Last updated:
AI SCORE
/ 100
Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation (2022) is a solid mid-tier pick in earbuds, scoring 71/100 on our AI engine. It offers ~5h battery. Priced around $90, it competes in the budget tier.
The Apple AirPods 4, released in 2022, feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) with a reduction of up to -36dB, making them ideal for immersive listening experiences. These in-ear true wireless earbuds weigh just 4.3 grams and are equipped with dynamic 11mm drivers for enhanced sound quality. With Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, they support AAC and SBC codecs, ensuring a stable connection and high-quality audio. The earbuds also offer a battery life of up to 5 hours on a single charge, with a quick charge feature that provides 1 hour of playback with just 5 minutes of charging. Although their ANC score is low, they are a solid choice for Apple ecosystem users seeking convenience and decent performance.
Score Breakdown
The Apple AirPods 4 are designed for users who are already integrated into the Apple ecosystem and seek a compact, wireless audio solution for everyday use. With a budget of around $90, they appeal to casual listeners who prioritize convenience and easy connectivity over high-end audio performance. However, audiophiles or those looking for superior noise cancellation may want to explore higher-end options. If you value seamless integration with Apple devices and decent sound quality, the AirPods 4 could be a suitable choice.
AI-generated expert assessment · Updated 2026
The Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation is a entry-level earbud that earns a VersusMatrix overall score of 71/100, placing it in the strong tier of the earbuds category for 2026. Priced around $90, it competes most directly with other entry-level earbuds where buyers weigh raw specifications against everyday usability.
Where the Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation stands out most clearly is design and build (100/100) and value for money (75/100). On paper it ships with a 5h battery — the kind of hardware combination that defines its tier. In daily use these strengths translate to a earbud that holds up well under the workloads buyers in this price band typically demand.
The trade-offs sit primarily in battery (22/100) and camera (50/100). Buyers for whom those dimensions are deal-breakers should compare against pricier alternatives in the leaderboard — but for the majority of buyers in this price band, the trade-off is acceptable given the strengths above.
The Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation is a solid pick for buyers shopping the $76-$104 earbud market. For a head-to-head against the closest alternatives, browse the earbuds leaderboard and use the on-site comparison tool — the Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation is included in the default ranking when sorted by overall score.
Casual listeners
Affordable price point covers everyday listening — podcasts, audiobooks, background music — without overspending on features you won't use daily.
Work-from-home users
Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation works for video calls and meetings throughout the day. Look at battery life and mic quality if you take heavy call loads.
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.
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Apple AirPods Active Noise Cancellation
The Apple AirPods 4, released in 2022, feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) with a reduction of up to -36dB, making them ideal for immersive listening experiences. These in-ear true wireless earbuds weigh just 4.3 grams and are equipped with dynamic 11mm drivers for enhanced sound quality. With B...
The Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation offers up to 5 hours of battery life, with 5W charging.
The Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation has IPX4 water/dust resistance. Check the spec table above for details on what this rating covers.
The Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation is priced at approximately $90. Check the buy links above for current prices from retailers.
The Apple AirPods 4 are designed for users who are already integrated into the Apple ecosystem and seek a compact, wireless audio solution for everyday use. With a budget of around $90, they appeal to casual listeners who prioritize convenience and easy connectivity over high-end audio performance. However, audiophiles or those looking for superior noise cancellation may want to explore higher-end options. If you value seamless integration with Apple devices and decent sound quality, the AirPods 4 could be a suitable choice.
Yes, it's a solid fit. Affordable price point covers everyday listening — podcasts, audiobooks, background music — without overspending on features you won't use daily.
Yes, it's a solid fit. Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation works for video calls and meetings throughout the day. Look at battery life and mic quality if you take heavy call loads.
Based on its specs and scoring, the Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation is best suited for: Casual listeners, Work-from-home users. See the use-case breakdown on this page for the reasoning behind each.