited here. Apple’s technical specification pages establish listed features and manufacturer battery estimates; they are not independent performance tests. Read the MobileSyrup AirPods 4 review for Bennett’s full account.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION—AirPods 5 offer improved Active Noise Cancellation to help reduce outside noise, at their best value yet.
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU—Adaptive Audio blends Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency for the best listening experience in any environment.* Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing if you start talking.*
- LIVE TRANSLATION—Communicate across languages using Live Translation, enabled by Apple Intelligence.*
- NEW SIRI AI—Get more done every day with hands-free access to an even more powerful and personalized AI assistant on your iPhone.* Ask open-ended questions, brainstorm, and have full conversations.
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY—Next-generation Adaptive EQ for better sound quality. Voice Isolation improves call quality in loud conditions,* using advanced computational audio to reduce background noise and clarify your voice.
Rank #4
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- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation help reduce outside noise before it reaches your ears, so you can immerse yourself in what you’re listening to.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU — The powerful H2 chip comes to AirPods 4. Adaptive Audio seamlessly blends ANC and Transparency mode — which lets you comfortably hear and interact with the world around you exactly as it sounds — to provide the best listening experience in any environment.* And when you’re speaking with someone nearby, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — Voice Isolation improves the quality of calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
