This just in from the “have you forgotten about me” aisle of Amazon’s tech department: Apple’s surprisingly terrific AirPods 4 are back under $100 thanks to a sudden 23% price drop. We say “surprisingly” terrific only because the AirPods 4 are the latest and by far best version of Apple’s base-model wireless earbuds, and in many ways we like them as much or better than the pricier Pro or Max models.
Amazon reviewers certainly haven’t forgotten about the AirPods 4 — the subtle yet effective redesign of both these buds and their charging case, and the debut of Active Noise Cancellation in the non-Pro and non-Max AirPods has driven the AirPods 4 to a stellar 4.5-star average rating from over 40,000 reviewers. Best $100 wireless earbuds on the market? Quite possibly.
Smarter Sound, Thanks to H2
At the core of these AirPods 4 is Apple’s H2 chip, the same silicon that elevated the Pro line’s performance. The H2 handles everything from audio processing to noise control and efficiency management. The result is cleaner highs, fuller mids, and tighter bass response compared to previous generations — along with more effective noise cancellation that intelligently adapts in real time.
Personalized Spatial Audio is part of the package as well. Using dynamic head tracking and a custom sound profile tuned to your ears, the AirPods 4 create a more immersive listening field whether you’re streaming movies, gaming, or running through a playlist. It’s not just louder or deeper — it’s more dimensional.
But the top-level leap forward for the AirPods 4 is Active Noise Cancellation. Until now, that feature was reserved for the Pro and Max tiers. Bringing ANC to the standard AirPods line at a lower price point widens the appeal dramatically. Whether you’re trying to mute airplane engine hum, coffee shop chatter, or general office noise, the H2-driven ANC system works to dial down distractions without distorting what you’re actually listening to, and can also be turned down a notch into Transparency Mode so you’re still aware of your surroundings.
Big-Yet-Subtle Redesign
The now-iconic look of these AirPods hasn’t changed much, but the fit and comfort level have. The AirPods 4 feature a subtle redesign aimed at delivering a more secure in-ear position and improved comfort over long listening sessions. That matters for earbuds meant to handle everything from commute calls to workout playlists.
The charging case also got attention. It’s about 10% smaller than the previous generation, making it easier to slip into a pocket without bulk. More importantly, it now works with an Apple Watch charger or any Qi-certified wireless charger. That flexibility simplifies charging setups — one cable or pad can now power multiple devices.
At their original $159 launch price in 2024, the AirPods 4 felt like a meaningful upgrade. At the usual $129 price, they’re a solid value in Apple’s ecosystem. At their current Amazon price of $99, they move into no-brainer territory for anyone already using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.