Apple AirPods 4 With ANC Review: Are They Worth Buying for iPhone Users?
Aqyreon Verdict
The AirPods 4 with ANC are one of Apple’s most convenient everyday earbuds for iPhone users. They pair fast, feel lightweight, charge quickly, and deliver surprisingly useful noise cancellation for an open-fit design.
After Aqyreon testing, the strongest points were comfort, fast pairing, quick charging, and solid active noise cancellation. In our attached test notes, we found the fit secure enough for long wear, the charging speed impressive, and the pairing experience very smooth across devices.
But this is not a perfect product.
The biggest warning is fit. Because AirPods 4 do not use silicone ear tips like AirPods Pro, some users will love the open design while others may find them loose, uncomfortable, or less secure. The review file also shows repeated buyer complaints around comfort, falling out, charging issues, ANC inconsistency, and used/refurbished units causing Find My or ownership problems.
Aqyreon Rating: 8.3/10
Best for: iPhone users, Apple ecosystem users, work calls, casual listening, commuting, and people who dislike silicone ear tips.
Not best for: runners, Android-first users, people who need deep ANC, or anyone who needs earbuds that lock tightly into the ear.
What Apple Promises
Apple positions AirPods 4 as a major upgrade in comfort, sound, and intelligence. The official AirPods 4 page lists features such as Voice Isolation, Siri interactions, Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C charging, Find My support, and up to 5 hours of listening on a single charge. The ANC version is rated for up to 4 hours of listening with Active Noise Cancellation enabled, and up to 20 hours total with ANC using the charging case.
Apple also says a quick 5-minute charge in the case can provide around 1 hour of listening time, which matches the real-world feeling that these earbuds are built for quick top-ups between meetings, errands, workouts, or work sessions.
Design and Comfort: The Biggest Make-or-Break Feature
AirPods 4 are designed for people who want a light, open-ear feel without silicone tips. That is the biggest advantage and the biggest risk.
In Aqyreon’s testing, the fit felt natural, secure, and comfortable enough for extended use. The attached Aqyreon test file notes that the internal contour provides a natural fit and that the earbuds could be worn for long periods without discomfort.
That said, the broader review file shows a mixed pattern. Some users praised the comfort and lightweight design, while others complained that the earbuds fell out, caused pressure, or became painful after extended use. One positive review in the file described them as comfortable for work calls, gym use, and long listening sessions, but several negative reviews complained that the open-fit shape did not work well for smaller ears or active movement.
Aqyreon interpretation:
This is not a “one-size-fits-everyone” earbud. It is a “perfect if it fits you” product.
If regular AirPods have always fit your ears well, AirPods 4 may feel like a strong upgrade. If previous AirPods fell out of your ears, the AirPods Pro line with silicone tips may be safer.
Sound Quality: Clean, Balanced, and Better Than Older AirPods
The AirPods 4 sound clean, clear, and more refined than older standard AirPods. In the review file, positive buyers repeatedly mentioned improved clarity, stronger bass, richer music playback, and smooth audio for calls and videos.
Apple’s H2 chip helps power the audio experience, and Apple promotes features like Personalized Spatial Audio and Voice Isolation for calls.
For everyday users, that means:
YouTube videos sound fuller.
Phone calls are clearer.
Music has more body than older AirPods.
Podcasts and audiobooks sound crisp.
Apple device switching feels effortless.
But audiophiles should keep expectations realistic. These are still open-fit wireless earbuds. They are excellent for convenience, but they are not built to replace premium over-ear headphones or studio-grade earbuds.
Active Noise Cancellation: Impressive for Open-Fit Earbuds
This is where AirPods 4 with ANC become interesting.
Normally, strong ANC works best when earbuds seal your ear canal. AirPods 4 do not seal the ear the same way AirPods Pro do, yet Apple still managed to add useful noise cancellation.
Aqyreon testing found the active noise cancellation worked very well, especially for everyday noise control. The attached testing notes say ANC performed strongly during real use, with battery lasting around 3 hours in Aqyreon’s experience with ANC active.
Apple officially rates the ANC model at up to 4 hours of listening time with ANC enabled on a single charge.
The important business-user takeaway: AirPods 4 with ANC are good for reducing office noise, fan noise, light traffic, gym background music, and café distractions. But they are not the best choice if you need deep silence on airplanes or loud job sites.
Apple’s own comparison page also suggests that the Pro model offers stronger ANC than AirPods 4 with ANC, with AirPods Pro 3 advertised as offering significantly more noise cancellation than AirPods 4 with ANC.
