Apple AirPods 4 Review: Comfort Wins, ANC Falls Short
The surprising thing about the Apple AirPods 4 is how much of a leap they make for an open-ear design — especially the ANC version — without changing the core “AirPods feel” that long-time users love. Across seven platforms, users rate them between 8 and 9/10 for comfort, ecosystem integration, and call clarity, but there’s a clear split: they’re a dream upgrade for people who hate silicone tips, and an underwhelming purchase for those chasing Pro-level noise cancellation or all-day battery life.
Quick Verdict
Recommendation: Conditional — a top pick for Apple users who want open-ear buds with working ANC, but less compelling if AirPods Pro 2 are on sale.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ANC works surprisingly well for open earbuds (Best Buy, Reddit, CNET) | ANC still weaker than AirPods Pro 2 or Bose QC Ultra (Trustpilot, Quora) |
| Improved fit for many vs. AirPods 3 (Reddit, CNET) | Still falls out for some users, especially during workouts (Shortcut, Best Buy) |
| More bass and cleaner treble than AirPods 3 (CNET, Quora) | Battery life dips to ~4h with ANC on (Shortcut, Best Buy) |
| Seamless Apple ecosystem integration (Amazon, Best Buy) | No wireless charging on non-ANC model (CNET) |
| Excellent call clarity with voice isolation (CNET, Reddit) | Price overlap with AirPods Pro 2 in sales (Shortcut, Reddit) |
| Case smaller than AirPods 3’s, USB‑C charging (Amazon, CNET) | Transparency mode less impactful in open design (Reddit, Shortcut) |
Claims vs Reality
Apple markets the AirPods 4 ANC model as “the first open-ear design with effective noise cancellation,” promising comparable results to in-ear ANC buds for everyday use. While buyers on Reddit and CNET agree the effect is immediately audible — “I thought it wouldn’t be good… was pleasantly surprised” — multiple reviewers, including The Shortcut and Quora’s expert panel, note ANC is roughly “half as effective” as the Pro 2’s and struggles in very loud environments like subway doors slamming.
Marketing also emphasizes “all-day comfort” with a refined contour and shorter stem. This holds up for many who disliked the Pro’s silicone tips. A Reddit commuter said they “even stuck on like a champ” during a motorcycle ride. However, Best Buy reviews and Shortcut testing found fit issues persist for some, especially with sweat or vigorous movement: “They still don’t perfectly fit in my ear, and they do fall out when I’m outside.”
Finally, Apple touts “immersive, theatre-like sound” with deeper bass and cleaner highs. CNET and Trustpilot confirm a noticeable improvement over AirPods 3, with more low-end body and cleaner treble, but Quora’s lab testing still rated bass at 5.3/10 compared to top-tier earbuds. For EDM or hip-hop fans, “the lowest bass notes still feel a bit anemic.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
One consistent win is comfort for open-ear fans. Users migrating from AirPods 2 or 3 say the 4’s fit is more stable without creating the “vacuum” feel of in-ear tips. A Reddit user with a silicone allergy called them “god-sent” for daily commutes. CNET’s testers found they fit a wider range of ears, with multiple colleagues preferring them over AirPods 3.
Ecosystem integration remains unmatched. Amazon and Best Buy buyers highlight instant pairing, automatic device switching, and Find My support. The ANC model’s case speaker for proximity finding drew praise from travelers who misplace gear in hotel rooms or couch cushions.
Call clarity is another standout. CNET’s test calls showed “almost no background noise” for the other party, while commuters on Reddit said they could take calls in windy environments without shouting. Best Buy reviewers frequently mention the Conversation Awareness feature — volume dips automatically when you start speaking — as “fantastic” for quick interactions.
Common Complaints
Battery life is the most repeated disappointment. Shortcut and Best Buy users reported 3–4 hours with ANC on, short of Apple’s 4-hour claim, forcing mid-day charging for long work or travel days. Quora’s lab tests confirmed both ANC and non-ANC models trail competitors in runtime.
