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Before September 2024, any Apple user interested in active noise cancellation (ANC) AirPods would have had to shell out $250 for the AirPods Pro (currently on sale for $197). With the release of the ANC AirPods 4, the technology is much more affordable and you can currently get a pair of these headphones for $179 for $118.99a record price, according to price tracking tools. This price makes the budget version of AirPods 4 without The ANC is irrelevant, since they are $117 (originally $129), just a $2 difference.
AirPods 4 have updated USB-C charging. Both models are powered by Apple’s H2 chip, so you’ll get personalized spatial audio (so you can hear sounds seemingly coming from different directions when you move your head) and the ability to use head gestures to tell Siri “yes” or “no” (this also works for answering or declining calls). Apple added live translation functionality to the ANC model when it rolled out iOS 26 earlier this year.
If you opt for the ANC AirPods 4, you’ll receive a charging case with a built-in speaker, which you can use with Find My to locate them if you lose them. You’ll also benefit from features like Conversation Awareness, which reduces the volume of your music when your AirPods detect that you’re talking to someone; Transparency mode, which allows you to better hear your surroundings when your headphones are connected; and Adaptive Audio (combines ANC and Transparency modes to adjust ANC levels based on the noise around you). Keep in mind that because these are open-style earbuds, lacking a silicone tip to better block out noise, the ANC won’t be as good as what you can get from the AirPods Pro or Beats Fit Pro.
What do you think of it so far?
Both versions are IP54 rated for dust and water resistance, offer up to five hours of listening time per charge (up to 30 hours with the charging case), and can handle automatic switching with your other Apple devices. You can learn more about the non-ANC AirPods in PCMag’s “Excellent” review, and more about the ANC AirPods in PCMag’s “Outstanding” review.
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