Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC)
H2 · Open-fit · ANC · USB-C
Technics EAH-AZ80
True-wireless · 2023
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) lands at 88 and Technics EAH-AZ80 at 88. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) if…
- ✓First open-fit AirPods with ANC
- ✓H2 chip for spatial audio + adaptive ANC
- ✓USB-C charging case
Pick Technics EAH-AZ80 if…
- ✓Compact carry
- ✓Platform integration (brand-dependent)
- ✓Quick pair
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
Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC)Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) more score per dollar ($179 vs $299).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) | Technics EAH-AZ80 |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | — |
| Type | — | True-wireless |
| Release year | — | 2023 |
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
Technics EAH-AZ80
- +Compact carry
- +Platform integration (brand-dependent)
- +Quick pair
- −Battery life limited
- −Fit varies by ear
- −Case bulkier than pod
FAQ: Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) vs Technics EAH-AZ80
Which is better, Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) or Technics EAH-AZ80? +
Both score 88 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
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.
Is Technics EAH-AZ80 worth the price? +
At $299, Technics EAH-AZ80 delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.
Does Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) or Technics EAH-AZ80 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, Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) or Technics EAH-AZ80? +
Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) — leads on comfort (96 vs 86). Compared on the comfort sub-score.
Which is better for features, Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) or Technics EAH-AZ80? +
Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) — leads on features (92 vs 84). Compared on the features sub-score.