When Apple released both the AirPods 4 ($129) and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation ($179) in September 2024, they created an interesting choice for consumers. Let's break down everything you need to know to make the right decision for your needs and budget.
Both models represent significant upgrades from previous generations, featuring Apple's new H2 chip, which powers improved audio processing and better battery life. The most notable change is that Apple now offers Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) in their standard AirPods line, previously reserved for the Pro series. The redesigned shape also aims to fit more ear types comfortably, addressing a common complaint about earlier models.
Before diving into differences, let's look at what both the standard AirPods 4 and ANC version share:
The most significant difference is how each model handles background noise. The standard AirPods 4 rely on passive noise isolation, which means they simply create a physical barrier between your ears and outside sounds. In contrast, the ANC model actively monitors external noise and creates inverse sound waves to cancel it out - think of it like adding negative numbers to positive numbers to get zero.
Having tested both in various environments, the ANC version makes a noticeable difference in:
Battery performance varies between models:
Standard Model:
ANC Model:
While both models are "smart" earbuds, the ANC version includes additional features:
Both models deliver similar sound quality, with clean mids, detailed highs, and respectable bass for their open design. The H2 chip provides excellent audio processing, making them notably better than previous generations for music and calls.
For home theater use, both support Spatial Audio, which creates a convincing surround sound effect. When watching movies, the sound appears to come from your screen and stay fixed in space as you move your head. The ANC model has a slight advantage here, as it can block out more household noise during quiet scenes.
The new design works better for more ear shapes than previous generations, though comfort remains subjective. Both models use the same physical design, so if one fits well, the other will too. They're extremely light at 4.3g per earbud, making them comfortable for long sessions.
Both perform similarly for calls, with the ANC model having a slight edge in noisy environments. The Voice Isolation feature works equally well on both, using AI to separate your voice from background noise.
At a $50 price difference, the decision really comes down to your use case:
The standard AirPods 4 at $129 offer excellent value if:
The AirPods 4 with ANC at $179 justify their premium if:
For regular commuters, the ANC model is worth the extra investment. The noise cancellation makes a significant difference on trains, buses, and planes, allowing you to enjoy music at lower, safer volumes.
In an office environment, both models work well, but the ANC version's Conversation Awareness feature is particularly useful. It automatically lowers your music when you start speaking, making it easier to participate in impromptu discussions.
For home use, either model works well. However, if you're often doing video calls or watching movies, the ANC model's ability to block out household noise can be valuable. The wireless charging also makes it more convenient to keep them powered up.
Both models are equally suitable for exercise, with identical IPX4 water resistance. The choice here depends more on whether you want to hear your surroundings while running outdoors (standard model) or block out gym noise (ANC model).
Consider these questions:
If you answered "yes" to most of these, the AirPods 4 with ANC is probably your better choice. If you answered mostly "no," save the money and go with the standard AirPods 4.
Both models represent significant improvements over their predecessors, with better sound quality, improved fit, and more features. The choice really comes down to your specific needs and how you'll use them most often. Either way, you're getting a capable set of earbuds that work seamlessly with Apple devices while delivering good sound quality and useful features.
Remember, the best choice is the one that fits your specific needs and usage patterns, not necessarily the one with the most features.
| Apple AirPods 4 ($129) | Apple AirPods 4 ANC ($179) |
|---|---|
| Price Point - Base investment for features needed | |
| $129 base model | $179 premium model |
| Noise Control - Critical for commuting and office use | |
| Basic passive isolation only | Active Noise Cancellation up to 20dB reduction |
| Battery Life - Important for daily use duration | |
| 5 hrs (30 hrs with case) | 4 hrs with ANC (20 hrs with case), 5 hrs without |
| Charging Options - Affects convenience and compatibility | |
| USB-C only | USB-C and wireless charging |
| Smart Features - Impact daily usability and convenience | |
| Basic H2 chip features, Spatial Audio | Adds Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness |
| Find My Support - Helps locate lost earbuds | |
| Basic Find My tracking | Advanced with speaker in case for audio location |
| Use Case Optimization - Determines best environment fit | |
| Best for quiet environments, casual use | Best for commuting, office, travel |
| Environmental Awareness - Important for outdoor safety | |
| Always open to environment | Adjustable with Transparency mode and ANC |
| Water/Dust Resistance - Durability for various conditions | |
| IP54 rated | IP54 rated |
| Weight Per Earbud - Affects long-term comfort | |
| 4.3g | 4.3g |
The AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation ($179) provides a superior movie-watching experience due to its noise-canceling ability, which helps you hear quiet dialogue without distraction. Both models feature Spatial Audio for virtual surround sound, but the ANC model's ability to block out household noise makes it the better choice for home theater use.
The standard AirPods 4 ($129) costs $50 less than the AirPods 4 with ANC ($179).
Yes, both models support Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, creating a theater-like experience where sound appears to come from your screen's direction.
The standard AirPods 4 offers slightly better battery life at 5 hours per charge (30 hours with case), while the ANC model provides 4 hours with ANC enabled (20 hours with case) or 5 hours with ANC off.
Yes, both models can connect to TVs that support Bluetooth audio. For Apple TV users, both provide seamless integration and Spatial Audio support.
For home theater use, the ANC feature is particularly valuable as it helps block out ambient sounds like air conditioning, appliances, and household noise during quiet movie scenes.
Both the standard AirPods 4 and ANC version use identical drivers and the H2 chip, providing the same basic sound quality. The ANC model can seem to sound better simply because it blocks external noise.
Both models feature Voice Isolation technology, but the ANC model's noise cancellation gives it an edge for video calls in noisy environments.
Yes, both models work with any Bluetooth-enabled device, though some features like instant pairing and automatic switching are Apple-exclusive.
No, only the AirPods 4 with ANC supports wireless charging. The standard model uses USB-C charging only.
Both models offer low latency and Spatial Audio for gaming, but the ANC model's noise cancellation can provide better immersion by blocking outside distractions.
Both models work well for home theater use, with Spatial Audio being the standout feature. However, the AirPods 4 with ANC provides a more cinema-like experience by reducing ambient noise, making it the better choice for serious home theater enthusiasts.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: cnet.com - apple.com - youtube.com - tomsguide.com - apple.com - support.apple.com - phonearena.com - apple.com - cdw.com - apple.com - apple.com - connection.com - bhphotovideo.com - youtube.com - staples.com - connection.com - support.apple.com - pcrichard.com - adorama.com - zones.com - cdw.com
