Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) vs Apple AirPods (1st generation)
Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) ($179) vs Apple AirPods (1st generation) ($30) — side-by-side specs, weight, pros and cons to help you pick the right audio.
Spec-by-spec
| Spec | Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) | Apple AirPods (1st generation) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $179 | $30 |
| Weight | 43.3g | 46g |
| Battery | 30h total | 5h per charge, 24h with case |
| ANC | Adaptive | — |
| Fit | Open | One-size, non-sealed |
| Chip | H2 | Apple W1 |
| Charging | — | Lightning case only |
| Weight | — | 46g (Apple published: 4g bud x2 + 38g case) |
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods 4 (ANC)
- Open-fit ANC
- USB-C
- H2 chip
- Open fit ANC limited
- No wireless case (base)
Apple AirPods (1st generation)
- The device that started the true-wireless category
- Automatic pairing across Apple devices, still instant
- Cheapest way into the AirPods shape
- Genuinely small and light at 4g per earbud
- No noise cancellation or Transparency mode
- Case charges via Lightning only, no wireless pad
- Battery is a decade old on any used pair
- No volume control, tap-only for playback and Siri
Apple AirPods (1st generation) is the better value at $30. If weight matters most, Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) carries lighter at 43.3g. Both are part of our curated audio index — tap through to check current pricing.