AirPods 4: Is $179 for ANC Worth It?

Alongside the iPhone 16 models, Apple launched its next-generation flagship AirPods, the AirPods 4. There's a new design and for the first time, Active Noise Cancellation, so we thought we'd check them out to see how they compare to the prior-generation AirPods 3 and the AirPods Pro 2.

There are two versions of the AirPods this time around, an entry-level $129 model, and a $179 model that also includes Active Noise Cancellation. ANC has previously been exclusive to the ‌AirPods Pro‌ and the AirPods Max, and this is the first time that Apple's used it in an open-ear headphone design and in a device at the sub-$200 price point.

🌐 Connect with Dan:

⏱️ CHAPTERS
00:00 - Intro
00:12 - TWO New AirPods 4
00:32 - H2 Chip & Sound Quality
01:13 - Fit & Comfort
01:59 - ANC & Transparency
02:59 - No Wireless Charging for $129 Model...
03:32 - New Capacitive Pair Button
03:56 - Find My for AirPods 4
04:16 - Which AirPods 4 Should YOU Buy?

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[HiFiInsider]

I got mine yesterday and I'm still testing them for my review. Sound is definitely better but I think the ANC needs work especially when walking around near heavy traffic.

[jerimiem]

got my 4’s with anc, and sitting here with a room ac unit + a stand fan & my tv, very minimal noise comes through, the pro’s don’t fit my ears properly, so im very happy with these.

[milpool]

I have owned the 3 and 4 — personally, 4 has a significantly better fit than 3. Pro is the worst by far.

2 is the best, but 4 is pretty close.

Sound is also better on 4 than any model including pros.

[nondisclourse]

Too bad you didn't clean the AirPods beforehand

[pramucm]

These stupid ones easily fall of my ear returning it in 1hr

[DANIEL_DANIEL]

I buy them yesterday from apple store with the ANC and i can say that fit is better than 3 gen and the sound is way better than 3 gen
And sound cancellation is like 50 to 60 % overall i am happy with them

[DigiDriftZone]

These won’t replace my pro2 for loud travel (London underground, planes, etc) but for everything else it’s so nice not to shove silicon tips in my ears each time, it’s quite magical just how effective the anc is too, did not expect it to be this good.

[GustavoMdMc]

No one going to mention the dirt 1:27 hahah, they probably left the clip through to get comments and no one commenting about it 😬

[SpifyNess]

Just bought my 4s and honestly I’m so happy, I mean I wouldn’t expect anything less upgrading from the og’s 😅

[JayEs]

Totally agree they are on par w pro 2s. I also have both. I do notice minor differences but many reviewers are doing very topical commentary and comparisons

[whatever]

$129 is a nice deal but if it won't use my MagSafe or existing lightning cords, I have to update all of my charging to USBC. Maybe I should get the mag-charging version for that reason alone.

[Cap]

Engaging the ANC gives a bit more bass than without. Even without ANC, music has a smoother treble and a bit more bass emphasis compared to the AirPods 3. For me, that’s a good thing. My AirPods 3 could be a bit tizzy in top end.

[ronitsingh]

Outside noise has never affected me that much, I usually listen to music in a quite area, office space or at home. So the $129 AirPods 4s are a bargain. Wait for Costco or Bestbuys or Amazon to drop these to $119 or better $99 to snag one up. The least I had seen for the AirPods 3 was $139. I have the AirPods 3 and yeah, that deep base sound and projection is not there, I even tried the pros, same, hardly any difference. But for convince the 3s or 4s are great, you don't even feel you have them on. That is my #1 requirement, I don't like earphones with silicone tips being shoved in the ear canal.

[oopsigotdead]

Been using mine since I got them yesterday, anc is good enough for me and a good step up from the 3s. Without anc I wouldn’t have upgraded, if you didn’t need/want that feature I’d personally stick with the 3s.

[hotdognobun]

Pro 2 create uncomfortable pressure in my ear so got the new 4 and very satisfied with the comfort.

[data]

So i have very small ear canals and the threes were unusable and had to use pros with the extra small tips…. But that said this 4s are the very first AirPod, EarPod any hard tip that has ever fit me.. so if its close its worth you checking out I am so happy to join the party.

[tubingan]

People really let their airpods get to that point, holy

[premiumyannis]

Can someone test the ANC with screaming kids nearby? This is my use case and I hate the in-ear Pros

[cdot.]

moving from airpods pro to airpods anc. the pros were great but never wore them long because the tips never felt completely comfortable. now the airpods max can stay home.

[ysalor]

Why didn’t you mention it magnetically attaches to Apple Watch charger?