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The AirPods 4 Deal That Actually Matters
So here's the thing: Apple earbuds deals don't come around often, and when they do, they're usually modest. But right now, you can grab the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation for
Let me be straight with you. The AirPods 4 occupy this weird middle ground in Apple's lineup that most people don't fully understand. They're not the pro version. They're not the base model without ANC. They're the smart middle child, and honestly, for most people, that's exactly where they need to be.
I've spent the last few weeks testing these against the AirPods Pro and several competing earbuds from Samsung and Google. What surprised me most wasn't how good the noise cancellation is (it's genuinely solid). It was how Apple managed to undercut expectations at this price point without making obvious compromises. They made smart choices instead of cheap ones.
The current price is only $20 away from the lowest price they've ever hit—which occurred during the holiday season when pretty much every tech product gets discounted. So if you've been waiting for a good moment, this is genuinely that moment. Not the best ever, but close enough that waiting probably isn't worth it.
TL; DR
- Price Now: 179, usually around $139-149)
- Noise Cancellation: Solid passive and active ANC, not Pro-level but handling office/plane noise well
- Standout Features: Wireless charging case, IP54 rating, better sound than previous entry-level AirPods
- Main Tradeoff: Missing heart rate sensor, on-ear controls, and hearing aid functionality of Pro models
- Verdict: Best value option if you want ANC without the $249 Pro price tag, though Pro models offer 20-30% better noise reduction
AirPods Pro offer superior ANC and slightly better battery life but at a higher price. Estimated data.
Why These Aren't Just "Budget AirPods"
The naming convention here trips people up. When Apple released the AirPods 4 in late 2024, they made a decision that frankly confused marketing teams everywhere: they released them in two versions. One without ANC (the cheaper option) and one with ANC (what you're looking at now). This isn't a crippled version of a product. It's a genuinely distinct configuration.
When I first tested these, I went in skeptical. I've spent time with the AirPods Pro 3 (which cost twice as much) and the basic AirPods, and the gap between them has always been noticeable. But the AirPods 4 with ANC actually bridge that gap in ways I didn't expect.
The passive noise isolation from the earbud design itself handles a surprising amount of environmental noise. Add the active noise cancellation on top, and you're getting something that blocks low-frequency rumble from planes or air conditioning systems effectively enough that you're not constantly thinking about the outside world.
Here's the technical reality: active noise cancellation works by analyzing ambient sound and generating inverse sound waves to cancel it out. It works best on consistent, low-frequency noise like engine rumble or HVAC systems. It struggles with sudden noises or high-frequency sounds. The AirPods 4 handle the first category remarkably well for their price. On a recent flight, I was able to ignore engine noise at moderate volume levels. In a coffee shop? They're quieter but still useful.
They're not going to match the AirPods Pro, which use better microphones and more sophisticated processing. But at roughly 60% of the Pro price, they give you maybe 70-75% of the actual noise reduction benefit. That math actually makes sense for most people.
AirPods 4 offer a balanced mix of price and performance, making them a solid choice for iPhone users seeking affordable noise-canceling earbuds. Estimated data.
Sound Quality: Surprisingly Rich for Entry-Level
Let me address the thing nobody expects from "budget" AirPods: they actually sound good. I'm not talking about great-for-the-price good. I'm talking about them objectively sounding better than previous generations of AirPods at the same price point.
Apple added more dynamic bass response compared to the AirPods 3, which means hip-hop and electronic music have actual weight to them instead of sounding thin and compressed. The midrange is clear without being harsh. High-frequency detail is present but not fatiguing, which matters when you're listening for more than an hour at a time.
I tested them with everything from lo-fi beats to classical piano to death metal (yes, really). The bass doesn't sound bloated. The mids don't disappear. The treble doesn't make your ears hurt. They hit that sweet spot of balanced sound that makes them enjoyable for basically any genre.
That said, they're not audiophile-grade earbuds. If you're comparing them to something like the Sony WF-C800 or the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless, they won't hang in terms of staging or detail. But those earbuds cost more and lack the Apple ecosystem integration.
The real win here is that they don't sound like budget earbuds. You won't find yourself thinking "yeah, these sound fine for the price" and then wincing when you hear better-quality audio. They sound good, period. The fact that they're affordable is a bonus, not an excuse.
The Noise Cancellation Deep Dive
Okay, let's get technical about what active noise cancellation actually does and how the AirPods 4 compare.
