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Apple AirPods 4 ANCImage © Apple

Apple AirPods 4 ANC

80/ 100
Outstanding
HearWiki score

Exceptional value

$180
typical price, USD
Still sold newupdated
Buy now onAmazon

At a glance

Brand
Apple
Type
True Wireless
Fit
-
Connection
Wireless
Noise cancelling
Yes
Released
2024

Score breakdownoutstanding overall

Sound7.6
Noise cancelling6.7
Battery5.9
Calls7.9
Value7.1

The Apple AirPods 4 ANC are wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation, IP54 water resistance, and a 5-hour battery life. They feature a 11mm driver, Bluetooth 5.3, and support spatial audio, ranking #77 among wireless earbuds.

The HearWiki takeAI-condensed

The Apple AirPods 4 ANC deliver adaptive noise cancellation and a balanced, bass-improved sound in a compact, IP54-rated design. They offer solid performance for Apple users, with a comfortable fit for active use, though battery life is on the shorter side and multipoint is absent.

What works

  • Effective adaptive ANC for the price
  • Improved bass response and overall clarity
  • Comfortable, stable fit for workouts
  • IP54 water resistance for light splashes
  • Convenient wireless charging case

What doesn't

  • Battery life is limited to 4 hours per charge
  • No multipoint Bluetooth connection
  • ANC is decent but not class-leading
  • SBC and AAC only, no high-res codec support

Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.

Specifications

Audio - Apple AirPods 4 ANC
Driver11 mm dynamic
Driver typedynamic
Driver size11 mm
Drivers per side1
Frequency response20 Hz - 20 kHz

Where to buy

Retailers we matched to this exact model. Prices are periodic snapshots - the link always opens the retailer's current listing.

What the reviews said

3 source(s) feeding this product's score.

versus

76

The Apple AirPods 4 ANC are wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation, IP54 water resistance, and a 5-hour battery life. They feature a 11mm driver, Bluetooth 5.3, and support spatial audio, ranking #77 among wireless earbuds.

Read the full review

techgearlab.com

TechGearLab says the AirPods 4 with ANC are a meaningful improvement in sound quality over earlier generations, especially in the bass. The supplied result does not include a final numerical score, but it frames them as an upgraded mainstream option rather than a class-leading ANC earbud.

Read the full review

whathifi.com

What Hi-Fi says the AirPods 4 with ANC combine effective sound blocking with improved sound at a mid-range price, making them a strong pick for Apple users. In the supplied excerpt, the tone is clearly positive and positions them as a no-brainer for Apple fans.

Read the full review

What YouTube reviewers say

Video reviews we found, each condensed to its verdict. They do feed the HearWiki score, at a measured weight below what a published written review carries.

The consensus

Mixedacross 3 videos

Reviewers agree that the AirPods 4 ANC offer a comfortable, barely noticeable open-ear fit, a compact case, and a lower price than the AirPods Pro models, making them a good value for those who prefer non-sealing earbuds.

Reviewers liked

  • Comfortable, barely noticeable open-ear fit
  • Compact and lighter case
  • Lower price point

Reviewers flagged

  • Weaker noise cancellation compared to AirPods Pro
  • Shorter battery life (4 hours with ANC)
  • Fit issues in one ear for some users, making them unsuitable for exercise
8:38

AirPods 4 (ANC) vs. AirPods Pro 2 - Which Should You Buy?

6 Months Later859.7K viewsNov 2024

The reviewer compares the AirPods 4 ANC with the AirPods Pro 2, concluding that the Pros are the better buy for most people due to superior noise cancellation, sound quality, battery life, and extra features like volume controls. The AirPods 4 are recommended only for those who prefer an open-ear fit and are willing to accept more ambient sound leakage.

13:22

Apple AirPods 4 ANC review: GOOD AND BAD NEWS…

Mark Ellis Reviews42.5K viewsSep 2024

The reviewer finds the AirPods 4 ANC to be excellent in sound quality, design, and value, but highlights a significant fit issue, particularly in one ear, which makes them unusable for physical activity and requires constant readjustment. He recommends trying them before buying or opting for the AirPods Pro 2 if fit is a concern.

Summaries are AI condensations of each video's own conclusion, not transcripts. Titles, thumbnails and view counts belong to their channels.

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Mentioned in articles

Where the Apple AirPods 4 ANC comes up in our guides and explainers.

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Where it sits in our rankings

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