Apple AirPods 4 — Editorial Review

Apple AirPods 4 — Editorial Review

The AirPods 4 are Apple's 2024 open-fit earbuds — the kind that rest in your ear without a silicone tip — and they ship in two versions: a standard model and a pricier one that adds Active Noise Cancellation. The most surprising story, per SoundGuys, is that ANC works at all on an unsealed earbud — and works better than it has any right to.

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ANC on an open fit — the headline trick

SoundGuys measured the hybrid ANC cutting roughly 20dB across the mids and highs — enough to take the edge off offices and city streets, though low-frequency rumble still leaks through more than on sealed earbuds. TechGearLab reaches the same conclusion: impressive noise reduction for a tip-less design, with results that vary by how well the buds sit in a given ear. In MKBHD's review — featured above — the question is framed exactly as buyers face it: which of the two to get, with the ANC version being the one most people should choose if the budget allows.

Comfort and ecosystem

The open fit is the appeal: nothing jammed into the ear canal, all-day comfort for people who dislike sealed tips, plus the usual Apple conveniences — instant pairing, automatic switching across Apple devices, and a compact USB-C case. Tom's Guide rates them a strong pick for iPhone owners who want comfort over isolation.

Honest cons

• No seal means an unstable fit. The smooth, tip-less casing can work loose or feel insecure during movement, and fit quality varies by ear.
• Not as full-sounding as AirPods Pro. Without an inner-ear seal the bass can sound thin or slightly muddy and the highs a touch hollow versus the sealed Pro.
• ANC can't match sealed earbuds on bass. Low-frequency noise leaks through more than on tipped models, by design.
• Two versions to choose between. The non-ANC model also rolls off deep bass, so the cheaper option sounds lighter — buyers must pick deliberately.

Where these earbuds fit

• iPhone owners who dislike silicone tips and want comfortable, all-day open earbuds with seamless Apple integration.
• Commuters on a budget who want some noise reduction without paying AirPods Pro money — the ANC version is the pick.
• Casual listeners and call-takers who prioritize comfort and convenience over audiophile isolation.
• Not listeners who want maximum bass, the best ANC, or a locked-in secure fit for hard workouts — AirPods Pro or sealed sport buds suit them better.

Sources & Citations

1. SoundGuys, "Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation review," soundguys.com (accessed 2026-05-25)
2. TechGearLab, "Apple AirPods 4 ANC Review," techgearlab.com (accessed 2026-05-25)
3. Tom's Guide, "I've been using the AirPods 4 — the good, bad and the ugly," tomsguide.com (accessed 2026-05-25)

Last verified: 2026-05-25