Apple AirPods 4 vs AirPods 4 ANC: Which One Should You Choose
Apple’s new generation of AirPods has created quite a buzz — not because of a radical redesign, but because there are two versions this time: the standard AirPods 4 and the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC).
These true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds share many features, but diverge in key areas like noise control and charging options. If you’re deciding between them, this comparison breaks down the similarities, differences, and user insights to help you pick the right pair for your needs.
Similarities between AirPods 4 & AirPods 4 ANC
Both the Apple AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 ANC are built on Apple’s H2 chip, ensuring seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem. Here’s what they have in common:
- Design and Comfort: Open-ear design without silicone tips, based on data from millions of ear shapes for a secure, pressure-free fit. Each earbud weighs 4.3g, with the case adding up to 41g total. Dimensions are identical (46.2mm x 50.1mm x 21.2mm for the case), and both feature IP54 dust, sweat, and water resistance—ideal for workouts or light rain.
- Audio Quality: 11mm high-excursion dynamic drivers deliver balanced sound with rich bass, clear mids, and crisp highs (20Hz–20,000Hz). Features like Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Adaptive EQ, and support for AAC/SBC codecs ensure immersive listening. Both handle lossless ALAC at 16-bit/44.1kHz, though no Hi-Res certification.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 with a 10m range, low-latency for casual gaming, and effortless switching between Apple devices (iOS, iPadOS, macOS, etc.). They work as basic Bluetooth earbuds on Android/PC, but advanced features are Apple-exclusive.
- Controls and Smart Features: Force sensor gestures (single press: play/pause/answer; double: skip/end call; triple: previous; hold: Siri). In-ear detection pauses/resumes playback. Siri Interactions (nod/shake for calls/notifications), “Hey Siri” hands-free, Voice Isolation for clear calls, and Find My support.
- Battery Basics: Up to 5 hours of listening per charge (without ANC), with a 5-minute quick charge yielding ~1 hour. Full charging takes 1–2 hours via USB-C.
- What’s in the Box: Earbuds, charging case, USB-C cable, quick start guide, and warranty.
These shared traits make both models excellent for everyday use, emphasizing comfort and Apple ecosystem perks.
What is the Difference between AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 ANC ?
The most obvious distinction is the inclusion of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) in the premium model. This feature is a game-changer for open-ear earbuds, which traditionally offer little to no noise isolation. The AirPods 4 ANC don’t just add basic noise-cancelling; they unlock a full suite of H2-powered sound modes:
- ANC: Dramatically reduces persistent low-frequency noises like traffic or plane hum.
- Transparency Mode: Allows ambient sound in for situational awareness.
- Adaptive Audio: The intelligent blend of ANC and Transparency, dynamically adjusting based on your environment.
- Conversation Awareness: Automatically lowers media volume when you start talking, then raises it back up.
The standard AirPods 4, by contrast, relies entirely on its physical design—an open-ear fit that, by nature, is designed to not block out sound. While this is perfect for those who prioritize awareness and long-wear comfort without the “plugged” feeling, it can lead to auditory masking in noisy environments, forcing you to turn up the volume and potentially harm your hearing.
Case Convenience: Wireless Charging and Find My
The differences extend beyond the earbuds themselves and into the charging case:
- Wireless Charging: The ANC model’s case supports Qi and Apple Watch wireless charging, a major convenience missing from the standard USB-C-only case.
- Find My Speaker: The ANC case includes a built-in speaker that emits a sound when you use the Find My feature, making it far easier to locate a misplaced case. The standard case relies only on the buds’ weaker tone.
Feature | Apple AirPods 4 (Non-ANC) | Apple AirPods 4 ANC |
Noise Control | None (Relies on open-ear passive isolation) | Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Transparency Mode |
Adaptive Sound | No | Adaptive Audio |
Case Charging | Wired only (via USB-C) | Wireless Charging Support |
Case Feature | No speaker for Find My | Case with Speaker for Find My functionality |
Playback Time | Up to 5 hours | Up to 5 hours |
Total Battery | Up to 30 hours | Up to 30 hours |
Conclusion: Amongst AirPods 4 vs AirPods 4 ANC which is best according to users
In discussions across forums like Reddit, Quora, and other forums, the consensus often leans towards the AirPods 4 with ANC being the more compelling purchase for a specific type of user, even at the premium price.
Key considerations of Users after using AirPods 4
- “ANC is a Game-Changer for Open-Ear.” Many users who dislike the sealed-in feeling of silicone tips (like the AirPods Pro) find the ANC on the open-ear AirPods 4 to be a “godsend.” While it’s generally less effective than the Pro models (due to the lack of a physical seal), reviewers and users are “impressed” with its performance against low-frequency drone in crowded places like buses or offices.
- It’s Not Just ANC; It’s the Ecosystem of Features. The premium model brings Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness, which many users find to be the most “amazing” and intelligent feature, enhancing usability for daily commutes and social interaction.
- The Case Features Add Value. For many, the wireless charging and Find My speaker in the ANC case alone justify a significant portion of the price gap, providing crucial convenience and peace of mind.
- Hearing Health: A critical point raised by the community is that in noisy environments, the ANC allows listeners to enjoy their music at a significantly lower volume, protecting their long-term hearing health—a factor often cited as making the upgrade “worth it.”
Full Technical Breakdown – AirPods 4 vs AirPods 4 ANC
Compare every detail that matters — battery life, sound, and smart features.
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