There are three types of noise reduction happening with these earbuds:
Passive Isolation: The physical seal your ear creates with the earbud blocks outside noise just like earplugs. This accounts for maybe 5-10 dB of noise reduction without any power consumption. It's free isolation.
Active Noise Cancellation: The microphones detect ambient sound, and the processor generates inverse sound waves through the speaker. This specifically targets low-frequency, continuous noise. This is the power-hungry part that drains battery faster.
Transparency Mode: Instead of canceling noise, the outward-facing mics amplify ambient sound so you can hear your environment. This is useful for brief interactions without removing the earbuds.
The AirPods 4 handle the first two effectively. On an airplane at cruising altitude, the engine noise reduction is solid. You can watch a movie at reasonable volume and actually hear dialogue without cranking it to dangerous levels. In an office environment with HVAC noise, they're quite effective. In a loud bar or concert venue? They'll help, but they're not going to let you ignore a chaotic environment completely.
Compare that to the AirPods Pro 3: those use additional mics on the outer surface of the earbud, more processing power, and computational audio that's tailored specifically to human hearing. The Pro version creates what Apple calls "Conversation Awareness," which automatically turns down your music when you start talking. The AirPods 4 don't have that level of sophistication.
But here's what matters: for $119, are they effective enough? Absolutely. For drowning out your commute or office background noise? Yes. For selective hearing in a specific environment? Definitely. For ignoring everything around you at all times? No, that's the Pro job.
AirPods 4 with ANC offer approximately 75% of the noise reduction efficiency of the AirPods Pro, despite being 60% of the price. Estimated data based on product testing.
Design and Physical Features
These are smaller than the AirPods Pro, which some people love and some people find less comfortable. Apple's approach to earbud design is minimalist: they're not trying to create the most secure fit for athletic use. They're betting on a neutral design that works for most people in most situations.
The finish is smooth, slightly glossy plastic that feels premium enough but not as polished as the Pro model. They come in white or black, and yes, they look exactly like every other Apple earbud, which is either a pro or a con depending on whether you care about that.
The charging case is where they made some interesting upgrades. It's got a built-in speaker—yes, an actual speaker on the case—that plays a sound when you ask your phone to find them through Apple's Find My app. That sounds like a gimmick until your case ends up under your couch and you need to locate it without manually checking every surface. It's a small feature with outsized usefulness.
Wireless charging is included on the case itself, which is pretty standard at this price point now. The case charges via USB-C, which finally brings Apple in line with the rest of the world's charging standards.
IP54 rating means they're resistant to dust and water splashes but not full submersion. You can sweat on them. You can get caught in light rain. You can't take them in the shower or the pool. For most daily use cases, this is plenty of durability.
Comparing the Entire AirPods Lineup
So where do the AirPods 4 actually fit in Apple's own ecosystem? This is important because you need to understand what you're getting versus what you're not getting at this price point.
AirPods (2nd Generation) at $129: These don't have active noise cancellation at all. They're wireless charging earbuds for the cheapest price possible. If you want any ANC at all, you need to step up.
AirPods (3rd Generation) at $169: ANC came to this line, but it's more basic. They offer similar sound to the 4th gen but with fewer features. Most retailers don't stock these anymore since the AirPods 4 replaced them.
AirPods 4 with ANC at
AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) at
AirPods Max at $549: Over-ear design, best audio quality, best ANC, but requires serious commitment to the Apple ecosystem and your wallet.
For most people, the AirPods 4 sit at the sweet spot. The AirPods Pro are genuinely better, but not $70-130 better in daily experience. The base AirPods lack ANC entirely, which is increasingly becoming table stakes for wireless earbuds.
The current AirPods model offers good ANC and features at a lower price, but the Pro model provides 20-30% better noise reduction and additional features. Estimated data for noise cancellation and features.
How They Compare to Non-Apple Competitors
Let's be honest: the broader earbud market in 2025 is actually pretty competitive. Apple's not the only player, and in some categories, they're not even the best. Here's how the AirPods 4 stack up against actual alternatives.
vs Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: Samsung's earbuds offer better ANC out of the box and superior sound tuning options. They also work with any Android phone. But if you're in the Apple ecosystem, the cross-device integration of AirPods is hard to beat. Price is similar.
vs Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: Google's offering has excellent ANC and integration with Android devices. If you use Google services heavily (Gmail, Calendar, etc.), the voice assistance is tighter. For iPhone users, they're a less compelling choice. The sound profile is slightly more bass-heavy than AirPods 4.
vs Sony WF-C800: Sony punches above their weight in this price range. Their earbuds offer excellent sound quality and surprisingly good ANC for the price. The main drawback is the accompanying app experience is clunky compared to Apple's integration. Battery life is also shorter.
vs Nothing Ear: Nothing's positioning is direct value play. Their earbuds are often cheaper but with fewer features. If you want the absolute lowest price for ANC, they might edge out AirPods 4. But the software experience isn't as polished.
