Anyone who has tried to enjoy a podcast on a noisy commuter train already knows the struggle: standard earbuds just don’t cut it. Apple’s AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation aim to fix that without forcing silicone tips into your ears. Apple claims these are the first open-ear AirPods with ANC (Apple Newsroom (official product announcement)). On the other side, real-world tests from audio labs and long-term users show that this trade-off between comfort and isolation is more nuanced than the marketing suggests.

4 related posts

Active Noise Cancellation: Available on AirPods 4 with ANC model only ·
Battery life with ANC: Up to 4 hours per charge ·
Battery life with charging case: Up to 20 hours with ANC on ·
Charging case compatibility: Apple Watch charger or Qi-certified charger

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact ANC decibel reduction not officially published by Apple
  • Long-term durability of ANC microphones remains unverified
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Comparative reviews of AirPods 4 ANC vs AirPods Pro 2 expected from major tech outlets
  • Apple may release software updates to refine Adaptive Audio over time

The table below captures the key differences between the two AirPods 4 models in a single glance.

AirPods 4 with ANC — key specifications
Noise Cancellation type Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) via outward-facing microphones
Listening time with ANC Up to 4 hours
Listening time without ANC Up to 5 hours
Charging case battery total Up to 20 hours with ANC
Charging methods Apple Watch charger, Qi-certified, USB-C
Water resistance IP54 (sweat and water resistant)

Can AirPods 4 cancel noise?

Which models feature Active Noise Cancellation

Only one of the two AirPods 4 variants includes Active Noise Cancellation. The standard AirPods 4 rely entirely on passive fitting — no ANC, no Transparency mode. The AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation model uses outward-facing microphones to detect and cancel ambient sound (Apple Ireland (official product page)).

The H2 chip inside the ANC model enables Adaptive Audio, which blends Transparency and noise cancellation based on your environment (Six Colors (Apple-focused tech publication)). This is the same chip technology that powers the AirPods Pro 2. The catch: without silicone ear tips, the open design cannot create an air-tight seal, which limits how much noise the system can cancel.

How ANC works on AirPods 4

ANC on the AirPods 4 continuously samples outside noise through outward-facing microphones and generates an opposing sound wave. The system reduces ambient sound without sealing your ear canal. Lab tests from TechGearLab (audio review lab) measured noise reduction of about 10 dB across the mid-bass to high-mid range (roughly 70 to 2000 Hz), and about 15 dB in the low and mid-treble range.

In a separate lab test, SoundGuys YouTube (headphone testing lab) found that the AirPods 4 with ANC reduced outside noise by an average of 53%. Compare that with the AirPods Pro 2, which reduced outside noise by 90% in the same test — that is more than a 1.7× improvement in isolation. The trade-off: AirPods 4 do not require you to push rubber tips into your ears, making them far more comfortable for long wear.

The trade-off

The open-ear design makes AirPods 4 with ANC less effective than sealed earbuds. Buyers who commute on loud trains or work in noisy open-plan offices may find the 53% average reduction insufficient.

What this means: Apple chose open-ear comfort over maximum noise blocking. For anyone who needs to silence a noisy environment completely, the AirPods Pro 2 remains the stronger option.

How to activate AirPods 4 Noise Cancellation?

Control via your iPhone or iPad

Activating ANC from your iPhone or iPad takes two taps. Open Control Center (swipe down from the top-right corner on Face ID models, or swipe up from the bottom on models with a Home button). Press and hold the volume slider to reveal the sound controls. Tap Noise Cancellation to enable it (Apple Ireland (official product page)).

You can also go to Settings > Bluetooth > tap the “i” icon next to your AirPods 4. In the AirPods settings, under “Noise Control,” select Noise Cancellation. This screen also lets you customize which modes appear when you press the stem.

Control via the AirPods stem

The stem of each AirPods 4 with ANC has a pressure sensor. Press and hold the stem on either earbud to toggle between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode. By default, pressing and holding cycles through both modes. You can customize this in Settings — for example, setting it to only switch between ANC and off (Six Colors (Apple-focused tech publication)).

The implication: Users who configure stem controls in advance save time toggling modes on the go — a small but meaningful convenience for daily commuters.

How good is the AirPods 4 Noise Cancellation?