Fit security divides the crowd. While many find them more comfortable than Pro 2, active users and those with certain ear shapes report dropouts during gym use, running, or even chewing gum. Shortcut testers noted “there’s no guarantee these earbuds will stay in your ears” without tips or hooks.
ANC limitations are noted by reviewers who expected Pro-level noise suppression. Quora’s measurements found only ~10dB reduction in mid-bass to high-mid frequencies, compared to 20–30dB from top ANC earbuds. Transparency mode also feels redundant in open designs; Reddit users often leave it off entirely.
Divisive Features
The price-to-value ratio sparks debate. At MSRP, many feel the ANC version’s $179 tag is fair for its comfort and feature set. But Shortcut and Reddit threads point out that AirPods Pro 2 often drop to $170–$180 on sale, making them hard to ignore if you tolerate silicone tips.
The sound signature also splits opinion. CNET and Best Buy praise the richer bass and cleaner highs versus AirPods 3, but Quora’s experts say it still lacks warmth and punch for bass-heavy genres. Classical and acoustic listeners may find the mid-range detail more satisfying than club music fans.
Trust & Reliability
Apple’s brand reliability scores for non-ANC earbuds in Consumer Reports surveys remain above average, but not top-tier. On Apple’s own forums, one April 2025 buyer reported a right bud failing to connect; Apple resolved it via mail-in repair in 3 days, earning praise for service speed. However, the same user worried about recurrence after warranty expiry.
eBay listings show steady resale demand, with ANC models in “excellent refurbished” condition fetching $118–$129, about 65–72% of retail — a strong retention rate compared to many earbuds. This supports community advice that ANC versions hold value better due to their unique position in Apple’s lineup.
Alternatives
AirPods Pro 2 are the most cited alternative. For $5–$20 more during sales, they offer superior ANC, passive isolation, adjustable silicone tips, and MagSafe charging. However, they’re less comfortable for tip-averse users.
Outside Apple’s line, Reddit commuters compared ANC performance to Redmi Buds 5 Pro and CMF Buds, finding AirPods 4 ANC competitive for an open design but still behind sealed-tip models. Quora’s panel recommends Bose QuietComfort Ultra or Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 for those prioritizing ANC and soundstage over Apple integration.
Price & Value
As of recent eBay and retail data:
- ANC model: $179 MSRP, refurb ~$120, used ~$85–$100
- Non-ANC model: $129 MSRP, refurb ~$90, used ~$70–$85
Community buying tips:
- Watch for bundle discounts with iPhone purchases.
- ANC model’s resale value justifies the $50 premium if you might upgrade later.
- Avoid paying full price if AirPods Pro 2 are near the same cost — they outperform in most technical metrics.
FAQ
Q: Is AirPods 4 ANC good enough for commuting?
Yes for most open-ear fans — Reddit commuters praise it for trains and planes, but it won’t fully block loud subway door slams or gym music.
Q: Do they fall out easily?
Depends on ear shape and activity. Many find them stable for walking and light workouts, but Shortcut testers saw dropouts with sweat or chewing.
Q: Can I use them with Android?
Basic Bluetooth works, but you lose Apple-exclusive features like Find My case tracking, Adaptive Audio controls, and Siri interactions.
Q: How’s the sound compared to AirPods 3?
CNET and Best Buy users report more bass and cleaner treble, with better mid-range detail. Quora’s tests still rate bass as weaker than sealed-tip buds.
Q: Which should I buy: ANC or non-ANC?
If you want wireless charging, case speaker, and any form of noise control, ANC is worth the $50 — unless you can grab Pro 2 on sale.
Final Verdict
Buy the Apple AirPods 4 ANC if you love Apple’s ecosystem, dislike silicone tips, and want the rare combo of open-ear comfort with functional noise cancellation. Avoid if you demand top-tier ANC, need >4h continuous battery, or can get AirPods Pro 2 at a similar price.
Pro tip from Reddit: “If you hate tips but need ANC to get through daily life, these are it. If you like tips even a little, get the Pros on sale.”
