AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation

I was ready to be disappointed because I've tried open-ear ANC before and it's usually a gimmick. But Apple actually pulled it off. The ANC on these handles consistent low-frequency noise really well — think airplane hum, refrigerator buzz, road noise. It's less effective against sudden sharp sounds like a dog barking or someone yelling. That's physics, not a flaw. The fit is improved from the AirPods 3; they sit more securely. I've worn them for 3+ hour stretches without discomfort. Sound quality is typical Apple: clean, detailed, slightly bright. Bass heads should look elsewhere. Overall, a really well-executed product.

Recommended

I wanted to live with these for a while before writing a review, so here are my thoughts after two months of using the AirPods 4 with ANC as my primary earbuds. **Comfort & Fit:** These are extremely comfortable. I can wear them for 4-5 hours straight without any ear fatigue. The fit is secure enough for walking and light jogging, but I wouldn't trust them during intense workouts. They've never fallen out during normal use, but I do find myself pushing them back in occasionally. **Active Noise Cancellation:** This is the headline feature and it's genuinely good — for open earbuds. It handles consistent low-frequency noise like engines, fans, and HVAC systems extremely well. It's less effective against irregular sounds like conversations, keyboard clacking, or street noise. I'd say it blocks about 60-70% of what the AirPods Pro 2 can do. For my use case (office and commuting), that's plenty. The transparency mode is best-in-class; it sounds completely natural. **Sound Quality:** Typical Apple tuning — neutral with a slight emphasis on clarity. Vocals sound fantastic. Acoustic instruments are detailed and well-separated. Bass is present but not punchy; if you're a bass head, these aren't for you. Spatial audio with head tracking is impressive for movies and supported music, though I don't use it often. **Battery Life:** With ANC on, I'm getting about 4.5 hours consistently. The case provides about 4 full charges. With ANC off, battery life extends to around 6 hours. Charging via USB-C is fast — 15 minutes gives me about an hour of listening. Wireless charging works reliably with my Magsafe pad. **Call Quality:** This is where these earbuds really shine. The voice pickup is excellent even in moderately noisy environments. I've taken calls walking along a busy street and the other person said I sounded clear. Wind noise reduction is also impressive. **Build Quality & Condition:** My unit came in perfect condition — clean, no scratches, well-packaged. The case feels premium with a satisfying hinge. The finish does show fingerprints easily though. **Value:** At $179, these occupy an interesting spot. They're cheaper than the AirPods Pro 2 but significantly more expensive than competitors. For Apple ecosystem users, the seamless integration (instant switching, Find My, Siri) justifies the premium. For Android users, look elsewhere. **Final Verdict:** These are excellent earbuds for Apple users who want ANC but find silicone tips uncomfortable. They're not for everyone — the fit is critical, and the ANC has limitations. But for my needs, they're nearly perfect.

Recommended

These are really solid earbuds. The ANC is better than I expected for an open fit — it won't match the AirPods Pro but it handles low-end hum like AC units and traffic noise really well. Setup was instant with my iPhone, as usual. Call quality is noticeably improved over my old AirPods 2. My only complaint is the lack of volume control on the stem — I still have to ask Siri or pull out my phone. For $179 they're a good middle ground between the regular AirPods and the Pros.

Recommended

Got these on sale for $149 and at that price they're an absolute steal. The ANC is good enough for my daily subway commute — it cuts the rumble and most of the chatter. Sound quality is what you'd expect from Apple: clear, balanced, nothing mind-blowing but very listenable. The case is pocket-friendly and the battery lasts me a full work week with moderate use. My only gripe is that they're not sweat-resistant enough for me to feel comfortable using them at the gym. But for casual listening and calls, these are fantastic.

Recommended