Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation USB-C

Quick Facts

Item	Details
Earphone Type	Open-fit wireless earbuds
Audio Chip	Apple H2 headphone chip
Noise Control	Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio and Transparency mode
Spatial Audio	Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
Battery Life	Up to 4 hours with Active Noise Cancellation enabled
Total Listening Time	Up to 20 hours with Active Noise Cancellation enabled
Battery with Noise Control Off	Up to 5 hours per charge and 30 hours with the case
Fast Charging	Around 1 hour of listening from 5 minutes in the case
Charging Case	USB-C Wireless Charging Case with speaker
Wireless Charging	Apple Watch and Qi-certified chargers
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.3
Resistance Rating	IP54 earbuds and charging case
Weight	4.3g per earbud
USB-C Cable	Sold separately

Overview

AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation are suitable for buyers who want noise control without silicone ear tips. Their open-fit design rests at the entrance of the ear rather than creating the sealed fit used by AirPods Pro.

They use Apple’s H2 headphone chip and support Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode and Conversation Awareness. Voice Isolation helps improve speech clarity during calls, while Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking creates a more immersive effect with supported content.

Battery life reaches up to 4 hours per charge and up to 20 hours with the case when Active Noise Cancellation is enabled. With noise control switched off, listening time increases to up to 5 hours per charge and 30 hours with the case.

Key Highlights

1. Active Noise Cancellation in an Open-Fit Design

AirPods 4 use microphones and H2-powered processing to reduce environmental noise without silicone ear tips.

Why it matters:

Suitable for buyers who dislike sealed in-ear earbuds
Reduces background noise during commuting, work and travel
Maintains a lighter, less enclosed fit than AirPods Pro
Transparency mode allows surrounding sound through when needed
Noise reduction can vary depending on the shape and fit of the listener’s ears

2. Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness

Adaptive Audio automatically blends Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode according to the surrounding environment.

Conversation Awareness can lower media volume and enhance nearby voices when the wearer starts speaking.

Why it matters:

Reduces the need to change noise-control settings manually
Helps users remain aware when their surroundings change
Makes brief face-to-face conversations more convenient
Useful when moving between quiet and noisy locations
Requires compatible Apple devices, software and current firmware

3. USB-C and Wireless Case Charging

The included case supports charging through USB-C, compatible Apple Watch chargers and Qi-certified wireless chargers.

Why it matters:

Provides both wired and wireless charging options
USB-C matches many newer phones, tablets and computers
Apple Watch owners can reuse a compatible charger
Five minutes in the case provides around one hour of listening
A USB-C charging cable is sold separately

Key Features Explained

Feature	Specification	Why It Matters
Earphone Design	Open-fit wireless earbuds	Avoids silicone tips and reduces the feeling of a sealed ear canal
Audio Chip	Apple H2	Powers noise control, audio processing and Apple ecosystem features
Noise Cancellation	Active Noise Cancellation	Reduces background noise during travel, work and commuting
Adaptive Audio	Automatically blends ANC and Transparency	Adjusts noise control as surroundings change
Transparency Mode	Allows environmental sound through	Helps users hear announcements, traffic and conversations
Conversation Awareness	Adjusts playback when the wearer speaks	Makes short conversations more convenient
Voice Isolation	Supported on compatible devices	Helps improve speech clarity during calls
Spatial Audio	Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking	Creates a more immersive effect with supported content
Controls	Force sensor on each stem	Controls playback, calls and noise modes
In-Ear Detection	Optical in-ear sensor	Supports automatic playback and pause functions
Battery with ANC	Up to 4 hours per charge	Indicates expected listening time with noise cancellation
Total Battery with ANC	Up to 20 hours with the case	Extends noise-cancelling use across several charges
Battery without Noise Control	Up to 5 hours per charge	Provides longer listening when noise control is unnecessary
Fast Charging	Around 1 hour from 5 minutes in the case	Provides quick playback when the battery is low
Charging	USB-C, Apple Watch and Qi-certified chargers	Offers flexible wired and wireless charging
Case Speaker	Supports Find My sounds	Makes the charging case easier to locate nearby
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.3	Supports compatible Apple and non-Apple devices
Resistance	IP54 earbuds and case	Adds protection against dust, sweat and accidental splashes
Earbud Weight	4.3g each	Keeps the earbuds light during extended use

