Apple AirPods 4 review: Solid noise-canceling for people who prefer an open fit that doesn't plug their ears

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The new AirPods 4 are the most significant entry in Apple's earbuds lineup since the original model launched in 2016. With an improved design and many features that were once exclusive to the brand's more expensive AirPods Pro, Apple's latest earbuds are a welcome addition to the collection.

This time around, Apple is offering the AirPods in two versions: one with ANC (active noise canceling) for $179, and one without ANC for $129. Beyond ANC-related features, the more expensive model also includes a wireless charging case, while the cheaper version only supports wired charging. Otherwise, performance is essentially the same.

Like the AirPods 3 that this new model replaces, the AirPods 4 feature a semi-open-ear design with tips that rest right outside your ear canal rather than inside. However, the shape of the buds has been tweaked, allowing them to hang in place effortlessly without silicone tips creating a plugged-up feeling in your ears. Even without a complete seal, the AirPods 4 produce a spacious and energetic sound. And if you do want to block out ambient distractions, the new active noise-canceling option works well enough to solve that problem.

The pricier AirPods Pro 2 still offer better noise cancellation and a few other perks, but the AirPods 4 are the best AirPods for people who prefer a more open fit. But like all AirPods, you'll need to use them with other Apple devices to fully appreciate everything they have to offer.

Sound quality is crisp and clear with plenty of bass

My desk is constantly littered with earbuds made by Apple, Bose, Jabra, Belkin, Soundcore, and others. Because I regularly test various models, I can detect slight nuances between different units. But the truth is that most earbuds in the $100-plus range sound really good.

The new AirPods 4 are no exception. They sound full, delivering plenty of bass and a crisp midrange, and are perfect for all kinds of music genres. The low-end response is surprisingly deep and resonant and general performance is exceptionally clear. Vocals and guitars are present and easy to distinguish. Plus, the overall sound is balanced. Even though there's no seal to keep all of the audio details from escaping your ears, there's still a richness with the semi-open-ear design that plenty of other earbuds in the $150 range can't match.

The previous AirPods 3 earbuds weren't a slouch by any means, but the AirPods 4 offer an improvement in overall audio performance thanks to their revised acoustic architecture and switch from the H1 to H2 chip. In practice, this upgrade leads to a touch more clarity and thump. However, I wouldn't recommend upgrading from the 3s to 4s strictly for sound quality.

It's also important to note that the base AirPods 4 ($129) and AirPods 4 with ANC ($179) have the same speaker system inside. I tested them both, and with ANC deactivated, I didn't hear a difference. So if you're purely concerned with audio playback and not blocking outside noise, you should be satisfied with the entry-level model. But for most users, I think the perks of ANC are worth the extra money.

Noise cancellation is solid despite the open design

When Apple first announced that the AirPods 4 would be available with ANC, I was skeptical. I questioned whether the noise-canceling feature would work well given their semi-open fit, and I wondered whether I'd even want ANC in earbuds like this. Thanks to their open design, I primarily used the old AirPods 3 during situations where I still wanted to be able to hear my surroundings.

But the moment I popped the AirPods 4 with ANC onto my ears I was no longer skeptical. The noise-canceling offers clear benefits, and even if you don't use it continuously, it's a nice option to have. The ANC performance isn't the strongest I've tested, but it is meaningful. Apple says the difference in ANC strength between the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 is about 50%. That number feels accurate and resembles my experience. Turning the ANC on is kind of like covering yourself in a thick weighted blanket to escape superfluous sounds.

When I put the ANC on for the first time, my robot vacuum was cleaning the room next to me, and its noise was instantly quieted. ANC also dampened a lot of the surrounding background noise while I walked around my neighborhood and strolled through a grocery store. I didn't have to turn up the volume as loud when listening to music, and I was less distracted by random noises. These types of moderately loud environments are where the AirPods 4 with ANC make the most sense.

However, the ANC isn't the best in all situations. One of the primary uses for earbuds with ANC, or at least the most stereotypical, is on an airplane. There's a lot of engine noise that can drive people crazy. So I took the AirPods 4 with ANC on a cross-country flight to see how they fared in that environment. The short answer is not very well.

The earbuds did provide some noise relief — they can take the edge off — but not much compared to the best noise-canceling headphones that use an in-ear or over-ear design. The AirPods Pro 2, for example, do much better on an airplane. The best in-ear option is still the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds, which can nearly block this kind of noise entirely.

