Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation vs Apple AirPods 4
Quick take: The Apple AirPods 4 costs $20 less; the Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation has active noise cancelling while the Apple AirPods 4 doesn't; the Apple AirPods 4 lasts longer per charge (5 hrs).
| Spec | Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation | Apple AirPods 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. price | ~$119 | ~$99 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Wireless Earbuds | Wireless Earbuds |
| Noise Cancelling | Adaptive ANC | None |
| Battery (single charge) | 4 hrs | 5 hrs |
| Battery (with case) | 20 hrs | 30 hrs |
| Quick Charge | 5 min = 1 hr | 5 min = 1 hr |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | No | No |
| Driver Size | — | — |
| Weight | 4.3 g | 4.3 g |
| Water Resistance | IP54 | IP54 |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | No |
| Transparency Mode | Yes | No |
| Spatial Audio | Yes | Yes |
| App EQ | No | No |
Pros & cons
Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation
- ✓Real ANC in an open fit — no ear tips required
- ✓Excellent H2-chip call quality
- ✓Featherweight 4.3g buds disappear in-ear
- ✓Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness at $119
- ✓ANC case adds wireless charging and Find My speaker
- ✓Takes the edge off planes despite no seal
- ✗4-hour ANC battery is bottom of the class
- ✗Fit lottery — hard plastic shape hasn't changed
- ✗Bass depends entirely on how they sit in your ears
- ✗Physics caps ANC well below the sealed Pro 3
- ✗AAC only, no EQ app — Apple as usual
Apple AirPods 4
- ✓Same H2 chip and call quality as the ANC version
- ✓Featherweight 4.3g open fit stays comfortable for hours
- ✓30-hour total battery with the case
- ✓Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking
- ✓IP54 dust and splash resistance
- ✓5-minute charge buys an hour
- ✗No ANC or Transparency — the ANC version costs little more
- ✗Case is USB-C only; no wireless charging or Find My speaker
- ✗Measurably leaner sub-bass than the ANC version
- ✗Fit lottery — hard plastic shape either fits you or it doesn't
- ✗AAC only, no EQ, feature-poor on Android