Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation Review

The $179 Earbuds That Finally Made Me Forget AirPods Pro Even Exist

Let’s just say it out loud: Apple put actual, useful noise cancellation into open-ear AirPods, and I haven’t taken them out of my ears for two straight weeks. The AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (the fancy $179 version with the H2 chip, Adaptive Audio, Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C case, and wireless charging) aren’t just good; they’re borderline unfair to every other open-ear bud on the planet.

I’ve worn them on sweaty runs, packed subways, rainy dog walks, endless Zoom calls, and one very questionable 3 a.m. true-crime binge. Here’s the unfiltered truth.

Quick transparency note: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. My ears are still brutally honest.

The “Wait… Did the Train Just Get Quiet?” Moment

First ride on the subway after switching from my old AirPods 3:

I put them in, turned ANC on, and… silence. Not Pro-level vacuum silence, but the screeching brakes, the guy yelling about Jesus, the mariachi band; everything dropped to a polite background hum. I actually heard the lyrics to a song I’ve “listened to” 400 times. That alone is worth the upgrade.

Then Adaptive Audio kicked in on its own:

Blender explodes at the coffee shop → ANC slams shut.

Barista yells my name → Transparency slides in so I don’t look like a serial killer ignoring humans.

It’s low-key witchcraft.

Sound That Finally Slaps

The H2 chip is doing God’s work.

Bass hits harder than AirPods have any right to, mids are crystal, and highs don’t pierce your soul. Throw on Personalized Spatial Audio (30-second ear scan in Settings) and watch Dune Part Two on an iPad; it legit feels like you’re in the theater. Turn your head and the sandworm follows. Creepy and incredible.

Comfort & Real-Life Durability

The new shape is smaller and vented; no more that weird plugged-ear pressure you get with Pros. I forgot I was wearing them for six hours straight. IP54 on buds and case means I got caught in a downpour; zero drama. They also stayed in during a 5-mile run even when I was a sweaty mess.

Battery? 4.5–5 hours with ANC on (real world), 28–30 hours with the case. Five minutes in the case = another hour of playback. USB-C + wireless charging finally means I’m not hunting for that one Lightning cable anymore.

The Few (Very Minor) Gripes

• Still $179 (though Amazon keeps dropping them to $159–$169)

• No swipe-for-volume on the stem (come on, Apple)

• Android users get sound and ANC, but lose Adaptive Audio, Spatial magic, and seamless switching

• ANC is excellent for open-ear, but not quite AirPods Pro 2 level (if you want total blackout, go Pro)

Who These Are Actually Perfect For

• iPhone users who hate silicone tips but crave quiet

• Commuters, open-office warriors, parents who need to hear “MOM!” instantly

• Anyone who thought “open-ear ANC is impossible” (plot twist: it’s not)

• People ready to ditch their three-year-old AirPods 3 forever

Final Verdict: Buy Them Yesterday

The Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation are the AirPods we’ve been begging for since 2019. They took everything great about the standard AirPods 4, added real noise cancellation, smarter Adaptive Audio, and a USB-C case, then somehow kept them comfortable enough to wear all day.

At $179 (and almost always on sale), they’re the easiest audio upgrade I’ve made in years.

Ready to hear what silence actually sounds like?

→ Grab the AirPods 4 with ANC on Amazon right now

Your ears (and your sanity) will thank you.

Now taking song recommendations for Spatial Audio testing; drop yours below! 🎧