AirPods Finally Get Noise Cancellation (Standard Version)
The AirPods 4 is interesting because it brings features that used to be Pro-only to the regular AirPods. Active noise cancellation on non-Pro AirPods? That’s new. I’ve been testing them for a few weeks to see if they’re worth the upgrade.
Quick Specs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Noise Cancellation | Active Noise Cancellation |
| Adaptive Mode | Yes |
| Spatial Audio | Personalized |
| Battery Life | Up to 6 hours (ANC off) |
| Charging Case | Wireless charging |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 |
Sound and Performance
Audio Quality
They sound good. Not “audiophile good,” but definitely better than the AirPods 3. Bass has more presence, and the spatial audio with head tracking is genuinely cool for movies, even if I don’t use it much for music.
The personalized spatial audio thing where it scans your ears with your phone camera - I was skeptical, but it does seem to improve the effect. Or maybe it’s placebo. Hard to say definitively.
Noise Cancellation
Here’s the big question: how does ANC on the regular AirPods compare to the Pros?
It’s noticeably less aggressive than the AirPods Pro. Blocks out consistent low sounds like airplane engines and AC units reasonably well. Sharp sounds and voices still get through more than on the Pros.
For me, that’s actually fine. I don’t want total isolation most of the time. But if you need serious noise blocking, the Pro version is still the way to go.
Adaptive Mode
This automatically adjusts between ANC, transparency, and off modes based on your environment. It works, though I’ve turned it off in favor of manual control. I found it sometimes switching modes when I didn’t want it to.
Fit and Comfort
These are the open-ear design, not the silicone tip style. If previous AirPods fit you well, these will too. If they fell out constantly, same problem here.
I can wear them for a few hours without discomfort, though I take breaks because my ears get tired of having things in them. Pretty standard stuff.
Battery and Charging
Six hours without ANC, maybe four and a half with it on in my experience. The case gives you a few additional charges. USB-C charging is welcome, and MagSafe support is convenient if you have a charger on your desk.
Nothing exceptional here, but adequate for daily use.
The Apple Tax Question
These cost more than comparable earbuds from Sony, Jabra, or Samsung. What you’re paying for:
- Seamless switching between Apple devices (this genuinely works well)
- One-tap pairing with iPhone
- Find My integration
- Siri that actually works reliably
If you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem, these conveniences add up. If you’re on Android or only have one Apple device, a lot of the value proposition disappears.
Compared to AirPods 3
| Feature | AirPods 3 | AirPods 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancellation | No | Yes |
| Adaptive Mode | No | Yes |
| Personalized Spatial Audio | Basic | Improved |
| Battery Life | 6 hours | 6 hours |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
The ANC alone might justify the upgrade if you use AirPods daily. If you’re happy with your 3s, there’s no urgent reason to switch.
Who Should Consider These
Good match:
- iPhone users who want ANC without paying for Pros
- People upgrading from older AirPods
- Folks who like the open-ear fit
Probably skip:
- Android users
- People who need maximum noise isolation
- Budget shoppers
- Anyone happy with their current earbuds
Bottom Line
The AirPods 4 are a meaningful upgrade over the 3s, and the addition of ANC makes them more competitive. They’re still not cheap, and they still work best within Apple’s ecosystem. But if that describes you, they’re worth considering.
I’ve been reaching for them daily, which is really the test that matters.
Check current prices - they occasionally drop for sales.