Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Apple’s 2024 AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation are a more tempting buy at the $119.99 Best Buy price recently reported by TechRadar, down from their $179.99 U.S. launch price. That is a reported, time-sensitive offer—not a guaranteed live price. Check the current listing and stock before buying. At this price, they are worth considering if you want Apple’s open-fit earbuds with some noise cancellation; they are a less obvious choice if you need strong isolation, a secure fit for your ears, or long listening sessions between charges.
What makes the $119.99 price worth a look?
The discount changes the calculation for a previous-generation model. TechRadar’s October 2026 deal roundup reported AirPods 4 with ANC at Best Buy for $119.99, reduced from $179.99. Retail prices and stock can change quickly, so confirm the live offer rather than treating that figure—or the roundup’s stated Sunday sale deadline—as current and guaranteed. TechRadar’s deal report
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
There is also a newer option to weigh. Tom’s Guide reported on September 20, 2026, that AirPods 5 started at $124 or $149 depending on case configuration, with ANC in both versions. The same comparison listed AirPods 4 ANC at $149 at some U.S. retailers at that time. Those are dated price snapshots, not assured prices today; they help explain why the $119.99 promotion could be attractive if it is still available. Tom’s Guide’s AirPods comparison
What you get—and what the open fit means
ANC without silicone tips
AirPods 4 ANC have an open-ear design, not the silicone-tipped seal used by in-ear earbuds. Apple introduced the fourth-generation AirPods on September 9, 2024, and began retail availability on September 20, 2024. The ANC version added Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency, Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness to the open-fit design. Apple’s launch announcement
#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.*
That design is the main reason to choose these over a sealed in-ear model—and the main trade-off. What Hi-Fi? found the ANC effective against lower-frequency noise but less able to block higher-frequency sound than AirPods Pro 3. The publication also reported mixed fit impressions. Those are reviewer assessments; an open fit that works comfortably for one person may not sit securely or suit another. What Hi-Fi?’s comparison
Apple says its fit-design process drew on thousands of ear shapes and more than 50 million individual data points. That describes the company’s design work, not a guarantee of a universal fit. Apple’s launch announcement
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.*
Features and case
The earbuds use Apple’s H2 headphone chip and include Voice Isolation, personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking and Adaptive EQ. Apple rates them IP54 for dust, sweat and water resistance. The USB-C case has a speaker for Find My proximity view and supports Qi-certified and Apple Watch chargers; Apple says the USB-C charge cable is sold separately. Apple’s AirPods specifications
They can work as Bluetooth headphones with non-Apple devices, but Apple warns that functionality may be limited. Full feature support depends on compatible Apple hardware and current software, and some features require particular operating systems. Apple’s AirPods specifications
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.*
Battery life is the clearest compromise
Apple estimates up to four hours of listening per charge with ANC enabled, or up to five hours with noise control off. Including the case, Apple’s estimates are up to 20 hours with ANC enabled and up to 30 hours with noise control off. What Hi-Fi? also flags the four-hour ANC estimate as a drawback. Apple’s AirPods specifications · What Hi-Fi?’s comparison
These are Apple estimates, not a guarantee of runtime for every listener. Apple based them on tests conducted in July and August 2024 with pre-production AirPods 4, an iPhone 16 Pro Max, a specified music playlist and volume set to 50%. Apple says actual results vary with settings, environment, usage and other factors. Apple’s AirPods specifications
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.*
How to decide whether to buy
- Consider them if: You prefer earbuds without silicone tips, want ANC for some everyday noise, and the confirmed price is materially below the alternatives you are considering.
- Look elsewhere if: You need a sealed in-ear fit for stronger isolation, know open earbuds do not stay comfortably in your ears, or want longer listening time per charge with ANC on.
- Compare the actual checkout price: AirPods 4 ANC launched in the U.S. at $179, while standard AirPods 4 launched at $129, according to TechCrunch. Apple’s Irish launch release listed €199 and €149 respectively; those historical Irish prices should not be treated as current or mixed with U.S. prices. TechCrunch’s launch coverage · Apple’s launch announcement
- Check the generation: Apple’s current store page redirects to the AirPods 5 lineup. Tom’s Guide described AirPods 4 ANC as technically discontinued in September 2026, though some retailers still had stock. Availability of this older model may therefore vary by retailer. Tom’s Guide’s AirPods comparison
Verdict
At a verified $119.99, AirPods 4 with ANC make the strongest case for buyers who want an open fit and Apple-device features at a meaningful discount. They are not a bargain for everyone: the fit is personal, their open design limits how completely ANC blocks sound, and Apple’s estimate is up to four hours per charge with ANC on. Judge the deal against the current price of newer alternatives and whether those trade-offs suit your day-to-day use.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
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.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