Compare AirPods Models

Feature	AirPods 4 with ANC	AirPods 4 USB-C	AirPods Pro 3	AirPods 3 MagSafe
Fit	Open fit	Open fit	In-ear with silicone tips	Open fit
Audio Chip	H2	H2	H2	H1
Active Noise Cancellation	Yes	No	Yes	No
Adaptive Audio	Yes	No	Yes	No
Transparency Mode	Yes	Natural open fit	Yes	Natural open fit
Battery per Charge	Up to 4 hours with ANC	Up to 5 hours	Up to 8 hours with ANC	Up to 6 hours
Total Listening Time	Up to 20 hours with ANC	Up to 30 hours	Up to 24 hours with ANC	Up to 30 hours
Charging	USB-C and wireless	USB-C only	USB-C and wireless	Lightning and MagSafe
Case Speaker	Yes	No	Yes	No
Resistance Rating	IP54	IP54	IP57	IPX4
Best For	Open fit with noise cancellation	Open fit at a lower price	Stronger isolation and longer ANC battery life	Buyers seeking an older open-fit model

Which AirPods Model Should You Choose?

Model	Recommended For
AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation	Buyers who want an open fit together with noise control and wireless case charging
AirPods 4 USB-C	Buyers who want the AirPods 4 design but do not require Active Noise Cancellation
AirPods Pro 3	Buyers who want a sealed in-ear fit, stronger passive isolation and longer battery life with ANC
AirPods 3 MagSafe	Buyers who want an earlier open-fit model with MagSafe charging

Alternatives to AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation USB-C

If you are comparing wireless earbuds before buying, consider these related SellUp Marketplace products:

AirPods 4 USB-C — Standard AirPods 4 alternative without Active Noise Cancellation or wireless case charging.
AirPods Pro 3 USB-C (MagSafe) — Premium in-ear alternative with silicone tips, stronger isolation and longer ANC battery life.
AirPods Pro 2 USB-C (MagSafe) — Earlier in-ear Pro alternative with Active Noise Cancellation.
AirPods 3 Lightning (MagSafe) — Previous-generation open-fit model with MagSafe charging.
Galaxy Buds3 — Samsung alternative for buyers comparing lightweight wireless earbuds.

Common Questions

1. Do AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation use silicone ear tips?

No. They use an open-fit design without silicone ear tips. Buyers who want a sealed fit should consider AirPods Pro.

2. How effective is the noise cancellation?

AirPods 4 can reduce environmental noise, but their open fit does not create the passive seal provided by AirPods Pro. Noise-cancellation performance can also vary according to the wearer’s ear shape and fit.

3. What is the difference between the two AirPods 4 models?

The ANC model adds Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode, Conversation Awareness, wireless charging and a case speaker. The standard model lacks these features but provides longer total listening time and may cost less.

4. How long does the battery last with Active Noise Cancellation?

The earbuds provide up to 4 hours per charge with Active Noise Cancellation enabled. The charging case extends total listening time to up to 20 hours.

5. Does the case support wireless charging?

Yes. The case works with compatible Apple Watch chargers and Qi-certified wireless chargers. It can also be charged through USB-C.

6. Is a USB-C charging cable included?

No. Apple lists the USB-C charging cable as sold separately.

7. Are AirPods 4 with ANC waterproof?

No. The earbuds and case have an IP54 dust, sweat and water-resistance rating, but they are not waterproof or intended for swimming.

8. Can they connect to Android phones?

Yes. They can function as Bluetooth earbuds with compatible Android phones and other non-Apple devices. Active Noise Cancellation can still be used, but some Apple-specific setup, personalisation and ecosystem features may be unavailable or limited.

Why Buy the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation?

AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation are best for buyers who want noise control while retaining a lightweight, open-fit design. Their main strengths include Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode, Conversation Awareness, Personalised Spatial Audio and flexible USB-C or wireless case charging.

Compared with the standard AirPods 4, this model provides more control over surrounding noise and a more capable charging case. Buyers who want stronger passive isolation and longer battery life with Active Noise Cancellation may prefer AirPods Pro 3.

Compare AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation USB-C listings on SellUp Marketplace to find the price and availability that suit your budget.