Another knock against the AirPods 4 ANC performance is that I felt more of a pressure-like sensation in my ears than I have with other earbuds. To be clear, ANC doesn't actually create pressure, but the dulling of low frequencies can simulate this effect. It's not enough to make me stop turning on active noise canceling, but I've found this to be less of an issue on other headphones.

On the flip side, Apple's Transparency mode works incredibly well on the AirPods 4. This feature is like the opposite of ANC, and it uses the earbuds' microphones to let in outside noise so you can fully hear your surroundings. I quickly became hooked on this feature during my outdoor runs with the earbuds connected directly to my Apple Watch.

The Transparency mode kept me fully aware of my surroundings while my music remained detailed and motivating. Occasionally, there were too many car horns or lots of construction, so I turned on Adaptive Audio to automatically minimize those bursts of noise. It's a subtle but important feature.

The tiny case makes the AirPods 4 easy to carry around

I've owned every pair of AirPods and their charging case has always been pocketable, but this new model shrinks the size even further. It's noticeable enough that I felt ever-so-slightly disoriented when holding the new case in my hand for the first time. It's so petite that it almost looks fake. The buds themselves can last for up to five hours without ANC or four with ANC, while the case offers up to 30 hours.

Like most of Apple's latest devices, the case features a USB-C charging port instead of Lightning, so it can use the same connection as an iPhone 16, 15, or modern iPad. You can also charge the AirPods 4 directly from any of those devices.

In addition, the AirPods 4 with ANC case has a few extra features that the base AirPods 4 case does not support. My favorite of the bunch is wireless charging. It's so easy to set the case down on any Qi-compatible charger to boost up the battery. Like the AirPods Pro 2, the case can also be powered up via an Apple Watch charger. It's super handy while traveling, but it's been helpful at my desk and at my bedside dock, too.

I've had trouble keeping track of my AirPods 3 in the past and often misplaced them in the tiny fifth jeans pocket for days at a time. The AirPods 4 with ANC should be a little easier to locate because they now support Apple's Find My feature and have a built-in speaker that can emit noise if you lose them. Though not essential, these are convenient extras that help give the ANC model a bit more value.

The AirPods Pro 2 still have perks, but some may prefer the fit of the AirPods 4

The new AirPods 4 are positioned a step below Apple's AirPods Pro 2, and the Pro model still has some clear benefits. Most notably, the AirPods Pro 2 have superior noise cancellation. They also feature a touch-sensitive control on the stems that lets you slide up or down to adjust volume. I wish this was carried over to the AirPods 4 because it works so well.

An upcoming software update will also add support for several aural health features to the AirPods Pro 2 that are missing on the AirPods 4. These features will include a hearing test and hearing aid functionality. There's also a hearing protection mode that can reduce volume in loud environments (like a concert) to prevent damage to your ears.

The AirPods Pro 2 also use a different ear-tip design than the AirPods 4, but whether this is a benefit or not is less clear-cut. When it comes to fit, I actually prefer the AirPods 4. The AirPods Pro 2 are slightly more bulbous and use in-ear tips that create a seal. This kind of seal can produce better sound quality since the audio doesn't leak, and it helps a lot with noise isolation and noise cancellation.

But comfort is another story and this is where I get into very subjective territory. Every time I wear the AirPods Pro 2 I can feel them in my ears. I never forget they're there, and the passive sound dampening from their silicone tips often creates a congested feeling. On the other hand, the AirPods 4 don't sit as deep in the ear canal, and I prefer that.

As I've talked to different people over the years, opinions are mostly split between preferring an in-ear or open-ear design. Some people hate the plugged-in feeling of the AirPods Pro while others can never get standard AirPods to stay in their ears. It all comes down to your ear shape and personal preferences, so it's nice that Apple continues to offer a semi-open option with the AirPods 4.

Should you buy the AirPods 4 with ANC?

The Apple AirPods 4 are an excellent pair of earbuds, whether you get the ANC or base model. Anyone invested in the Apple ecosystem should consider these first before earbuds from other brands.

The regular AirPods 4 are a nice budget option, but I think the ANC model really hits a sweet spot. If they fit your ears well, it's hard to beat their balance of solid sound quality, decent noise canceling, and excellent transparency performance.

The pricier AirPods Pro 2 still work better for blocking out especially loud environments and their in-ear design enables better audio performance, but the AirPods 4 are a versatile and more affordable option if you prefer a semi-open design.