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The Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation put noise-control modes in an open-ear earbud, without silicone tips sealing the ear canal. That gives them a different fit and isolation trade-off from in-ear earbuds: the ANC may reduce some background sound, but the design does not create the passive seal that blocks outside noise. SoundGuys’ September 2024 review reflects that limitation in its ratings, while Apple’s specifications describe the features and battery estimates.
What is different about AirPods 4 with ANC?
Apple sells two distinct AirPods 4 models. Active Noise Cancellation is included in the more expensive AirPods 4 with ANC, not the base AirPods 4. Both share the open-ear approach; the ANC model adds Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode, and Conversation Awareness.
Apple says its ANC combines upgraded microphones, the H2 chip, and computational audio to reduce sounds such as airplane engines and city traffic. That is Apple’s description of the intended effect, not a guarantee that the earbuds will cancel those sounds as effectively as a sealed, silicone-tip design.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesThe earbuds also include Voice Isolation, Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, and Adaptive EQ, according to Apple’s technical specifications. Bluetooth 5.3 is listed. Voice Isolation, Adaptive Audio, and Conversation Awareness require compatible Apple hardware and software; check Apple’s current requirements for your device before relying on those features.
#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.*
How well does the open-ear ANC work?
The key question is not just whether ANC is present, but whether an open fit suits your surroundings and ears. Without silicone tips, the earbuds do not seal the ear canal. That can be appealing if you dislike in-ear tips, but it also means less passive isolation than a sealed earbud can provide. Active noise control cannot make the open fit equivalent to a physical seal.
SoundGuys’ September 2024 product review gave the AirPods 4 with ANC 6.3/10 overall and 5.3/10 for noise cancelling. Its separate scores were 2.3/10 for isolation and 4.5/10 for comfort and fit. These are SoundGuys’ editorial ratings, not a prediction of every listener’s experience. The review’s measurements report isolation and total attenuation by frequency, rather than one universal ANC percentage.
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.*
SoundGuys also lists the unsealed design, lack of a stabilizer fin, and features limited to iOS among the product’s drawbacks. The fit is therefore a personal decision: consider how consistently open earbuds stay in your ears and whether you need substantial passive blocking for commuting, travel, or concentrated work.
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Apple’s estimates distinguish between ANC enabled and noise control off. The company says battery life depends on settings, environment, usage, and other factors, so these are maximum manufacturer estimates rather than guaranteed everyday results.
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.*
| Listening condition | Earbuds per charge | With charging case |
|---|---|---|
| ANC enabled | Up to 4 hours | Up to 20 hours |
| Noise control off | Up to 5 hours | Up to 30 hours |
Apple says these ANC-model figures came from tests of pre-production units in July and August 2024, using a pre-production iPhone 16 Pro Max, a purchased-track playlist encoded at 256-Kbps AAC, and volume set to 50%. Actual listening time can vary with use and conditions.
What does the case support, and what is in the box?
The charging case has a USB-C connector and supports Qi-certified wireless charging and Apple Watch charging. It includes a speaker for Find My proximity view; Apple’s technical page says that feature requires iOS 18 or later. Apple lists the earbuds, the USB-C case with speaker, and documentation in the box. The USB-C charging cable is sold separately.
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.*
Are AirPods 4 with ANC durable and water resistant?
Apple specifies IP54 dust, sweat, and water resistance for the earbuds and case under IEC 60529, based on controlled laboratory testing. Apple describes the earbuds as suitable for non-water sports and exercise, but IP54 does not mean waterproof. The company also warns that resistance can decline through normal wear.
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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.
Do they work with Android and other non-Apple devices?
Apple says AirPods can be used as Bluetooth headphones with non-Apple devices, but functionality may be limited. The earbuds’ presence of Bluetooth does not mean every Apple-specific control or feature is available on another operating system. If you use Android or a mixed-device setup, confirm which features you can access before buying, especially if Voice Isolation, Adaptive Audio, or Conversation Awareness matter to you.
Should you choose AirPods 4 with ANC?
They make sense if
- You want Apple’s noise-control modes but prefer an open-ear fit without silicone tips.
- You use compatible Apple devices and will benefit from the additional ecosystem features.
- You value a case that supports USB-C, Qi-certified wireless charging, and Apple Watch charging.
Consider another fit if
- You need a strong physical seal or dependable passive isolation for noisy environments.
- Open earbuds tend not to stay comfortable or secure in your ears.
- You rely on features that may be limited on non-Apple devices.
Apple announced the AirPods 4 with ANC on September 9, 2024, with store availability beginning September 20. Its U.S. launch price was $179, but that is a historical launch price, not a current retail quote. Check current pricing and availability before making a purchase decision.
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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.
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