Until September 2024, anyone looking to acquire Apple’s active noise-canceling (ANC) AirPods was required to invest $250 for the AirPods Pro. However, with the launch of the ANC AirPods 4, this technology has become significantly more budget-friendly. Currently, these earbuds are available for an appealing $148.99. Additionally, Amazon is featuring the more affordable version of the AirPods 4 without ANC for just $99.99, reduced from $129.

These prices represent new record lows, according to price-tracking sources. Although the reductions may not seem radical, any drop in prices for the latest AirPods is noteworthy, especially outside of the usual shopping events like Prime Day or Black Friday.

The AirPods 4 feature an improved USB-C charging system. Both variations utilize Apple’s H2 chip, enabling Personalized Spatial Audio, which creates the illusion of sounds coming from different directions as one turns their head. Additionally, users can respond to Siri with head movements, including answering or declining phone calls. Anticipations are high that live translation capabilities will be introduced to both models in conjunction with the forthcoming iOS 19.

Choosing the ANC AirPods 4 means obtaining a charging case with a speaker that aids in locating it through Find My if misplaced. Moreover, additional functionalities like Conversation Awareness adjust music volume when speech is detected; Transparency Mode enhances awareness of environmental sounds; and Adaptive Audio merges ANC and Transparency functionalities, modifying ANC responsiveness based on surrounding noise. It should be noted that, as these are open-style earbuds without silicone tips for improved noise isolation, the ANC might not be as effective as that offered by AirPods Pro or Beats Fit Pro.