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Apple Apple AirPods 4

Apple · Headphones

Apple AirPods 4

Apple AirPods 4 is the no-ANC, open-fit option in Apple's 2024 earbud line. Its USB-C case is rated for up to 30 hours of listening time, so it suits listeners who prefer an unsealed fit and do not need noise-control features.

Buying verdict

Choose Apple AirPods 4 if an open fit and the lower entry price matter more than noise cancellation. Skip it if you need ANC, Transparency mode, or wireless case charging.

Best for basic Apple earbudsBest for open-fit comfortBest for simple daily listening

Editorial score

7.3 / 10

Medium source confidence

Reference price

$109

Released

Sep 20, 2024

Reference price, not a live offer. Editorial data date Jul 29, 2026. Specs and availability can vary by configuration, region, and retailer. Status: available.

Source coverage: 2 cited references cover 13 listed specifications. “Source cited” labels identify those fields; unbadged specifications remain editorial reference data pending field-level review.

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These links open manufacturer or retailer pages so you can check live availability. Prices on this page are editorial references, not offers. Rankings and scores are not influenced by commercial relationships.

Should you buy it?

A practical ownership call

  • Buy it if you want basic Apple earbuds and open-fit comfort.
  • Skip it if no active noise cancellation or transparency mode.
  • Check current US street pricing before paying launch-level money.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Open-fit design avoids silicone ear tips
  • Up to 5 hours of listening time per charge and up to 30 hours with the USB-C case
  • Published charging for Apple AirPods 4: USB-C charging case

Cons

  • No Active Noise Cancellation or Transparency mode
  • USB-C charging case does not support Qi or Apple Watch charger charging
  • The open fit provides less passive isolation than a sealed ear tip

Key specs

Type
True wireless earbuds Needs confirmation
Form Factor
Open-fit in-ear Needs confirmation
Driver Size
Custom high-excursion Apple driver Source cited
Noise Cancellation
No Active Noise Cancellation Source cited
Transparency / Ambient
No Transparency mode Source cited
Sound Profile
Adaptive EQ Source cited
Battery Life
Up to 5 hours per charge Source cited
Battery With Case
Up to 30 hours with case Source cited

Buying scores

These are editorial estimates, not laboratory measurements. Medium source confidence; 72% of listed specification fields currently have field-level citations.

Noise Cancellation

4.2

Sound Quality

7.9

Comfort

8.8

Battery

8

Call Quality

8.1

Value

8.2

Compare

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Choose any headphones alternative. Curated pairs open an editorial decision; every other pair opens a specs-only comparison.

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Availability, sources, and full notes

US availability

AirPods 4 is tracked as a US-market option through official brand channels and mainstream electronics retailers.

Common retailers

Apple, Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target

Sources and verification

  • Apple AirPods 4 technical specifications · Apple · accessed Jul 29, 2026 · US Field-level coverage: Battery Life, Charging, Weight, Water Resistance, Driver Size, Sound Profile, Battery With Case, Quick Charge, Bluetooth, Microphone System, Controls
  • Apple AirPods 4 model comparison · Apple · accessed Jul 29, 2026 · US Field-level coverage: Noise Cancellation, Transparency / Ambient

Editorial specification note

Selected fields are matched to Apple's AirPods 4 technical specifications and the official model comparison as of 2026-07-29. Codec and ecosystem-switching details remain editorial reference data unless explicitly badged.

Editorial price note

Apple US launch and street-price patterns are tracked as editorial USD references, not live retailer checkout prices.

Specifications

18 tracked specs across 7 groups · 13 specifications have a field-level source citation.

Design

Type
True wireless earbuds Needs confirmation
Form Factor
Open-fit in-ear Needs confirmation
Weight
4.3g per bud; 32.3g charging case Source cited

Audio

Driver Size
Custom high-excursion Apple driver Source cited
Noise Cancellation
No Active Noise Cancellation Source cited
Transparency / Ambient
No Transparency mode Source cited
Sound Profile
Adaptive EQ Source cited

Battery

Battery Life
Up to 5 hours per charge Source cited
Battery With Case
Up to 30 hours with case Source cited
Charging
USB-C charging case Source cited
Quick Charge
5 minutes for about 1 hour Source cited

Connectivity

Bluetooth Codecs
Codec support is not listed in the cited Apple specifications Needs confirmation
Bluetooth
Bluetooth 5.3 Source cited
Multipoint
Apple automatic device switching Needs confirmation

Durability

Water Resistance
IP54 buds and USB-C charging case Source cited

Calls

Microphone System
Dual beamforming and inward-facing microphones Source cited

Usability

Controls
Press controls; press and hold for Siri Source cited
App Support
iOS system settings / Find My Needs confirmation