I've used every AirPods 4 and Pro model since launch, and here's my buying advice for 2024

ZDNET's key takeaways

The AirPods 4 are available for $129 (or $179 with ANC). The fourth-generation lineup features significant improvements to sound quality, noise cancellation, and comfort. For the price of the ANC model, you'll want to consider the AirPods Pro 2 just as much.

During this year's September hardware event, Apple released two new AirPods models alongside its highly-anticipated iPhone 16 lineup. The new AirPods 4 lineup consists of one model with active noise cancellation (ANC) and one model without. The ANC model replaces the third-generation AirPods, and the model without ANC replaces the second-generation AirPods. It's refreshes across the board.

Also: The best AirPods: Expert tested and reviewed

Relatedly, the AirPods Pro 2 have been my daily driver earbuds for years now -- I splurged and bought the upgraded Pro model in 2022 solely because the base model AirPods lacked noise cancellation and weren't comfortable enough for long-term wear. Apple attests that both AirPods 4 models address these issues, so I wore both pairs throughout the past month to see if Apple's money is where its mouth is. Here's how it went.

To start, the AirPods 4 with ANC are the most capable Apple earbuds after the AirPods Pro 2. Although noise cancellation and a Find My speaker dominated the conversation surrounding the new model's best features, the smaller and less visible upgrades are just as important.

For example, both AirPods 4 models come with Bluetooth 5.3, a significant upgrade from the 5.0 version found in both versions' predecessors. Additionally, the upgraded AirPods 4 have increased dust and water resistance and improved ear detection, opting for an in-ear sensor instead of a skin sensor.

Also: Your AirPods Pro 2 are getting a free audio upgrade, and it's the most important one yet

Bluetooth 5.3 brings the AirPods 4 more stable Bluetooth connections, enhanced sound quality, and more efficient power consumption. The in-ear sensor allows for more reliable ear detection, as skin sensors have more difficulty discerning when to play or pause music if you place your AirPods on a table or in your pocket.

The AirPods 4 charging case is noticeably more compact than existing AirPods cases, meaning it's even more pocketable and small enough to fit in carrying spaces. I found the original AirPods case too elongated and clunky, so this is a great change of pace.

Also: I've used my AirPods Pro 2 since their 2022 release. Are they still worth it in 2024?

In terms of comfort, I was pleasantly surprised by both AirPods 4 models. The stems are shorter than the originals, and the buds are more angled than the more recent third-generation model, allowing them to sit comfortably in your ear and position the drivers toward your eardrum. The AirPods 4's in-ear and relaxed fit make it easy to forget you're wearing them, which I consider a major win when putting anything in your ears. You won't get that stuffy, pressure build-up with these.

Powering the AirPods 4 is an H2 audio chip, the same chip that Apple uses in the AirPods Pro 2 to enhance noise-canceling performance, Transparency mode, and Conversation Awareness. Note that the base, no-ANC AirPods 4 model lacks these audio features, but it does take advantage of the H2 chip's improved audio quality when paired with your iPhone.

From all the listening I've done in the past month, the AirPods 4 have a stronger bass response than the AirPods 2 and AirPods 3. They sound fantastic for the money, with present bass, clear vocals, and impressive clarity. I listened to Sabrina Carpenter's "Espresso," and was able to hear an improvement in instrument separation, with the various instruments and vocal harmonies pleasantly layered. This level of depth is rare when it comes to mid-range earbuds and makes the cheaper base model that much more impressive.

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The ANC-enabled AirPods 4 add a layer of external noise protection that counteracts some of the ambient sounds let in by the earbuds' open design. In louder environments, such as city streets and shopping centers, the active noise canceling isn't as effective, but it's good enough to keep your audio playback clear and concise.

I'm less enthusiastic about this one small hardware change with the AirPods 4. Unlike previous AirPods cases that had a physical pairing button on the backside, the AirPods 4 don't have one. Instead, the status light on the front of the case doubles as a pairing sensor. Double-tapping the sensor activates pairing mode, and triple-tapping initiates a factory reset. This process can be tricky and unintuitive, though you'd really only have to do it when first pairing the earbuds to a new device. Afterward, the connection process should be rather seamless.

Should you buy AirPods 4 or AirPods Pro 2?

The answer depends on your preferences. If you're not a fan of noise-canceling technology, the base model AirPods 4 is a better choice, saving you from paying for features you won't use. If you're deciding between the AirPods 4 with ANC and the AirPods Pro 2, let's break down which option might suit you best.

Fit and comfort

The AirPods 4 with ANC have an open-ear fit, while the Pro 2 earbuds have an in-ear fit. If you don't mind the silicone tip inside your ear canal, which provides a tighter seal and better passive noise cancellation, the AirPods Pro 2 would be the better choice. The silicone tips also result in louder, clearer sound, as the audio output has less space to leak out. Naturally, the tighter fit and superior sound quality make the AirPods Pro 2 more ideal for exercising.

But if you dislike the feeling of earbuds digging into your ear and the occasional pressure build-up that comes with it, the AirPods 4 with ANC would be the better option, as they rest outside the ear canal while still delivering great audio and decent noise cancellation.

Software and health features

While the software is not as flashy as the hardware, you should know that the AirPods Pro 2 will soon have hearing health features that other AirPods models will miss out on. AirPods Pro 2 users, for example, will have access to a clinically validated hearing test and, if needed, can use the earbuds as over-the-counter hearing aids.

Also: The AirPods Pro 2 are better than ever, and they're still available for $50 off

Additionally, the AirPods Pro 2 offers hearing protection and the ability to prevent sustained exposure to sounds louder than 110dB (about as loud as a chainsaw roaring approximately three feet from you). 

While the AirPods 4 with ANC are not as rich in software features, they still support useful tools like Find My functionality, call controls, and the ability to set personalized spatial audio. 

ZDNET's buying advice

The AirPods 4 with ANC and AirPods 4 are a safe, reliable, and great-sounding pair of earbuds, especially if you're shopping on a budget. Both earbuds nail the essentials, including clear audio playback, adequate noise cancellation, a comfortable fit, and, of course, seamless integration across Apple products.

That said, whether you buy the AirPods 4 or go upmarket and buy the AirPods Pro 2 instead depends on two factors: your audio needs and discounts. At the time of writing, the AirPods 4 with ANC are selling for $169 ($10 off), while the AirPods Pro 2 are selling for $199 ($50 off). For $30 more, you should consider the improved fit and audio that comes with the Pro model's cushioned ear tips, its health features like hearing aid assistance, and better noise cancellation. Based on our tests, it's worth paying for the Pro model.

Also: How to figure out if you should (or shouldn't) buy the new USB-C AirPods Max

But if you're tight on budgeting and/or prefer the smaller, less intrusive design of the AirPods 4, they won't do you wrong. Just remember that if you pair any of these earbuds with non-Apple devices, you'll miss out on features like Spatial Audio, Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, and Find My compatibility. So, if you want more universal earbuds that offer expansive software features regardless of your device's operating system, consider the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds or the Nothing Ear.