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Apple AirPods 4 vs Apple AirPods (1st generation)
Apple AirPods 4 ($129) vs Apple AirPods (1st generation) ($30) — side-by-side specs, weight, pros and cons to help you pick the right true wireless.
Spec-by-spec
| Spec | Apple AirPods 4 | Apple AirPods (1st generation) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129 | $30 |
| Weight | 40.9g | 46g |
| ANC | Active (on ANC model) | — |
| Battery | 5h / 30h case | 5h per charge, 24h with case |
| Chip | H2 | Apple W1 |
| Price | $129 (no ANC) / $179 (ANC) | — |
| Fit | One-size open ear | One-size, non-sealed |
| Feature | Personalized Spatial Audio | — |
| Charging | — | Lightning case only |
| Weight | — | 46g (Apple published: 4g bud x2 + 38g case) |
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods 4
- ANC at $179 tier now
- H2 chip in base model
- Open design fits more people
- Personalized Spatial Audio
- Familiar AirPods form factor
- No ear tips for seal
- 6h battery (less than Pro)
- One-size fit not universal
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 carries lighter at 40.9g. Both are part of our curated true wireless index — tap through to check current pricing.
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