Performance compared to AirPods Pro 2

The numbers tell a clear story. SoundGuys’ lab test found that the AirPods 4 with ANC reduced outside noise by 53%, while the AirPods Pro 2 achieved 90% reduction — a difference of 37 percentage points. The reason is physics: the Pro model’s silicone ear tips form a seal that physically blocks sound before ANC even activates.

TechGearLab reports that the AirPods 4 ANC improve sound quality, especially bass, over previous generations of standard AirPods (TechGearLab (audio review lab)). However, they also note that the ANC model still does not match the comfort or isolation of AirPods Pro because of the open design.

Real-world user feedback

Six Colors (Apple-focused tech publication) characterizes the AirPods 4 with ANC as inferior to AirPods Pro 2 in most respects, but useful for people who cannot tolerate in-ear tips. Long-term tests from SoundGuys YouTube (headphone testing lab) confirm that the ANC is “better than expected for day-to-day use” — effective against constant low-frequency sounds like airplane hum or air conditioning, but less useful for sudden, sharp noises.

User complaints on forums highlight two patterns: fit issues with the open-ear design (the earbuds can feel loose for small ears) and noticeable battery degradation over extended use (Simply Excellent YouTube (tech reviewer)).

Why this matters

AirPods 4 with ANC occupy a distinct niche: they are for people who value the comfort of open earbuds over the 90% noise reduction that sealed models provide. For office workers and casual commuters in Ireland, the 53% reduction may be sufficient. For frequent flyers or anyone seeking total immersion, the AirPods Pro 2 remain the stronger choice.

The pattern: Open-ear ANC delivers enough quiet for routine environments but falls short for high-noise scenarios — a deliberate design trade-off, not a flaw.

Is it worth it to get Noise Cancellation on AirPods?

Price difference vs standard AirPods 4

At launch, the AirPods 4 with ANC retailed for approximately $179 / €199, while the standard AirPods 4 sold for $129 / €149 (Simply Excellent YouTube (tech reviewer)). The premium for ANC is about €50 in Ireland. That €50 buys you noise cancellation, Transparency mode, Adaptive Audio, and a charging case that works with Apple Watch chargers and Qi-certified pads.

When ANC adds value

For commuters in Dublin, Cork, or Galway, ANC on an open-ear design cuts the rumble of buses and trains without making you feel disconnected from your surroundings. For open-plan office workers, it can reduce the drone of air conditioning and distant chatter. The product pages at Apple Ireland (official product page) list Adaptive Audio and Transparency mode as included features, which add flexibility for users who need to stay aware.

However, the ANC is not recommended for people with tinnitus without professional advice — isolating sound can sometimes make tinnitus more noticeable. For users who already own AirPods Pro 2, the upgrade makes little sense. But for anyone upgrading from first- or second-generation AirPods, the €50 premium for ANC is a reasonable investment in background noise reduction.

The upshot

For Irish buyers considering an upgrade from older AirPods, the ANC model offers a genuine step up in noise management within the same open-ear form factor. The €50 premium is justifiable if you regularly listen in noisy environments.

What this means: The ANC model rewards users who prioritize comfort and moderate noise reduction over maximum isolation. For anyone who needs to block out a loud office or train, the Pro 2 delivers more value per euro.

Why are people ditching AirPods?

Common complaints cited in forums

  • Fit issues: The open-ear design is not one-size-fits-all. Some users report the earbuds feel loose or fall out during exercise (TechGearLab (audio review lab)).
  • Battery degradation: Over several months of use, battery life drops noticeably, a common complaint for earlier AirPods generations as well (Simply Excellent YouTube (tech reviewer)).
  • ANC ceiling: Users who want more aggressive cancellation find the 53% reduction underwhelming compared to competitors like Sony WF-1000XM5 or Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro.

Alternatives considered

Once buyers start looking for stronger ANC, they usually compare the AirPods Pro 2 (90% noise reduction, €249 in Ireland) or third-party options. Six Colors notes that the AirPods 4 with ANC is “no replacement for AirPods Pro” for serious noise management (Six Colors (Apple-focused tech publication)).

The implication: AirPods 4 with ANC appeal to a specific demographic — Apple users who dislike ear tips and want some ambient noise control. For everyone else, the Pro model or a competitor with stronger ANC makes more sense.

