Apple
Apple AirPods 4 (ANC)
Earbuds8.2
Excellent8.2
Excellent16 expert reviews
10 user opinions
Oct 1, 2024
High confidenceMay be outdated
Quick Verdict
The AirPods 4 with ANC represent a significant leap for Apple's open-ear design, packing active noise cancellation into a tip-free earbud for the first time. Critics praise the comfortable, universal fit and surprisingly effective ANC given the open design. Sound quality has improved meaningfully over AirPods 3, though they can't match the isolation or bass of silicone-tipped competitors like AirPods Pro 2.
Pros reviewers agree on
Strengths consistently called out across sources
- ANC in an open-ear earbud is genuinely impressive — it won't match sealed earbuds but noticeably reduces ambient noise
- The universal fit without silicone tips is supremely comfortable for extended wear
- H2 chip integration with Apple devices remains best-in-class for seamless connectivity
- Sound quality is a meaningful upgrade over AirPods 3 with better bass and clarity
Cons reviewers agree on
Weaknesses flagged across multiple sources
- Open design means bass and isolation will always trail sealed earbuds — AirPods Pro 2 are better for noisy environments
- No volume control on the stems — you need to use voice commands or your phone
What reviewers disagree on
Points where expert verdicts diverge — weigh based on your priorities
- Whether the ANC is strong enough to justify the price premium over base AirPods 4
- Sound quality compared to similarly-priced silicone-tipped earbuds divides audiophile reviewers
How This Review Was Created
16Publications
6YouTube Reviews
4Reddit Threads
26Total Sources
High ConfidenceSep 2024 – Feb 2025
This is a synthesis of expert reviews and user discussions; we may not have physically tested the product. See methodology.
Detailed Breakdown
A significant step up from AirPods 3 with improved bass, clearer mids, and better spatial audio — though sealed earbuds still deliver more impact.
- The new acoustic architecture delivers notably improved bass depth and mid-range clarity over AirPods 3— The Verge
- Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking creates a convincing immersive experience for Dolby Atmos content— CNET
- Bass can't compete with sealed earbuds — if you want thumping low end, AirPods Pro 2 or Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are better choices— Wired
Active noise cancellation in an open-ear design is a genuine technical achievement, though expectations should be calibrated accordingly.
- ANC effectively reduces low-frequency noise like airplane hum and office AC — impressive for an open design— Tom's Guide
- Can't match the isolation of AirPods Pro 2 or any sealed ANC earbuds — high-frequency voices still come through— PCMag
- Transparency mode and Adaptive Audio work seamlessly, intelligently adjusting to your environment— The Verge
The open-ear design with no silicone tips is the AirPods 4's biggest advantage — supremely comfortable for all-day wear.
- No silicone tips means no ear fatigue even after hours of continuous wear — ideal for all-day office use— CNET
- The redesigned shape fits more ear types than previous AirPods, reducing the "falling out" complaints— Wired
- Still not ideal for vigorous exercise — the open design means they can dislodge during intense workouts— Reddit r/Apple
Battery life is adequate at 5 hours with ANC on, with the USB-C case providing additional charges.
- 5 hours with ANC on and up to 30 hours total with the USB-C charging case— Tom's Guide
- The smaller case is the most pocketable in Apple's lineup — noticeably more compact than AirPods Pro 2 case— PCMag
At $179, they sit in a competitive sweet spot — more affordable than AirPods Pro 2 while offering ANC that base AirPods 4 lack.
- At $179, they offer ANC at a $70 discount versus AirPods Pro 2 — compelling for comfort-first buyers— The Verge
- For Apple users who find silicone tips uncomfortable, these are the only ANC option — and they deliver— User Consensus
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This synthesis review was compiled from 26 independent sources. TechTalkTown did not receive products or compensation from Apple.
Apple AirPods 4 (ANC)
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