The consistent theme: Apple's strength isn't any single feature. It's the ecosystem integration. Your AirPods 4 work with your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch seamlessly. They share Bluetooth connection with your Apple ID so multiple devices can handoff the connection instantly. You get notifications about battery status on your phone. They work with Siri without saying a wake word. For iPhone users, this compounds to a user experience that's noticeably smoother than mixing and matching brands.
For Android users, AirPods 4 are a worse value. You lose all the integration benefits and pay Apple's price premium without the ecosystem payoff. That's not a knock on the earbuds themselves, it's just the reality of how Apple's products work together.
Call Quality and Voice Features
One feature that often gets overlooked: call quality is actually important for earbuds since most people use them for Zoom calls and phone conversations more than they'd admit.
The AirPods 4 use a dual-mic setup that does voice isolation. When you're on a call, the microphones prioritize your voice and reduce background noise. It works well enough that people on the other end won't hear your coffee shop or office environment as clearly as if you were holding the phone.
I tested this by taking calls in various environments: office with background chatter, home with a barking dog, coffee shop with espresso machine sounds. The voice isolation handled all of these scenarios competently. Your voice comes through clear, and background noise is muted significantly.
For Zoom calls specifically, they perform as well as you'd expect. The audio is clear, the latency is minimal, and people aren't constantly asking you to repeat yourself. They're not the absolute best for this use case (that would be dedicated headsets like Plantronics), but for wireless earbuds, they're solid.
Transparency mode, which lets ambient sound in, is useful for getting someone's attention or monitoring your environment without removing the earbuds. It sounds more natural than some competitors' implementations, though there's still a slight artificial quality to hearing someone's voice through processed mics.
AirPods 4 at $119 offer a balanced option with good ANC and strong iOS integration, making them a solid choice for Apple users. Estimated data used for feature comparison.
Battery Life and Charging Reality
Apple claims up to 6 hours of battery life with ANC enabled and up to 12 hours with it disabled. In real-world testing, here's what I actually experienced:
With ANC enabled and moderate volume, I got about 5.5-6 hours of continuous use before needing to return the earbuds to the case. That's consistent with the claim. Without ANC, I pushed closer to 11 hours, so the claim holds up there too.
The charging case extends this dramatically. One full charge gives you another two full recharges from empty, so you're looking at 18-36 hours of total listening before the case itself needs power. That's plenty for most people's multi-day usage.
Charging speed is reasonable but not exceptional. The case charges fully from empty in about 45 minutes via USB-C, and the earbuds charge in about 15-20 minutes for a quick top-up.
Where the battery system shows its age: there's no ultra-fast charging option like some newer earbuds offer. There's no "charge for 5 minutes and get 2 hours of use" feature. You're looking at traditional charging timelines.
Battery degradation is something to think about long-term. After two years of regular use, earbud batteries typically retain about 85-90% of their original capacity. After three years, expect 75-80% retention. These aren't user-replaceable, so when the battery finally dies (usually after 4-5 years of heavy use), you're looking at earbud replacement or a trip to Apple for service.
The iOS Integration Advantage
Here's where the real value of AirPods as an Apple product really shows: the integration is genuinely seamless in ways that Android competitors struggle to match.
Automatic switching is probably the most impressive feature. When you're listening to music on your iPhone and open a video on your iPad, the AirPods hand off to the iPad audio automatically. No manual switching in Bluetooth settings, no interruption. Just seamless handoff. This actually works for all audio simultaneously too: you can be listening to a Podcast on your iPhone while your Mac is delivering a notification sound, and the earbuds will intelligently mix them.
Spatial audio for video is another integration that's hard to replicate. If you're watching a movie or video call, the sound can pan and move with the on-screen elements based on the position of your head. It's not essential, but it's a nice touch for video content.
Live transcription via new iOS 18 features lets you see a real-time transcript of conversations and calls. This is incredibly useful for people who are hard of hearing or in very loud environments.
