Apple’s 2024 AirPods 4 come in two versions: standard AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Both use the H2 chip and have an open-ear design, but only the ANC model adds noise-control modes and a case that can charge wirelessly. Which suits you depends mainly on whether you want those features and how you prefer to charge.
What are the two AirPods 4 models?
Apple introduced standard AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC in September 2024. Both are open-ear earbuds built around Apple’s H2 chip. Apple says it used more than 50 million individual data points while refining the design; that is a company-reported design-process figure, not an independent finding about fit. Apple’s launch announcement described ANC as part of the most advanced audio experience Apple had offered in an open-ear design.
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How do AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC differ?
| Feature | AirPods 4 | AirPods 4 with ANC |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | H2 | H2 |
| Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency, Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness | Not listed for this model by Apple | Included |
| Listening time per charge | Up to 5 hours | Up to 4 hours with ANC on; up to 5 hours with noise control off |
| Listening time with case | Up to 30 hours | Up to 20 hours with ANC on; up to 30 hours with noise control off |
| Case charging | USB-C | USB-C, Qi-certified wireless, or Apple Watch charger |
| Case speaker for Find My proximity view | Not listed by Apple | Included |
| Dust, sweat, and water resistance | IP54 | IP54 |
Specifications and battery estimates are from Apple’s AirPods 4 technical specifications and AirPods 4 with ANC technical specifications. Battery figures are Apple’s maximums under stated test conditions, not guarantees; settings, environment, and use affect actual life.
What does the ANC model add?
AirPods 4 with ANC adds Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency, Adaptive Audio, and Conversation Awareness. ANC is intended to reduce environmental noise, not create complete isolation. Transparency lets outside sound through, while Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness adjust listening behavior in response to surroundings and conversation. These features depend on compatible Apple software.
#1 Best Overall
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation help reduce outside noise before it reaches your ears, so you can immerse yourself in what you’re listening to.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU — The powerful H2 chip comes to AirPods 4. Adaptive Audio seamlessly blends ANC and Transparency mode — which lets you comfortably hear and interact with the world around you exactly as it sounds — to provide the best listening experience in any environment.* And when you’re speaking with someone nearby, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — Voice Isolation improves the quality of calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
Both models include Voice Isolation and Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. Voice Isolation requires compatible devices and software. Apple lists the same IP54 dust, sweat, and water resistance rating for both versions.
Does the AirPods 4 ANC case charge wirelessly?
Yes. The ANC model’s case charges through USB-C, Qi-certified wireless charging, or an Apple Watch charger. It also has a speaker to help locate it using Find My proximity view. The standard AirPods 4 case charges over USB-C; Apple does not list wireless charging or a Find My speaker for that case.
Rank #2
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO — Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you, creating a theater-like listening experience for music, TV shows, movies, games, and more.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — AirPods 4 feature the Apple-designed H2 chip. Voice Isolation improves the quality of phone calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
- LONG BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge. And get up to 30 hours of total listening time using the case.*
How should you choose between them?
Choose standard AirPods 4 if
- You do not need ANC or the other noise-control modes.
- You are comfortable charging the case by USB-C rather than wirelessly.
- You want Apple’s stated maximum of up to 5 hours per charge and up to 30 hours with the case; actual battery life varies.
Choose AirPods 4 with ANC if
- You want ANC, Transparency, Adaptive Audio, or Conversation Awareness in an open-ear design.
- Wireless charging or the case speaker for Find My matters to you.
- You accept shorter stated battery estimates when ANC is enabled: up to 4 hours per charge and up to 20 hours with the case.
Both are open-ear earbuds, not silicone-tip in-ear models. That difference can matter for comfort and how much outside sound you hear, but fit is personal; Apple’s specifications cannot establish how either version will fit you. If stronger noise reduction is the priority, Apple’s current comparison page says AirPods Pro 3 provide up to 2x more ANC than AirPods 4 with ANC under IEC 60268-24 testing. That is Apple’s comparison claim under a specified test, not a prediction for every listening situation. See Apple’s current AirPods comparison.
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Will they work with non-Apple devices?
Apple says AirPods can be used as Bluetooth headphones with non-Apple devices, but functionality may be limited. Some features, including Voice Isolation and the ANC model’s adaptive listening features, require compatible Apple devices and software. Check Apple’s technical specifications for the device and software requirements relevant to the features you plan to use.
Rank #3
- WHY APPLECARE+ - Get protection, service and support direct from Apple. AppleCare+ covers unlimited repairs for accidental damage, like a cracked display, and includes coverage for the hardware and battery. Get convenient service at Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers around the world or Express Replacement Service so you don’t have to wait for a repair. Help is easy with 24/7 priority tech support from Apple experts.
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation help reduce outside noise before it reaches your ears, so you can immerse yourself in what you’re listening to.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU — The powerful H2 chip comes to AirPods 4. Adaptive Audio seamlessly blends ANC and Transparency mode — which lets you comfortably hear and interact with the world around you exactly as it sounds — to provide the best listening experience in any environment.* And when you’re speaking with someone nearby, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — Voice Isolation improves the quality of calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
Are these the newest AirPods overall?
No. Apple’s comparison page, accessed September 28, 2026, lists AirPods 5 and AirPods Pro models alongside AirPods 4. The comparison here is specifically between the two AirPods 4 versions, not a ranking of Apple’s entire current lineup. Prices and availability vary by country and retailer, so check local listings before buying.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT - AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION - AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation help reduce outside noise before it reaches your ears, so you can immerse yourself in what you’re listening to.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU - The powerful H2 chip comes to AirPods 4. Adaptive Audio seamlessly blends ANC and Transparency mode - which lets you comfortably hear and interact with the world around you exactly as it sounds - to provide the best listening experience in any environment.* And when you’re speaking with someone nearby, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY - Voice Isolation improves the quality of calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE - Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* A skin-detecting sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off.
Rank #4
- WORLD’S BEST IN-EAR ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — Removes up to 2x more unwanted noise than AirPods Pro 2* so you can stay fully immersed in the moment.*
- BREAKTHROUGH AUDIO PERFORMANCE — Experience breathtaking, three-dimensional audio with AirPods Pro 3. A new acoustic architecture delivers transformed bass, detailed clarity so you can hear every instrument, and stunningly vivid vocals.
- HEART RATE SENSING — Built-in heart rate sensing lets you track your heart rate and calories burned for up to 50 different workout types.* With iPhone, you will have access to the Move ring, step count, and the new Workout Buddy,* powered by Apple Intelligence.*
- LIVE TRANSLATION — Communicate across language barriers using Live Translation,* enabled by Apple Intelligence.*
- EXTENDED BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 8 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation on a single charge. Or up to 10 hours in Transparency using the Hearing Aid feature.*
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