There is no single best replacement for AirPods 4. The right one depends on what the AirPods 4 don’t do for you. For a secure fit during workouts, look at the Beats Fit Pro. For sealed in-ear sound and noise isolation, look at the Sony WF-1000XM6. For stronger noise cancellation, look at the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen). These roles come from editorial coverage by RTINGS, What Hi-Fi, SoundGuys and Tom’s Guide. They are not the result of one controlled head-to-head test.
What you are replacing: AirPods 4 at a glance
Apple’s product specifications list AirPods 4 as an open-fit design from 2024, with Bluetooth 5.3 and H2-powered features. Apple publishes these battery figures, and they are manufacturer claims, not independent measurements:
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| Model | One charge | With charging case |
|---|---|---|
| AirPods 4 | Up to 5 hours of listening | Up to 30 hours |
| AirPods 4 with ANC (ANC on) | Up to 4 hours | Up to 20 hours |
The open fit matters for everything below. AirPods 4 sit in the ear without a sealed silicone tip. Most of the alternatives seal the ear canal, which is why they isolate better and feel different.
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| Your priority | Model to consider | Fit type | Basis for the pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staying put during workouts | Beats Fit Pro | Sealed in-ear with a stabilizing design | Named as an iPhone-friendly, workout-oriented option by RTINGS and SoundGuys |
| Sound quality and isolation | Sony WF-1000XM6 | Sealed in-ear | Placed among AirPods alternatives by What Hi-Fi and other roundups, with sound and isolation as strengths |
| Noise cancellation | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | Sealed in-ear | Identified as a noise-cancelling rival by What Hi-Fi and Tom’s Guide |
| Value | soundcore Liberty 4 Pro | Sealed in-ear | Recommended in soundcore’s own guide, so treat it as manufacturer advice |
The shortlist
Beats Fit Pro: for workouts
If your complaint about AirPods 4 is that they loosen when you run, jump or lift, this is the model to try first. RTINGS and SoundGuys both list it among iPhone-friendly and workout-focused alternatives. Don’t assume it matches AirPods’ full Apple integration. Check which features carry over on your iPhone before buying.
#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.
- 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.*
Sony WF-1000XM6: for sound and isolation
What Hi-Fi and other current roundups put Sony’s flagship earbuds among the AirPods alternatives, mainly for sound quality and noise isolation. The trade-off is fit. They seal the ear canal, so they are not a like-for-like swap if you like the light, open feel of AirPods 4. Check that you are looking at the XM6 generation, since earlier Sony models are still sold and priced differently.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen): for noise cancellation
What Hi-Fi and Tom’s Guide treat these as the noise-cancellation-focused rival. No single model has the best ANC for every wearer. Seal quality depends on your ear shape and the tips you use. The “2nd Gen” label also matters, because the first-generation model remains easy to find.
Rank #2
- 2026 Bluetooth 5.4 Technology : The wireless earbuds use the bluetooth 5.4 chipset. There is a faster and more stable signal transmission and has successfully achieved low latency without interruption. With a range of up to 15 m, whether you are at home, in the office, or on the road, you don't have to worry about disconnection of the bluetooth earbuds. Automatic pairing & compatible with multiple devices.
- More Outstanding ENC Noise Reduction: Powered by dual 14.2 mm low-distortion composite dynamic drivers and a built-in high-resolution decoder, these wireless headphones deliver immersive, high-fidelity sound with AAC and SBC support.Advanced ENC call noise cancellation ensures crystal-clear voice quality, even in noisy environments—bringing you a truly elevated audio experience with the A90 noise-cancelling earbuds.
- LED Power Display & Easy Touch Control: The smart LED display keeps you informed of the remaining battery of both the charging case and wireless earphones, giving you full control over your listening time wherever you go. Simply tap the earbuds wireless bluetooth to control music playback, manage calls, or wake your voice assistant—hands-free convenience, no phone needed.
- 36 Hours Playtime & Faster Charging: Enjoy 6–8 hours of uninterrupted listening on one charge, with up to 36 hours of total battery life when used with the charging case. The Type-C fast charging design delivers safer, more efficient power, keeping your noise cancelling headphones ready whenever you need them.
- Ergonomic & IP7 Waterproof: Thanks to an ultra-light nano coating, these true wireless earbuds are IP7 waterproof and dustproof—perfect for workouts or outdoor adventures. The ergonomic in-ear design and soft silicone tips provide a secure, comfortable fit while keeping outside noise out, letting you immerse yourself fully in your music.
soundcore Liberty 4 Pro: a value candidate
soundcore’s own iPhone-compatibility guide names the Liberty 4 Pro for sound and for battery life with ANC on. It also covers Bluetooth pairing, AAC support, iOS app support and assistant access. That guide is written by the manufacturer. Independent testing would be the better evidence for its comparative claims, so check current product documentation and independent reviews before treating it as equal to the premium options.
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If you want an open fit
If what you like about AirPods 4 is the open ear canal, or you can’t stand silicone tips, don’t pick a sealed ANC model and expect the same feel. Open-ear designs are covered in current editorial roundups, such as TechRadar’s earbud coverage. An open design can’t match a sealed earbud at blocking noise. I haven’t named a specific open-fit alternative here because the sources I relied on don’t support one with enough confidence.
Rank #3
- 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.*
What works on an iPhone with non-Apple earbuds
Any of these earbuds will pair with an iPhone over standard Bluetooth. What differs is everything layered on top: companion app availability on iOS, touch controls, voice assistant access, and quick device switching. Apple warns that AirPods have limited functionality on non-Apple devices. The reverse is also true in spirit. Apple-specific conveniences don’t automatically transfer to other brands’ earbuds. Check each model’s iOS app and feature list. soundcore’s guide, for example, lists Bluetooth pairing, AAC, iOS app support and assistant access as the things to confirm.
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.* 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.*
Rank #4
- JBL Deep Bass Sound: Get the most from your mixes with high-quality audio from secure, reliable earbuds with 8mm drivers featuring JBL Deep Bass Sound
- Comfortable fit: The ergonomic, stick-closed design of the JBL Vibe Beam fits so comfortably you may forget you're wearing them. The closed design excludes external sounds, enhancing the bass performance
- Up to 32 (8h + 24h) hours of battery life and speed charging: With 8 hours of battery life in the earbuds and 24 in the case, the JBL Vibe Beam provide all-day audio. When you need more power, you can speed charge an extra two hours in just 10 minutes.
- Hands-free calls with VoiceAware: When you're making hands-free stereo calls on the go, VoiceAware lets you balance how much of your own voice you hear while talking with others
- Water and dust resistant: From the beach to the bike trail, the IP54-certified earbuds and IPX2 charging case are water and dust resistant for all-day experiences
How to choose
- Fit first. Open, sealed with tips, or stabilizing wing and hook designs suit different ears and activities. Comfort is personal, so buy from a seller with an easy return policy.
- Noise control. Separate active cancellation from passive isolation. Don’t compare ANC strength between models without model-specific testing.
- Sound. It’s a matter of preference. Look for an iOS app with equalizer controls if you want to adjust it.
- Calls. Microphone quality varies a lot, so read current independent call tests.
- Workouts. Check retention, the sweat, dust and water rating, and whether you can control playback without fumbling.
- Battery. Compare single-charge and case totals with the ANC state attached, as in Apple’s figures above. A claim with ANC off isn’t comparable to one with ANC on.
- Price and availability. Prices and stock change often and differ by region. Check local listings, and confirm the exact generation before ordering.
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.
