Looking for an honest Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation vs Apple AirPods Active Noise Cancellation comparison in 2026? We scored both earbuds on the same six-dimension framework — performance, battery, display, camera, design and value — using identical methodology, so the numbers below are directly comparable. In our overall scoring the Apple AirPods Active Noise Cancellation comes out ahead 46/100 to 58/100 — a 12-point gap. The widest gap is in performance, where the Apple AirPods Active Noise Cancellation pulls noticeably ahead. Both products sit in the same price band (around $90), so this comparison comes down to spec preference rather than budget.
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Apple AirPods Active Noise Cancellation edges out the Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation in the earbuds category, especially in performance, scoring 58 vs 46. If you want the better overall earbuds, Apple AirPods Active Noise Cancellation is the recommended choice.
Picking Apple AirPods Active Noise Cancellation over Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation means trading these off.
Specs are roughly matched — winner decided on overall scoring, not a specific spec advantage.
Apple
$90
Apple
$90
Scores are relative within the earbudscategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
| Spec | Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation | Apple AirPods Active Noise CancellationW |
|---|---|---|
| Type | In-ear (TWS) | In-ear (TWS) |
| Driver Type | Dynamic 11mm | Dynamic 11mm |
| Driver Size | 11mm | 11mm |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz |
| ANC | Active Noise Cancelling (-36dB) | Active Noise Cancelling (-36dB) |
| Transparency Mode | Yes (Transparency mode) | Yes (Transparency mode) |
| Spatial Audio | Yes (Dolby Atmos) | Yes (Dolby Atmos) |
| EQ App | AirPods app | AirPods app |
| Touch Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Assistant | Siri | Siri |
| Battery Life | 5hrs | 5hrs |
| Case Battery | 24hrs | 24hrs |
| Wireless Charging | Yes (MagSafe) | Yes (MagSafe) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
| Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) | Yes (2 devices) |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Fit | In-ear | In-ear |
| Weight | 4.3g✓ | 5.3g |
| Colors | White | White |
| Price | 90$ | 90$ |
Buy Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation if…
The Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Buy Apple AirPods Active Noise Cancellation if…
Buy the Apple AirPods Active Noise Cancellation if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Apple AirPods Active Noise Cancellation edges out the Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation in the earbuds category, especially in performance, scoring 58 vs 46. If you want the better overall earbuds, Apple AirPods Active Noise Cancellation is the recommended choice.
No, Apple AirPods Active Noise Cancellation scores higher (83 vs 71).
Apple AirPods Active Noise Cancellation is cheaper at $90 vs $90 for the Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation.
The Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Buy the Apple AirPods Active Noise Cancellation if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Both offer 5 hours of battery life.
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: May 21, 2026
Methodology: AI-powered analysis of technical specifications from manufacturer data. Scores are calculated by comparing products across multiple dimensions and normalized relative to the full category database. Our editorial process is independent and not influenced by affiliate partnerships.