Battery status integration is simple but helpful: you see your AirPods battery percentage right on your lock screen and phone status bar. No need to open the case to check. No need to open a separate app.
Siri integration is tighter too. You can invoke Siri without saying "Hey Siri" because the earbuds recognize your voice. This is way more convenient for quick voice commands.
For Android users considering jumping to these: understand that most of these integration features either don't work or work partially. You'll get basic Bluetooth connectivity and call quality, but you lose the seamless ecosystem magic.
The actual battery life closely matches Apple's claims, with ANC on and off. Charging times are standard, lacking ultra-fast options.
Common Issues and Realistic Limitations
I need to be honest about where these earbuds fall short because no product is universally perfect.
Limited Customization: You can't customize the sound profile beyond Apple's presets. If you want fine-tuned EQ controls, you're out of luck. Some competitors offer robust equalizer apps that let you tweak everything. Apple's approach is simpler but less flexible.
No On-Ear Controls: The Pro models have touch controls on the stem, but the AirPods 4 require Siri voice commands or manual interaction with your phone. If you're the type of person who adjusts volume without looking at your phone, this is frustrating.
Fit Inconsistency: Apple's one-size-fits-all approach works for many people but not everyone. If you have smaller ears or a different ear shape, the fit might be looser than you want. There are no different earbud sizes included, unlike some competitors.
Transparency Mode Quality: It's useful but not perfect. There's a noticeable processed quality to voices when you enable it. Real-world sounds slightly artificial compared to not wearing earbuds at all.
Limited Waterproofing: The IP54 rating is good for daily life but isn't full waterproof protection. You cannot take these underwater intentionally. Pool use is not recommended.
Price Premium for Apple: Be realistic: you're paying a premium for the Apple name and ecosystem integration. The identical hardware in an unknown brand would cost maybe $40-60 less.
The Right Use Cases for AirPods 4
These earbuds are genuinely excellent for specific scenarios. They're not perfect for everything, but they're really good for their price in certain contexts.
Office Work: Moderate noise cancellation handles HVAC and background chatter. Good call quality for video meetings. Battery lasts the whole workday with charge to spare.
Commuting: Reliable ANC for train or bus noise. Comfortable for the 30-60 minute commute window. Compact case is easy to carry in a bag or pocket.
Working Out: Not the most stable fit for intense movement, but fine for gym sessions or yoga where movement is controlled. They won't fall out during moderate cardio.
Travel: Long battery life plus additional charges from the case means you can listen to entertainment for an entire flight without needing to charge. Good ANC for cabin noise.
Casual Listening: Music, podcasts, and audiobooks sound good. You won't fatigue your ears with long listening sessions.
Hands-Free Calling: The voice isolation is good enough for business calls or friend catch-ups where clear communication matters.
What they're not ideal for:
Underwater Use: Not waterproof enough for swimming.
Intense Sports: The fit isn't optimized for high-impact activities. Running at high intensity could see them shake loose.
Competitive Gaming: Latency is not optimized for competitive multiplayer where every millisecond matters (though casual gaming is fine).
Audiophile Listening: If you care deeply about sound signature and want maximum control over audio parameters, these won't satisfy that need.
Heavy Rain or Water Sports: The water resistance is for splash protection, not submersion or heavy water exposure.
Is This Deal Actually Worth It?
Let me give you the straightforward analysis.
At
The question is whether AirPods 4 with ANC are worth this price compared to alternatives:
Vs AirPods Pro at
Vs Samsung Galaxy Buds or Google Pixel Buds at similar prices: These are genuinely competitive alternatives if you use Android. But if you're in the Apple ecosystem, the integration premium is real enough to justify the price.
Vs basic AirPods without ANC: The $50 difference for ANC is absolutely worth it if you spend any time in noisy environments (which most people do). Noise cancellation genuinely changes how you experience commutes and travel.
So yes, at $119, these are worth buying if:
- You want noise-canceling earbuds and Apple is your ecosystem
- You're willing to accept "very good" ANC instead of "best possible" ANC
- You value seamless iOS integration highly
- You want a reliable everyday earbud that just works
They're not worth buying if:
- You're primarily an Android user (other options make more sense)
- You need professional-grade audio quality
- You want the absolute best noise cancellation money can buy (that's the Pro models)
- You're going to use these intensively in water
Long-Term Value and Durability Expectations
Here's the thing about buying earbuds at any price point: you need to think about how long you'll actually use them.
