Recommended Free Tools
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Apple’s open-fit AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation were recently listed at Best Buy for $119.99, down from their original U.S. launch price of $179.99. That makes the previous-generation earbuds worth a look—but the offer can change, and the newer AirPods 5 may be close in price. Check the live listing before buying.
What makes this AirPods 4 deal stand out?
The model in question is AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, often called AirPods 4 ANC. Apple introduced it on September 9, 2024, alongside standard AirPods 4, with retail availability beginning September 20, 2024. The $119.99 Best Buy price was reported by TechRadar as a reduction from $179.99. It is a reported promotion, not a guaranteed current price; confirm the live listing, stock, and any stated sale end date before purchasing.
Apple’s current store page has moved on to the AirPods 5 lineup. Tom’s Guide reported on September 20, 2026, that AirPods 4 ANC was technically discontinued but still available at some retailers while stock lasted. Its comparison listed AirPods 5 starting at $124 or $149 depending on case configuration, with ANC in both versions, and cited AirPods 4 ANC at $149 at some U.S. retailers at that time. Those are dated price snapshots, not universal prices. The later TechRadar report of $119.99 shows why it is important to compare the actual checkout price rather than rely on a previously published figure.
What you get—and what the open fit changes
The defining difference is that AirPods 4 ANC provides noise cancellation without silicone ear tips. Apple described ANC as a first for this open-ear design. The model also includes Transparency, Adaptive Audio, and Conversation Awareness. Its H2 chip supports Voice Isolation, personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, and Adaptive EQ; the earbuds carry an IP54 rating for dust, sweat, and water resistance.
#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.*
An open fit may suit people who dislike the sealed sensation of silicone tips, but it does not block sound as completely as a sealed in-ear design. What Hi-Fi? found the cancellation effective against lower-frequency noise while allowing more higher-frequency sound through than AirPods Pro 3. Its reviewers also reported mixed fit experiences. These are publication assessments, not a guarantee of how the earbuds will sound or sit in your ears.
Apple says its design process drew on thousands of ear shapes and more than 50 million individual data points. That describes how Apple developed the shape; it does not mean the fit will work for everyone. If possible, buy from a retailer with a suitable return policy so you can assess comfort for yourself.
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.*
Battery life and charging details
Apple estimates up to four hours of listening on a charge with ANC enabled, or up to five hours with noise control off. With the case, its estimates are up to 20 hours with ANC enabled and up to 30 hours with noise control off. What Hi-Fi? flags the four-hour ANC figure as a drawback, especially for buyers who expect long listening stretches between charges.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Apple’s estimates came from tests conducted in July and August 2024 with pre-production AirPods 4, an iPhone 16 Pro Max, a specified music playlist, and volume set to 50%. Actual runtime varies with settings, environment, use, and other factors, so treat the figures as test-based estimates rather than a promise of everyday battery life.
Rank #3
- WHY APPLECARE+ - Get protection, service and support direct from Apple. AppleCare+ covers unlimited repairs for accidental damage, like a cracked display, and includes coverage for the hardware and battery. Get convenient service at Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers around the world or Express Replacement Service so you don’t have to wait for a repair. Help is easy with 24/7 priority tech support from Apple experts.
- 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.*
The charging case uses USB-C, includes a speaker for Find My proximity view, and supports Qi-certified or Apple Watch chargers. Apple says the USB-C charging cable is sold separately.
How to decide whether the discount is good value
Compare the offer against the alternatives available to you at the time you shop. The original U.S. launch price was $179 for AirPods 4 ANC and $129 for standard AirPods 4, according to TechCrunch. These are historical launch prices, not current price guidance. Apple’s Irish launch release listed €199 for ANC and €149 for standard AirPods 4; those historical euro prices apply to that launch context and should not be mixed with U.S. prices.
Rank #4
- 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.*
- Check the price gap: Compare the live AirPods 4 ANC total with AirPods 5 and Pro alternatives, including tax and any shipping charge. A previous-generation discount matters most when it is meaningfully cheaper than the option you would otherwise buy.
- Choose your fit: AirPods 4 ANC has no silicone tips. If you need a sealed fit for greater isolation, the open design may not meet that need, regardless of price.
- Set expectations for ANC: The open fit offers some noise reduction but lets more sound through than a sealed in-ear design, particularly at higher frequencies.
- Consider your listening sessions: Apple’s estimate is up to four hours per charge with ANC on. If you regularly listen longer without a case break, that limit may outweigh the discount.
Compatibility and buying checks
AirPods can function as Bluetooth headphones with non-Apple devices, but Apple warns that functionality may be limited. Full feature support depends on compatible Apple hardware and current software; some features also require specific operating systems. If you are buying them for an Android phone or an older Apple device, verify that the functions you care about will work in your setup rather than assuming every feature is available.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstall- Open the retailer’s live product listing and confirm it is specifically AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, not standard AirPods 4.
- Check the current price, stock, seller, return conditions, and sale deadline. Retail promotions and remaining stock can change.
- Compare the total with the AirPods 5 configuration and other alternatives currently available in your region.
- Confirm device compatibility and decide whether an open fit and the stated ANC battery estimate suit your use.
Who should buy AirPods 4 ANC at a discount?
They are most compelling for someone who wants Apple’s open-fit style, values having ANC without silicone tips, and finds a verified price materially below the newer or more isolating alternatives they are considering. They are less persuasive if you need strong isolation, depend on longer ANC listening between charges, or find the newer AirPods 5 close enough in price to justify choosing the current generation instead.
Best Value
- 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.* A skin-detecting sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off.
Apple’s launch announcement quoted hardware engineering senior vice president John Ternus describing the product as offering “the most advanced audio experience ever in an open-ear design.” That is Apple’s own promotional claim, not an independent test result. For a purchase decision, the practical trade-offs are the open fit, the more limited ANC compared with sealed in-ear models, and the battery estimate.
Quick Recap
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.
