Apple AirPods 4s Are Back Under $100—Grab Them Before They’re Gone

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to snag a pair of Apple’s iconic AirPods, now’s your chance—but you’ll have to move fast. The sleek and powerful Apple AirPods 4s have just dropped below $100, and deals like this don’t last long. Whether you’re upgrading your audio game or buying a gift, this is one of the lowest prices we’ve seen in months. Click here to grab your AirPods 4s for under $100 on Amazon while the deal lasts.

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Apple’s AirPods 4 have arrived, and they’ve exceeded expectations in ways that make them stand out in the crowded earbud market. With active noise cancellation (ANC) that defies their open-ear, hard-plastic design, a new shape for improved comfort, and the powerful H2 chip, these earbuds offer a compelling package. In this review, we’ll dive into their key features, compare them to other AirPods models (AirPods 2, AirPods 3, and AirPods Pro 2), and explore what makes them unique.

A New Design for Better Fit

The AirPods 4 introduce a redesigned shape that marks a significant improvement over their predecessors. Unlike the AirPods 1 and 2, which sported a long, Q-tip-like stem and a smaller ear tip, or the AirPods 3, with their bulkier, more bulbous design, the AirPods 4 strike a balance. The new contour of the tip and bulbous area feels reminiscent of the original AirPods’ easy fit but incorporates the enhanced audio capabilities of a larger ear tip.

When AirPods 3 launched, many users, including myself, found the fit less comfortable—sticking out more and feeling less secure. AirPods 4 addresses this with a refined design that feels effortless to wear, sliding in easily and staying put. Apple’s keynote highlighted their use of laser and 3D imaging to scan thousands of ear shapes, and the result is a fit that feels noticeably better—subjective as fit may be. Compared to the AirPods Pro 2, which rely on silicone tips for a deeper, sealed fit, the AirPods 4’s hard plastic tips are less intrusive, making them a great option for those who find silicone seals uncomfortable.

Impressive Active Noise Cancellation

The standout feature of the AirPods 4 is their ANC, a first for Apple’s open-ear earbuds. Typically, effective ANC relies on a passive seal from silicone or rubber tips to block external noise, as seen in the AirPods Pro 2. Without this seal, achieving good noise cancellation seemed unlikely, yet the AirPods 4 deliver surprisingly well. The combination of the H2 chip’s processing power and the earbuds’ refined shape allows them to effectively mute low-frequency noises like airplane engines, motors, or background hums.

Higher-frequency sounds, such as children’s voices or sharp noises, are better handled by the AirPods Pro 2 due to their passive seal. However, for an open-ear design, the AirPods 4’s ANC is remarkable, offering a level of noise reduction that rivals sealed earbuds in certain scenarios. This makes them an excellent choice for users who want ANC without the deeper fit of silicone-tipped earbuds.

Sound Quality: A Step Up

Sound quality is subjective and heavily dependent on ear shape and fit, but the AirPods 4 shine in this department. Compared to AirPods 3, which offered decent mids and treble but lackluster bass, the AirPods 4 deliver a noticeable improvement in low-frequency performance. Whether due to new drivers or the better fit, the bass is more present and impactful, though it doesn’t quite match the AirPods Pro 2’s richer low-end response.

Using a calibrated microphone for rough measurements, the AirPods 4 show a clear step up from the AirPods 3, particularly in bass, while still falling short of the Pro 2’s performance. For an open-ear design, the sound is impressive, balancing clarity and depth in a way that feels tailored to everyday listening.

Charging Case and Features

The AirPods 4 come with a redesigned charging case that’s smaller than previous generations and now uses USB-C. Notable changes include an invisible LED indicator (only visible when active) and a touch-sensitive area replacing the traditional pairing/reset button. The case supports wireless charging but lacks MagSafe’s magnetic alignment, unlike the AirPods Pro 2 and older models. A built-in speaker allows the case to play a chime for easy location via Apple’s Find My feature.

Other features include Force Touch controls, similar to the AirPods Pro 2, though volume control is absent—a curious omission. The H2 chip enhances audio processing, ANC, and seamless connectivity within Apple’s ecosystem, making device switching effortless.

Microphone Quality

Microphone performance is another area where the AirPods 4 excel. In a simulated busy coffee shop environment, here’s how they compare:

• iPhone 15 Pro Max: Baseline, clear but picks up significant ambient noise.

• AirPods 2 (2019): Decent for their age, but battery life limits their practicality.

• AirPods 3: Improved over AirPods 2, with the H1 chip providing modest noise suppression.

• AirPods 4: Noticeable improvement, leveraging the H2 chip for better clarity and background noise reduction.

• AirPods Pro 2: The best of the bunch, benefiting from higher-end components and the H2 chip.

The AirPods 4’s mic quality is a step up from the AirPods 3, making them suitable for calls and voice recordings in noisy environments.

Pricing and Value

The AirPods 4 are priced at a premium, roughly $60 more than some competitors, with the ANC model commanding a higher cost. Part of this is the Apple brand tax, but the seamless integration with Apple devices—effortless switching and robust connectivity—adds value for those in the ecosystem. While competitors may offer better audio quality or ANC at similar price points, the AirPods 4’s combination of fit, convenience, and features makes them a strong contender.

Final Thoughts

The AirPods 4 are a significant upgrade, blending the comfortable fit of the original AirPods with improved sound and groundbreaking ANC for an open-ear design. They sit comfortably between the AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro 2 in sound quality, offering a compelling option for those who prioritize comfort and dislike silicone tips. For Apple ecosystem users, the AirPods 4 are a worthwhile investment, delivering a polished experience that’s hard to match. If fit and convenience are your priorities, these earbuds are a game-changer.

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