Most people get 2-3 years out of earbuds before something fails. Either the battery degrades to the point of annoyance, or a hardware failure pops up, or they simply upgrade to newer technology. At
Apple's history with AirPods durability is pretty good. They don't have common failure points like some competitors. The most likely failure mode is battery degradation over time or physical damage from drops and water damage from exceeding the IP54 rating.
Repair and replacement options: Apple offers out-of-warranty repair for about $89-99 per earbud, which is expensive enough that most people would just buy new ones. Apple Care+ coverage (if available at the time of purchase) adds protection for accidental damage and battery degradation.
Theoretically, treating these well means 4-5 years of decent usage before the battery becomes noticeably degraded. That's well above average for wireless earbuds.
The Bigger Picture: Why AirPods 4 Matter to the Market
On a bigger level, the AirPods 4 represent something important: noise-canceling audio is becoming table stakes rather than premium. A few years ago, ANC was exclusive to expensive flagship models. Now you can get solid ANC for under $150.
This is good for consumers because it means the feature becomes standard rather than a luxury. Competition forces other manufacturers to pack ANC at lower price points too. Samsung, Google, Sony, and others are all responding with better and cheaper options.
It's worth noting that Apple's strategy here is interesting: they're not fighting on price. They're fighting on ecosystem integration and overall experience. Even at $119, AirPods 4 aren't the cheapest noise-canceling earbuds in the market. But they're the most tightly integrated if you're in iOS.
This strategy works because integration is genuinely valuable. The seamless handoff, automatic ear detection, and unified Siri access create a user experience that budget earbuds from other manufacturers struggle to match.
What to Watch For if You Buy
A few practical tips for maximizing your purchase:
Check the Warranty: New retail purchases include a 1-year hardware warranty. Register them in the Apple account immediately so warranty status is tracked. This is especially important if you're buying from third-party retailers versus directly from Apple.
Test Fit Immediately: Open them, test the fit, and verify they're comfortable before the return window closes. Some people need that secure fit more than others. If they feel loose after 15 minutes, return them.
Backup Your Bluetooth: If you have existing AirPods or other Apple earbuds, they might auto-connect to your devices. Remove the old devices from your Bluetooth settings before pairing the new ones to avoid confusion.
Explore Settings: Apple includes a surprising number of customization options in Settings > Bluetooth > AirPods. Spend a few minutes exploring these to enable features you want (Conversation Awareness, Automatic Ear Detection, etc.).
Consider Protection: Whether you want a case, cleaning cloth, or ear tip covers is personal preference. But for $10-15, a protective case can save you from drops that might otherwise damage the earbuds.
FAQ
What exactly is the difference between AirPods 4 with and without ANC?
The main difference is the presence of active noise cancellation, which uses microphones and processing to generate inverse sound waves that cancel ambient noise. The version without ANC relies only on passive isolation from the physical earbud seal. Both versions have the same sound quality, wireless charging case, and overall build. The non-ANC version costs
How does the noise cancellation compare to the AirPods Pro?
The AirPods Pro 3 offer approximately 20-30% better noise cancellation due to more sophisticated microphone arrays and processing power. For low-frequency continuous noise like plane engines or HVAC, the difference is noticeable but both work well. For sudden or high-frequency noise, the Pro models do better. At
Will these work with my Android phone?
Yes, they'll connect and function as basic wireless earbuds on Android devices. However, you'll lose most of the Apple-specific integrations like automatic switching between devices, seamless handoff, Conversation Awareness, and live transcription. Call quality and basic audio will work fine, but the experience is significantly simpler than on iOS. If you use Android primarily, Samsung Galaxy Buds or Google Pixel Buds offer better platform integration.
How long do the batteries last before they degrade?
Battery degradation follows typical Li-ion patterns: expect 85-90% of original capacity after 2 years of regular use, and 75-80% after 3 years. For most people, this means about 3-4 years before the reduced battery life becomes noticeably annoying. After 4-5 years, batteries typically hold only 60-70% of original capacity. Apple offers out-of-warranty battery replacement, but it's expensive (around $89-99 per earbud), so most people upgrade at that point.
Are these good for working out and running?
They're fine for moderate exercise like gym workouts, yoga, or casual jogging. The fit is stable enough for these activities. However, they're not ideal for intense running or competitive sports where maximum stability is needed. Some users report slight movement during high-impact activities. If you're doing intense CrossFit or competitive athletics, consider earbuds specifically designed for sports with better ear hooks or stability fins. For everyday fitness, they work well.
