Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation review: buy or skip?

What the Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation does well

The headline: open-fit AirPods with noise cancelling for people who dislike ear tips. Key specs: Noise cancelling: ANC (open fit); Battery (buds): Up to 5 hours; Water resistance: IP54; Charging: USB-C, wireless. In our list it is the pick for: open-fit iPhone buds. It usually sells for $149–$179.

The only earbuds that pair an open, tipless fit with real noise cancelling.

The trade-offs

Good: comfortable open fit, useful noise cancelling, USB-C case, great iPhone features. Not so good: weaker ANC than Pro models, fit can be loose. Read the skip-if line before you order: skip it if you need strong isolation on planes.

What to buy instead

Instead, consider the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro ($179–$249): every Galaxy feature, including 24-bit audio and live translate, with strong ANC. Better if you use a Samsung Galaxy phone.

Instead, consider the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 ($179–$229): small, comfortable buds with strong ANC and Gemini integration. Better if you use a Pixel or Android phone.

Instead, consider the Soundcore Liberty 5 ($99–$149): strong noise cancelling and good sound at about half flagship price. Better if you want flagship-like buds for under $150.

Before you buy

Match your phone: AirPods work best with iPhone, Galaxy Buds with Samsung, Pixel Buds with Pixel; cross-platform models suit everyone else. Fit decides sound: try every ear-tip size; a good seal improves bass and noise cancelling. Battery: 6 hours per charge plus a case with two to three refills covers most days.

US buyer tip

Buy from Amazon.com itself or the brand's storefront: counterfeit earbuds from third-party sellers are common, and they will not get warranty service.

Prices on Amazon.com move in a pattern. The deepest cuts land on Prime Day in July, Prime Big Deal Days in October and the Black Friday to Cyber Monday week, with smaller drops around Presidents Day, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and back-to-school. Judge a deal against the usual price we show, never against the crossed-out list price.

Order from Amazon itself or the brand's official storefront so the US manufacturer warranty applies, keep your order confirmation and register the product with the brand. Most items can be returned within 30 days, and holiday purchases often get an extended return window into January.