AirPods 4 (ANC)
True-wireless · 2024
Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC)
H2 · Open-fit · ANC · USB-C
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods 4 (ANC) lands at 88 and Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) at 88. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick AirPods 4 (ANC) if…
- ✓Compact carry
- ✓Platform integration (brand-dependent)
- ✓Quick pair
Pick Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) if…
- ✓First open-fit AirPods with ANC
- ✓H2 chip for spatial audio + adaptive ANC
- ✓USB-C charging case
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testComfort
Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC)Compared on the comfort sub-score
Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) leads on comfort (96 vs 86).
Features
Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC)Compared on the features sub-score
Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) leads on features (92 vs 84).
Sound
TieCompared on the sound sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Value for money
TieSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | AirPods 4 (ANC) | Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | True-wireless | — |
| Release year | 2024 | — |
| Driver | — | Custom dynamic |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.3 |
| Codecs | — | AAC + Lossless (Vision Pro) |
| Battery | — | 5 hr (30 hr with case) |
| Charging | — | USB-C |
| Weight | — | 4.3 g per bud |
| Form factor | — | Open-fit (no tips) |
AirPods 4 (ANC)
- +Compact carry
- +Platform integration (brand-dependent)
- +Quick pair
- −Battery life limited
- −Fit varies by ear
- −Case bulkier than pod
Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC)
- +First open-fit AirPods with ANC
- +H2 chip for spatial audio + adaptive ANC
- +USB-C charging case
- −Open-fit ANC depth less than sealed Pro tier
- −No interchangeable tips
- −iPhone-leaning ecosystem
FAQ: AirPods 4 (ANC) vs Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC)
Which is better, AirPods 4 (ANC) or Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC)? +
Both score 88 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is AirPods 4 (ANC) worth the price? +
At $179, AirPods 4 (ANC) delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.
Is Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) worth the price? +
At $179, Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in comfort.
Does AirPods 4 (ANC) or Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for comfort, AirPods 4 (ANC) or Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC)? +
Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) — leads on comfort (96 vs 86). Compared on the comfort sub-score.
Which is better for features, AirPods 4 (ANC) or Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC)? +
Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) — leads on features (92 vs 84). Compared on the features sub-score.