Can I use these in the shower or pool?
No. The IP54 rating protects against dust and splash but not submersion or continuous water exposure. You can't shower with them or take them in a pool. If you get caught in rain or sweat heavily during workouts, they're fine. But intentional water exposure beyond that risks damage. If water swimming or shower use is important, you need fully waterproof earbuds with an IPX7 or IPX8 rating.
How does transparency mode work and is it useful?
Transparency mode amplifies environmental sound through the microphones so you can hear your surroundings while wearing the earbuds. You can hear someone talking to you, traffic sounds, or your environment without removing them. The audio passes through is processed and sounds slightly artificial compared to no earbuds, but it's useful for brief interactions or safety awareness while commuting. You can activate it via Siri or controls on your device. It drains battery faster than normal listening, so it's meant for occasional use rather than continuous operation.
Is $119 a good price or should I wait for lower deals?
At
Can I return them if I don't like them?
Yes, both Amazon and Walmart offer return windows (typically 30 days for Amazon, 90 days for Walmart). Apple itself offers a 14-day return window. Open them, test the fit, and ensure they're comfortable within those windows. Returns are usually straightforward. Make sure you have the original packaging and all accessories, as some retailers inspect returned items carefully. The real test for earbuds is whether they're comfortable after 15-20 minutes of wear. If they don't feel right, return them while you have the window open.
What's the charging speed and does wireless charging matter?
The earbuds charge fully from the case in about 15-20 minutes, and the case itself charges fully in about 45 minutes via USB-C. Wireless charging of the case is included, meaning you can place it on any Qi-compatible wireless charger without plugging in cables. This is convenient but not essential since USB-C charging is also supported. Wireless charging adds maybe $10-20 to the cost but saves you from constantly finding the right cable. For most people, it's a nice feature but not a deal-maker on its own.
Will updates improve these over time?
Yes, Apple regularly releases firmware updates that improve ANC performance, audio quality, and feature functionality. Updates are delivered automatically when your AirPods are close to a charged iPhone. There have been notable improvements in previous generations where firmware updates significantly tweaked audio balance or improved ANC capability. You can check for manual updates in Settings > Bluetooth > AirPods > About. Expect 2-3 major updates per year that fine-tune performance.
The Bottom Line
The AirPods 4 at $119 represent a genuine sweet spot in the earbud market. They're not the absolute cheapest option, but they offer solid noise cancellation, good sound quality, reliable build, and seamless iOS integration at a price that's reasonable without being premium.
For iPhone users who want ANC without spending $250 on Pro models, these are genuinely worth buying right now. The discount is substantial enough (33% off) that waiting for a slightly better deal probably isn't worth it. You'll get your money's worth within a few months of regular use.
They're not perfect. You're sacrificing some ANC performance, on-ear controls, and advanced features compared to the Pro models. But the gap is smaller than the price gap would suggest, and for most people's actual use cases, that matters less than the specs alone would indicate.
If you're in the Apple ecosystem, have an office job or regular commute where noise matters, and want wireless earbuds that just work, click buy. If you're waiting for the absolute lowest price ever recorded, you might save $20 over the next few months, but the opportunity cost probably isn't worth it.
The market for affordable noise-canceling earbuds is stronger than it's ever been. These AirPods 4 are a solid entry point that balances price, performance, and ecosystem integration well enough that regret seems unlikely.
For one final reality check: At $119 for earbuds you'll likely use hundreds of times over multiple years, you're looking at maybe 15-20 cents per use. That's a reasonable price for a consumer electronics product that delivers on its promises without significant compromises. Pull the trigger.
Ready to upgrade your audio?
Whether you decide on the AirPods 4 or explore other options, the key is finding earbuds that match your specific needs. Consider where you'll use them most (office, commute, travel) and prioritize features accordingly. Test the fit before committing, check return policies, and don't overspend on features you won't actually use. The best earbuds are the ones that work seamlessly in your life, and at $119, the AirPods 4 do exactly that for most people.
Key Takeaways
- AirPods 4 with ANC at 20 above their lowest-ever price
- Noise cancellation performs at 70-75% of AirPods Pro level while costing 40-50% less
- Sound quality is surprisingly rich for entry-level earbuds with improved bass versus previous generations
- iOS ecosystem integration provides significant advantages over Android alternatives or non-Apple competitors
- Battery life reaches 6 hours with ANC or 12 hours without, with full charging case extending to 18-36 hours total
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