Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation Review: Would Owners Buy Them Again?
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through links on this page we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How this review was made: We did not test these earbuds in person. This verdict is based on our analysis of expert reviews, lab measurements and owner reports, all listed at the end of this article. Long-term reliability data is limited. Our method.
A good pick if you hate ear tips and use an iPhone
The AirPods 4 with ANC are the rare open-fit earbuds with noise cancelling that actually works on engine hum and city noise, and the case adds Find My tracking, a speaker and wireless charging. But the ANC is clearly weaker than sealed earbuds like the AirPods Pro, the fit does not suit every ear, and most features are iPhone-only. Apple also announced AirPods 5 in September 2026, which it says cancel up to 50% more noise. Buy these if the open fit is the point for you; otherwise compare the newer or Pro models first.
Check current price on Amazon → Prices and availability change often, so we don't list them here.Buy it again if you…
- use an iPhone and dislike silicone ear tips
- want some noise cancelling for commutes and offices
- want a small case with Find My, a speaker and wireless charging
Skip it if you…
- want strong noise cancelling on planes or in loud places
- need earbuds that stay put during runs or workouts
- use an Android phone
The Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation are open-fit earbuds, meaning they rest in the ear without silicone tips. This version adds ANC, Transparency and Adaptive Audio, plus a case that charges by USB-C, Qi, MagSafe or an Apple Watch charger and has a speaker for Find My.
We pulled together lab tests, expert reviews and owner reports. Note that Apple announced AirPods 5 on September 9, 2026, as the successor to this model.
What owners say, at a glance
Bars show our editorial summary of how consistently owners praise or complain about each area across all sources — not a lab measurement.
The key specs
| Design | Open fit, no ear tips |
|---|---|
| Noise control | ANC, Transparency, Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness |
| Battery | 6 h 21 min measured by SoundGuys (ANC off); up to 30 h with case |
| Case charging | USB-C, Qi, MagSafe, Apple Watch charger |
| Case extras | Find My tracking and a built-in speaker |
| Water resistance | IP54 |
What owners love
What owners complain about
How they hold up over time
We found no rigorous multi-year reliability data. One MacRumors forum owner reported a ringing sound in one earbud with ANC on, across three pairs, with two warranty replacements. That is a single report and does not show how common the issue is, but it is worth knowing if you skip extended coverage.
What about AirPods 5?
Apple announced AirPods 5 on September 9, 2026, with sales from September 18. Apple claims up to 50% more noise removal than AirPods 4 with ANC, a redesigned acoustic design and improved Transparency. We have not yet reviewed them, but if you are buying new, compare both.
Tips from owners
- Try them on first if you can, since open-fit comfort varies a lot.
- Use Find My on the case; it can play a sound to help you locate it.
- Skip them for intense workouts unless they sit securely in your ears.
Pros and cons
What owners love
- Noise cancelling without ear tips
- Comfortable for many ears
- Case with Find My, speaker and wireless charging
- Good battery for an open-fit earbud
- IP54 rating
What owners complain about
- ANC much weaker than sealed earbuds
- Fit can be loose or uncomfortable for some ears
- Little bass without a seal
- Most features are iPhone-only
- Newer AirPods 5 now announced
Other options owners compare
These are the earbuds most often weighed against the AirPods 4 with ANC.
| Model | Style | Consider it if… | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple AirPods 4 with ANC (this review) | Open fit, ANC | You want ANC without ear tips on an iPhone | See on Amazon |
| Apple AirPods Pro 3 Read our review | In-ear tips, strong ANC | You want much stronger noise cancelling | See on Amazon |
| Beats Solo Buds Read our review | In-ear, no ANC | You want basic earbuds for iPhone and Android | See on Amazon |
Want noise cancelling without ear tips?
Check the current price and availability on Amazon.
Frequently asked questions
Is the noise cancelling as good as the AirPods Pro?
No. Reviewers agree it is noticeably weaker, especially on sharp and high-pitched noise, because the open design does not seal your ear.
Do they work with Android?
Yes for basic playback, but most features such as Adaptive Audio and easy setup need an Apple device.
Are they good for running?
Only if they fit you securely. Some testers found them falling out during movement.
Is there a newer model?
Yes. Apple announced AirPods 5 on September 9, 2026, claiming up to 50% more noise cancelling.
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Sources we analyzed
- SoundGuys: AirPods 4 with ANC review — battery test, ANC measurement, fit, IP rating
- MacRumors: AirPods 4 review roundup — Engadget, CNN, Digital Trends and CNET comments on fit and ANC
- MacRumors: AirPods 5 announced — successor model and claimed ANC improvement
- MacRumors Forums: AirPods 4 ANC ringing sound — single owner report of repeat failures
Figures reflect each source as of October 14, 2026 and may change. We summarize owner feedback in our own words and do not reproduce retailer reviews.