Battery Life and Charging: Good, But Know the Limits
Apple says AirPods 4 with ANC can reach up to 4 hours per charge with ANC on, up to 5 hours with noise control off, and up to 20 hours total with ANC using the case.
Aqyreon’s test notes found the charging speed impressive. The test file says that when the earbuds were at about 4%, charging for around 10 minutes brought them close to full charge.
That fast top-up experience is one of the strongest practical benefits. You can use them for a meeting, drop them in the case, and get enough charge for another session quickly.
But the review file also shows battery complaints from some users, especially around used units, charging-case problems, and battery life not meeting expectations.
Aqyreon advice:
Buy new from a trusted retailer, keep the case clean, and avoid used AirPods unless the return policy is strong.
Pairing and Apple Ecosystem: This Is Where AirPods Win
AirPods are not just earbuds. They are an Apple ecosystem accessory.
In Aqyreon’s testing, pairing speed was one of the strongest features. The test file says the device paired very quickly with Apple devices and delivered the smooth connection experience Apple users expect.
The review file also includes positive comments about automatic device switching, Apple Watch compatibility, Find My integration, and how easy the AirPods are to use across iPhone, iPad, MacBook, and Apple Watch.
For Apple users, this is the real reason to buy AirPods 4.
You open the case.
They connect.
They switch devices.
They show battery status.
They work with Siri.
They fit into the Apple lifestyle.
For Android users, the value drops because many smart features are either limited or unavailable.
Call Quality: Strong for Work and Remote Meetings
For remote workers, creators, students, and business owners, call quality matters.
The review file includes positive feedback about Voice Isolation and clear microphone performance, especially for work-from-home users dealing with background noise such as fans, traffic, or pets.
Apple also lists Voice Isolation as a supported feature for AirPods 4.
This makes AirPods 4 useful for:
Zoom calls
Google Meet
FaceTime
Phone calls
Voice notes
Client meetings
Content recording on the go
They are not a professional podcast microphone replacement, but for daily business communication, they are strong.
What Buyers Complain About
No gadget is perfect, and the attached review file shows several repeated complaints.
The biggest issues are:
Fit problems: Some users say they fall out or feel uncomfortable.
Battery concerns: Some report shorter battery life than expected.
Charging-case issues: Some users mention case charging problems.
Used-unit problems: Several complaints involve used or refurbished AirPods still linked to previous owners or not working properly with Find My.
ANC sensitivity: Some users dislike how ANC feels or say it causes pressure, dizziness, or discomfort.
Aqyreon’s view is balanced: many complaints appear tied to fit preference, used-unit risk, or defective units. But the pattern is strong enough that buyers should not ignore it.
Should You Buy AirPods 4 With ANC?
Buy them if:
You use an iPhone, MacBook, iPad, or Apple Watch daily.
You want fast pairing and easy device switching.
You prefer earbuds without silicone tips.
You want lightweight ANC for office, travel, and daily use.
You care about call quality and convenience.
You want earbuds that work smoothly inside the Apple ecosystem.
Skip them if:
You need a tight in-ear seal.
You run, jump, or do intense workouts.
You use Android as your main phone.
You want the strongest possible ANC.
You already know regular AirPods do not fit your ears.
You are considering buying used without a strong return policy.
Best Alternative: AirPods Pro 3
If your priority is maximum ANC, stronger seal, workout security, and a more “premium” earbud experience, AirPods Pro 3 may be the better option. Apple positions AirPods Pro 3 as its stronger in-ear ANC model with an upgraded acoustic seal and significantly stronger noise cancellation than AirPods 4 with ANC.
AirPods 4 with ANC are better for people who dislike silicone tips.
AirPods Pro 3 are better for people who want a sealed fit and stronger noise blocking.
Aqyreon Final Take
The AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation are not perfect, but they are a very good everyday earbud for the right person.
Aqyreon’s testing found them comfortable, fast-charging, easy to pair, and strong enough in ANC to recommend for most Apple users.
The real warning is fit. Some people will love them. Some people will return them. That is why the smartest buying move is simple: buy new, test them immediately, and make sure the return window is clear.
Aqyreon Buying Recommendation:
Choose AirPods 4 with ANC if you want lightweight everyday earbuds for iPhone, calls, commuting, and casual listening.
Choose AirPods Pro 3 if you want stronger ANC, silicone tips, and a more secure fit.
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