Looking for an honest Apple AirPods Active Noise Cancellation vs Apple 4th Generation Wireless 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 4th Generation Wireless comes out ahead 58/100 to 74/100 — a 16-point gap. The widest gap is in performance, where the Apple 4th Generation Wireless pulls noticeably ahead. On price the Apple 4th Generation Wireless undercuts the Apple AirPods Active Noise Cancellation by 55% ($58 vs $90), which materially changes the value calculus for budget-conscious buyers.
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Apple 4th Generation Wireless clearly outperforms the Apple AirPods Active Noise Cancellation in the earbuds category, especially in performance, scoring 74 vs 58. If you want the better overall earbuds, Apple 4th Generation Wireless is the recommended choice.
Picking Apple 4th Generation Wireless over Apple AirPods Active Noise Cancellation means trading these off.
Rien d'essentiel — les spécifications sont pratiquement identiques
Apple
$90
Scores are relative within the earbudscategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
| Spec | Apple AirPods Active Noise Cancellation | Apple 4th Generation WirelessW |
|---|---|---|
| Type | In-ear (TWS) | In-ear (TWS) |
| Driver Type | Dynamic 11mm | Dynamic |
| Driver Size | 11mm✓ | 10.2mm |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz |
| ANC | Active Noise Cancelling (-36dB) | true |
| Transparency Mode | Yes (Transparency mode) | Yes (Transparency mode) |
| Spatial Audio | Yes (Dolby Atmos) | Yes (with dynamic head tracking) |
| EQ App | AirPods app | Apple Music |
| Touch Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Assistant | Siri | Siri |
| Battery Life | 5hrs | 6hrs✓ |
| Case Battery | 24hrs | 24hrs |
| Wireless Charging | Yes (MagSafe) | Yes (Qi) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
| Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) | true |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Fit | In-ear | In-ear |
| Weight | 5.3g | 5g✓ |
| Colors | White | White |
| Price | 90$ | 58$✓ |
Buy Apple AirPods Active Noise Cancellation if…
The Apple AirPods 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 4th Generation Wireless if…
Buy the Apple 4th Generation Wireless if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Apple 4th Generation Wireless clearly outperforms the Apple AirPods Active Noise Cancellation in the earbuds category, especially in performance, scoring 74 vs 58. If you want the better overall earbuds, Apple 4th Generation Wireless is the recommended choice.
No, Apple 4th Generation Wireless scores higher (74 vs 83).
Apple 4th Generation Wireless is cheaper at $58 vs $90 for the Apple AirPods Active Noise Cancellation.
The Apple AirPods 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 4th Generation Wireless if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Apple 4th Generation Wireless lasts longer with 6 hours vs 5 hours for the other.
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.