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What’s different between AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC?
Apple introduced both versions in September 2024. Each has an open-ear fit and H2 chip, plus Voice Isolation and Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, according to Apple’s specifications. The ANC model adds four noise-control features and more case capabilities.
| Feature | AirPods 4 | AirPods 4 with ANC |
|---|---|---|
| Chip and design | H2; open-ear design | H2; open-ear design |
| Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency, Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness | Not listed for this model by Apple | Included |
| Listening time per charge | Up to 5 hours | Up to 4 hours with ANC on; up to 5 hours with noise control off |
| Listening time with case | Up to 30 hours | Up to 20 hours with ANC on; up to 30 hours with noise control off |
| Case charging | USB-C | USB-C, Qi-certified wireless charging, or an Apple Watch charger |
| Case speaker for Find My proximity view | Not listed by Apple | Included |
| Dust, sweat, and water resistance | IP54 | IP54 |
Battery figures are Apple’s maximum ratings under its stated test conditions, not guaranteed everyday results. Actual battery life varies with settings, environment, and use. Apple’s specifications: AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC.
Do AirPods 4 have noise cancellation?
Only AirPods 4 with ANC has Active Noise Cancellation. Apple also lists Transparency, Adaptive Audio, and Conversation Awareness for that version; these features are not listed for standard AirPods 4. ANC is intended to reduce environmental noise, not promise complete isolation. Both models remain open-ear earbuds rather than silicone-tip in-ear models, so they do not create the same physical seal as sealed in-ear designs. Apple does not establish how well the fit or noise reduction will work for any individual listener.
#1 Best Overall
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation help reduce outside noise before it reaches your ears, so you can immerse yourself in what you’re listening to.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU — The powerful H2 chip comes to AirPods 4. Adaptive Audio seamlessly blends ANC and Transparency mode — which lets you comfortably hear and interact with the world around you exactly as it sounds — to provide the best listening experience in any environment.* And when you’re speaking with someone nearby, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — Voice Isolation improves the quality of calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness require compatible Apple software. Apple says debris or earwax can affect noise-control performance and recommends regular cleaning. See Apple’s AirPods 4 technical specifications and AirPods cleaning guidance.
How do the cases charge?
Both models’ cases have USB-C charging. The ANC case also supports Qi-certified wireless charging and Apple Watch charging, and has a built-in speaker for Find My proximity view. Standard AirPods 4’s case does not list those additions in Apple’s specifications. If you want to charge without a cable or hear the case when locating it, choose the ANC version.
Rank #2
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO — Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you, creating a theater-like listening experience for music, TV shows, movies, games, and more.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — AirPods 4 feature the Apple-designed H2 chip. Voice Isolation improves the quality of phone calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
- LONG BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge. And get up to 30 hours of total listening time using the case.*
Which AirPods 4 should you choose?
Choose standard AirPods 4 if
- You do not need ANC, Transparency, Adaptive Audio, or Conversation Awareness.
- You prefer the simpler case and do not need its wireless charging options or Find My speaker.
- You want Apple’s higher quoted maximum listening time with the case: up to 30 hours, compared with up to 20 hours for the ANC model while ANC is enabled.
Choose AirPods 4 with ANC if
- You want Apple’s noise-control modes in an open-ear design.
- You value Qi-certified wireless charging, Apple Watch charging, or the case speaker for Find My proximity view.
- You are comfortable with Apple’s lower quoted battery maximum while ANC is enabled: up to 4 hours per charge and up to 20 hours with the case.
Apple’s design announcement said it used “over 50 million individual data points” while refining AirPods 4. That is a company-reported design-process figure, not independent evidence that either model will fit every ear. The open-ear shape makes personal fit particularly important.
Will they work with non-Apple devices?
Apple says AirPods can work as Bluetooth headphones with non-Apple devices, but functionality may be limited. Voice Isolation requires compatible devices and software, and the ANC model’s Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness also depend on compatible Apple software. Check Apple’s technical specifications and compatibility details against the devices you plan to use.
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Rank #3
- WHY APPLECARE+ - Get protection, service and support direct from Apple. AppleCare+ covers unlimited repairs for accidental damage, like a cracked display, and includes coverage for the hardware and battery. Get convenient service at Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers around the world or Express Replacement Service so you don’t have to wait for a repair. Help is easy with 24/7 priority tech support from Apple experts.
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation help reduce outside noise before it reaches your ears, so you can immerse yourself in what you’re listening to.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU — The powerful H2 chip comes to AirPods 4. Adaptive Audio seamlessly blends ANC and Transparency mode — which lets you comfortably hear and interact with the world around you exactly as it sounds — to provide the best listening experience in any environment.* And when you’re speaking with someone nearby, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — Voice Isolation improves the quality of calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
Are AirPods 4 the newest AirPods?
No. Apple’s comparison page, accessed September 28, 2026, lists newer AirPods 5 and AirPods Pro models alongside AirPods 4. This comparison is specifically between the two AirPods 4 variants, not the entire current lineup. Apple says AirPods Pro 3 provide “up to 2x more Active Noise Cancellation” than AirPods 4 with ANC under IEC 60268-24 testing; that is Apple’s test-specific comparison claim, not a guarantee for every listening situation. See Apple’s AirPods comparison page.
Apple’s September 2024 announcement quoted John Ternus, senior vice president of Hardware Engineering: “With AirPods 4, customers can enjoy Active Noise Cancellation and the most advanced audio experience ever in an open-ear design.” The statement describes Apple’s positioning; the specifications above are the practical distinctions between the two models.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT - AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION - AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation help reduce outside noise before it reaches your ears, so you can immerse yourself in what you’re listening to.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU - The powerful H2 chip comes to AirPods 4. Adaptive Audio seamlessly blends ANC and Transparency mode - which lets you comfortably hear and interact with the world around you exactly as it sounds - to provide the best listening experience in any environment.* And when you’re speaking with someone nearby, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY - Voice Isolation improves the quality of calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE - Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* A skin-detecting sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off.
Rank #4
- WORLD’S BEST IN-EAR ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — Removes up to 2x more unwanted noise than AirPods Pro 2* so you can stay fully immersed in the moment.*
- BREAKTHROUGH AUDIO PERFORMANCE — Experience breathtaking, three-dimensional audio with AirPods Pro 3. A new acoustic architecture delivers transformed bass, detailed clarity so you can hear every instrument, and stunningly vivid vocals.
- HEART RATE SENSING — Built-in heart rate sensing lets you track your heart rate and calories burned for up to 50 different workout types.* With iPhone, you will have access to the Move ring, step count, and the new Workout Buddy,* powered by Apple Intelligence.*
- LIVE TRANSLATION — Communicate across language barriers using Live Translation,* enabled by Apple Intelligence.*
- EXTENDED BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 8 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation on a single charge. Or up to 10 hours in Transparency using the Hearing Aid feature.*
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