The pattern: Users who switch away from AirPods 4 with ANC typically do so because the open-ear fit or moderate ANC does not match their ear shape or noise environment, not because the product itself is flawed.

Pros and Cons of AirPods 4 with ANC

Upsides

  • Open-ear comfort for long wear
  • Effective against constant low-frequency noise
  • Adaptive Audio and Transparency mode included
  • Charges with Apple Watch charger and Qi-certified pads
  • IP54 sweat and water resistance

Downsides

  • Only 53% average noise reduction (vs 90% for AirPods Pro 2)
  • Battery drops to 4 hours with ANC enabled
  • Open-ear fit may not suit all ear shapes
  • Premium over standard AirPods 4 is €50
  • Long-term battery degradation reported by users
The catch: Every advantage of the open-ear design comes with a corresponding trade-off in isolation or battery life. Buyers must decide which side of that equation matters more for their daily use.

How to set up AirPods 4 with ANC — step by step

The steps below walk you through the complete setup process from unboxing to daily use.

  1. Pair with your iPhone: Open the charging case of your AirPods 4 with ANC near your unlocked iPhone. A setup animation appears on screen. Tap Connect. The device pairs automatically via iCloud with your Apple ID (Apple Ireland (official product page)).
  2. Enable ANC from Control Center: Swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center. Press and hold the volume slider. Tap Noise Cancellation to activate ANC.
  3. Customize stem controls: Go to Settings > Bluetooth and tap the “i” icon next to your AirPods. Under “Noise Control,” choose which modes appear when you press and hold the stem. You can also set the left and right earbuds to different actions.
  4. Charge the case: Place the charging case on a Qi-certified wireless charger, connect a USB-C cable, or use an Apple Watch charger. RTINGS (audio review lab) reports the earbuds fully charge in about 30 minutes.
What this means: Setup takes under two minutes for iPhone users, and the ANC controls are accessible from both hardware and software — reducing the learning curve for first-time AirPods owners.
Additional sources

youtube.com, loudnwireless.com

For Irish shoppers wondering about pricing and local availability, our full AirPods 4 Ireland guide provides all the details on where to buy and what to expect.

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Frequently asked questions

Does AirPods 4 with ANC work with Android?

Yes, AirPods 4 with ANC function as standard Bluetooth earbuds on Android. However, the ANC toggle, Transparency mode, and Adaptive Audio require an Apple device to configure. Once configured on an iPhone, the settings persist when used with an Android phone.

Can I use AirPods 4 ANC while running?

Yes. The IP54 rating means the earbuds resist sweat and light rain. However, the open-ear design may cause the earbuds to shift or fall out during high-impact movement. Some users report fit issues during exercise.

How do I reset AirPods 4?

Place both earbuds in the charging case and close the lid. Wait 30 seconds, then open the lid. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds until the status light flashes amber, then white. Re-pair with your device.

Is the charging case wireless for AirPods 4 ANC?

Yes. The charging case supports Qi-certified wireless chargers, Apple Watch chargers, and USB-C. This is an upgrade over the standard AirPods 4 case, which only supports USB-C.

What is Adaptive Audio on AirPods 4?

Adaptive Audio dynamically blends Transparency mode and Active Noise Cancellation based on your environment. If you walk into a noisy street, the earbuds increase cancellation. If someone starts talking to you, they reduce ANC and amplify voices. This feature runs on the H2 chip (Six Colors (Apple-focused tech publication)).

How to check battery level on AirPods 4?

Open the charging case near your iPhone — the battery level appears automatically on screen. You can also use the Batteries widget on your iPhone or ask Siri “What is the battery level of my AirPods?”

Where can I buy AirPods 4 Noise Cancelling in Ireland?

AirPods 4 with ANC are available from the Apple Ireland (official product page) store, Harvey Norman, Power City, Currys, and authorized Apple resellers across Ireland.

The pattern is clear: AirPods 4 with ANC deliver a genuine noise reduction improvement over standard earbuds, but only for people who can accept their 53% noise reduction ceiling. The trade-off is comfort. For Irish buyers who commute daily on Luas or Dart, the ANC model offers a meaningful upgrade over earlier AirPods generations. For anyone who needs to truly block out the world, the AirPods Pro 2 — or a third-party competitor with ear tips — remains the only real answer.