When Apple announced its new AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation, I was immediately skeptical. And then I tried them out.
Joining the new iPhone 16 and Apple Watch Series 10 — as well as some upgrades to the AirPods Max and AirPods Pro 2 — the new AirPods 4 bring even more Pro-level features to Apple’s more-affordable open-ear buds. It’s a compelling proposition … until you consider that the highest-end AirPods 4 model can be more expensive than the oft-discounted AirPods Pro 2.
The arrival of two distinct AirPods 4 models also makes Apple’s audio lineup bigger than ever, which might make picking the right AirPods seem even trickier. Wondering if the AirPods 4 are worth a preorder ahead of their Sept. 20 release date? Here’s what I think after a bit of ears-on time.
The Apple AirPods 4 promise better sound quality, a more comfortable fit and optional active noise cancellation for the first time in the series.
A refined design with even more Pro-level perks
The AirPods 4 look similar to the AirPods 3 at first glance, but Apple’s made a few notable changes that bring them even closer to parity with the AirPods Pro. The buds themselves have been redesigned to be more comfortable to just about any ear shape, and they pack a revamped acoustic architecture inside to pump out better sound. The charging case is about 10% more compact, has been upgraded to USB-C (just like the AirPods Pro 2 a year ago) and promises up to five hours of battery life on a single charge as well as up to 30 hours with the case.
You’ll get all these perks on the starting $129 model, but you’ll have to shell out a notably higher $179 if you want active noise cancellation, a first for open-ear AirPods that don’t create a seal with their plastic tips. Just like on the AirPods Pro, you can activate ANC to block out the world around you, turn on Transparency when you need to stay aware or flip on Adaptive mode when you want a blend of both. I was skeptical about how well ANC would work on a pair of open-ear earbuds — until I tried them for myself.
During my brief demo time, the AirPods 4 significantly quieted the chaotically busy hands-on area filled with press who’d just watched Apple’s big keynote. This made it easy to enjoy Charli XCX’s “Apple” (it’s still Brat summer over here), which sounded crisp and full enough to tempt me to bust out the song’s iconic TikTok dance.
I’m not wild about open-ear buds in general, but the AirPods 4 felt pretty comfortable in my short demo time. I also appreciated some of the finer design touches up close, such as the way the battery indicator light stays hidden until you open the case or tap the back of it. Of course, I only got to use Apple’s new buds for a few moments, so I’m very eager to see how their fit, sound quality and ANC hold up over prolonged use.
An updated AirPods Max and some great AirPods Pro 2 upgrades
The AirPods 4 are joined by an upgraded AirPods Max, which also make the leap to USB-C charging and come in a slick new range of colors: Blue, Purple, Midnight, Starlight and Orange. I’m especially smitten with the Purple model and will continue to complain until similarly great colors make their way to the in-ear AirPods. Those hoping for a generational upgrade will still have to wait for now, but this is a welcome refresh of one of Apple’s most popular products.
The AirPods Max just got upgraded with USB-C charging and a range of attractive new colors.
The AirPods Pro 2 will soon get even better with a range of new features designed to protect your hearing.
AirPods Pro 2 owners can also look forward to a range of promising hearing health features that are designed to protect, assess and assist your hearing. You’ll be able to take what Apple is calling a “scientifically validated” Hearing Test right from your iPhone, and a new Hearing Protection feature aims to provide passive noise reduction, something I’m looking forward to testing against my favorite earplugs when I’m playing or spectating loud rock shows. Perhaps most significantly, the AirPods Pro 2 will be able to function as a “clinical-grade” hearing aid in order for users to better hear the world around them. Hearing assessment and protection features will be available to all AirPods Pro 2 owners once iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 arrive this fall; the hearing test functionality is slated to roll out by the end of the year.
The takeaway
In a vacuum, the AirPods 4’s combination of comfort, sound quality, useful features and optional ANC for $129 to $179 is quite compelling. But when you consider that the AirPods Pro 2 — one of our best wireless earbuds picks for years now — often drop to less than that price during sales, the AirPods 4 become a trickier proposition. Unless you strongly prefer an open-ear design over a snug silicone fit inside your ears, it’s hard to think of many reasons to not go with the discounted AirPods Pro 2, which themselves are getting even better this fall via a software update.
The new AirPods 4 and upgraded AirPods Max are both available for preorder now and will launch on Sept. 20. We’ll have a much better idea of where they both stand in Apple’s audio lineup when we give them the full review treatment, so stay tuned for more.
