Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation Review
Research-based review. Pickora separates manufacturer specifications and third-party evidence from our editorial buying judgment. We do not present unperformed hands-on testing as our own.
The AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation are Apple's most capable open-fit earbuds, combining the lightweight feel of standard AirPods with noise control features usually associated with sealed in-ear models.
They include Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Personalized Spatial Audio, Apple's H2 chip, and a wireless charging case that supports USB-C, Qi-certified chargers, and Apple Watch chargers.
The open-fit design remains the defining feature. These earbuds do not use silicone ear tips, which makes them less intrusive for listeners who dislike a sealed fit. The tradeoff is that noise cancellation cannot block as much sound as well-sealed earbuds such as AirPods Pro.
Editor’s Summary
The AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation are the best choice for Apple users who want an open-fit design without giving up modern noise-control features.
They are comfortable, easy to use, tightly integrated with Apple devices, and more versatile than the standard AirPods 4. The ANC is genuinely useful for everyday environments, although it cannot fully match the isolation of sealed earbuds.
Buyers who prioritize maximum noise cancellation, deeper bass, or a customizable fit should still consider AirPods Pro. For listeners who dislike silicone ear tips, however, the AirPods 4 with ANC offer a rare and compelling balance of comfort and convenience.
Best For
- iPhone users who prefer open-fit earbuds
- Listeners who dislike silicone ear tips
- Office workers and commuters
- Calls, podcasts, and everyday music
- Apple users who switch between several devices
- Buyers who want ANC without a sealed in-ear design
- Users who value wireless charging options
Who Should Skip It
- Frequent flyers who need the strongest possible noise cancellation
- Users who want a secure silicone-tip seal
- Buyers who need long single-charge battery life
- Android users who cannot use the full Apple feature set
- Listeners who prioritize maximum bass impact
- Users whose ears do not fit the fixed AirPods shape securely
Key Specifications
- Product
- Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation
- Chip
- Apple H2
- Fit
- Open-fit, no silicone ear tips
- Noise Control
- ANC, Transparency, Adaptive Audio
- Conversation Feature
- Conversation Awareness
- Spatial Audio
- Personalized Spatial Audio
- Earbud Battery
- Up to 4 hours with ANC
- Earbud Battery Without Noise Control
- Up to 5 hours
- Total Battery With Case
- Up to 20 hours with ANC
- Total Battery Without Noise Control
- Up to 30 hours
- Fast Charging
- About 1 hour from 5 minutes in the case
- Charging
- USB-C, Qi, Apple Watch charger
- Water and Dust Resistance
- IP54
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth 5.3
Strengths
- Active Noise Cancellation without silicone ear tips — AirPods 4 with ANC are designed for listeners who want noise reduction but do not enjoy the pressure or seal of traditional in-ear earbuds. The noise cancellation is useful for offices, cafés, public transport, and moderate background noise, while Transparency mode allows outside sound to pass through when awareness is more important.
- Comfortable open-fit design — The open shape avoids interchangeable silicone ear tips and may feel more natural for people who experience ear pressure or fatigue from sealed earbuds. This design is particularly well suited to calls, podcasts, office work, and casual listening.
- Strong Apple ecosystem integration — Apple's H2 chip enables fast pairing, automatic switching, Siri interactions, Personalized Spatial Audio, and convenient use across compatible iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV devices.
- Versatile charging case — The ANC version includes a charging case that supports USB-C charging, Qi-certified wireless charging, and Apple Watch chargers. This is more flexible than the standard AirPods 4 case, which does not include the same wireless charging options.
Limitations and Trade-offs
- Noise cancellation is limited by the open fit — The ANC feature is useful, but the earbuds do not create a physical seal inside the ear canal. Low-frequency noise reduction should be noticeable, but voices, wind, and sharp environmental sounds may remain more audible than with AirPods Pro.
- Shorter battery life with ANC enabled — Apple rates the earbuds for up to four hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation enabled. The case provides up to 20 hours of total listening time with ANC on, or up to 30 hours with noise control off. Frequent travelers may need to recharge the earbuds during longer journeys.
- Fit cannot be adjusted — There are no interchangeable ear tips. The shape may feel secure for some users and loose for others, with no practical way to customize the fit.
AirPods 4 with ANC or AirPods 5?
Apple’s AirPods 5 bring noise cancellation to both models, at $129 with a USB-C case and $149 with a wireless case, and Apple says they remove up to 50% more noise than AirPods 4 with ANC. Battery ratings are similar: up to 4 hours with ANC for AirPods 4, and 4 or 5 hours for AirPods 5 depending on the case. Unless AirPods 4 with ANC are on clearance well under $129, AirPods 5 are the better buy.
What open-fit noise cancellation can and cannot do
Without silicone tips, open-fit earbuds do not seal the ear canal. Noise cancellation reduces steady sounds such as air conditioning, engine hum and office murmur, but voices and sudden sounds still come through. Buyers who want quiet on flights or loud trains should consider sealed earbuds such as AirPods Pro 3.
Charging and compatibility
The ANC model’s case charges by USB-C, Qi-certified chargers or an Apple Watch charger, and includes a speaker for Find My. Features such as Adaptive Audio and Personalized Spatial Audio work best with current Apple devices; on Android the earbuds work as standard Bluetooth earbuds.
Buying Decision
AirPods 5 arrived in September 2026 as the successor to AirPods 4, and every AirPods 5 model includes noise cancellation from $129. That makes AirPods 4 with ANC worth buying only when a clearance price puts it clearly below AirPods 5. Otherwise, the newer model gives you the same open-fit design with stronger noise cancellation for less money.
Value and Trade-offs
AirPods 4 with ANC launched at $179. Their open fit, H2 chip, Adaptive Audio and wireless case remain good, and they continue to receive firmware updates. But their noise cancellation is limited by the open design, battery life with ANC is about 4 hours, and AirPods 5 now cover the same need for less.
Final Verdict
The AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation are the best choice for Apple users who want an open-fit design without giving up modern noise-control features.
They are comfortable, easy to use, tightly integrated with Apple devices, and more versatile than the standard AirPods 4. The ANC is genuinely useful for everyday environments, although it cannot fully match the isolation of sealed earbuds.
Buyers who prioritize maximum noise cancellation, deeper bass, or a customizable fit should still consider AirPods Pro. For listeners who dislike silicone ear tips, however, the AirPods 4 with ANC offer a rare and compelling balance of comfort and convenience.
How Pickora Scored It
Pickora Rating: 4.6/5. This is an editorial research rating, not an Amazon customer rating or a laboratory measurement.
Sources and Research
- AirPods 5 technical specifications — Apple. AirPods 5 models, prices, battery ratings and noise cancellation used for the comparison with AirPods 4 with ANC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are AirPods 4 with ANC still worth buying?
Only at a clearance price below AirPods 5. AirPods 5 include noise cancellation from $129 and, according to Apple, remove more noise.
What is the difference between AirPods 4 and AirPods 5?
AirPods 5 have noise cancellation on every model, a newer acoustic design that Apple says cancels up to 50% more noise, and lower prices for the ANC versions.
How long does the battery last with ANC?
Apple rates AirPods 4 with ANC at up to 4 hours with noise cancellation on, and about 20 hours with the case.
Amazon listing note: This Amazon link opens the Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. Price, seller, color options, and availability may change.