Black Friday 2025 delivers the most incredible AirPods deal in history! The AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation have dropped to just $99, marking an unprecedented $80 discount from their regular $179 price. This represents the first time non-Pro AirPods with ANC have broken the $100 barrier, making premium Apple audio accessible to everyone.
Table of Contents
Apple AirPods 4 Black Friday Deals
| Model | Regular Price | Sale Price | Savings | Key Features | Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AirPods 4 (ANC) | $179 | $99 | $80 (45%) | Active Noise Cancellation, wireless charging | Amazon, Best Buy |
| AirPods 4 (Standard) | $129 | $69-79 | $50-60 (46-39%) | USB-C charging, 30-hour battery | Walmart, Amazon |
| AirPods Pro 3 | $249 | $220 | $29 (12%) | Superior ANC, heart rate sensor | Amazon |
| AirPods Max USB-C | $549 | $430 | $119 (22%) | Over-ear premium headphones | Amazon |
Why AirPods 4 with ANC Are Worth Buying
First Non-Pro AirPods with Active Noise Cancellation The AirPods 4 mark a historic milestone as the first non-Pro AirPods to receive ANC. This open-ear design achieves impressive noise reduction despite lacking traditional silicone ear tips, making them comfortable for all-day wear while still blocking distractions.
Powered by Apple’s H2 Chip The same H2 processor found in AirPods Pro 3 delivers computational audio magic. This chip enables advanced audio features from more expensive models including Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, and Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking.
Redesigned for All-Day Comfort Apple completely remodeled the AirPods 4 for improved wearability during extensive usage. The refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls create a more secure, comfortable fit compared to previous generations.
Outstanding Sound Quality The AirPods 4 deliver surprisingly rich sound with great clarity where lows, mids, and highs sound perfect with clear separation that enhances overall audio fidelity. The soundstage creates an immersive listening experience whether enjoying music, podcasts, or movies.
For more wireless audio recommendations, explore our top noise-cancelling Bluetooth headphones guide.
AirPods 4 ANC Performance Analysis
How Effective Is the Noise Cancellation? Despite the open-ear design without silicone tips, the AirPods 4 achieve 20-30 dB noise reduction in the mid-to-high frequency range, effectively blocking out much noise. While this trails the AirPods Pro 2’s 40-48 dB reduction capability, the performance remains impressive considering the dramatically lower price point.
The ANC excels at canceling:
- Office chatter and keyboard typing
- Coffee shop ambient noise
- Public transportation engine sounds
- Moderate wind noise during outdoor activities
Battery Life Considerations Without ANC, AirPods 4 buds realistically last around 4-5 hours on a single charge, but expect around 3-4 hours if you enable ANC. The USB-C charging case extends total listening time to 30 hours, ensuring multiple full charges throughout busy days.
Transparency Mode & Conversation Awareness Adaptive Transparency lets environmental sounds pass through naturally when needed. Conversation Awareness automatically reduces media volume when you start speaking, perfect for quick interactions without removing your earbuds.
AirPods 4 Standard vs ANC: Which Should You Choose?
Get the Standard Model ($69-79) If:
- Budget is your primary concern
- You primarily use earbuds in quiet environments
- You don’t need wireless charging case functionality
- ANC isn’t essential for your listening habits
Get the ANC Model ($99) If:
- You commute on public transportation
- You work in noisy environments
- Wireless charging convenience matters
- You want future-proof features at exceptional value
Verdict: At just $20-30 more, the ANC model delivers substantially better value with noise cancellation, wireless charging, and enhanced features that justify the premium. This Black Friday pricing makes the ANC version an absolute no-brainer.
What’s in the Box
- AirPods 4 earbuds (left and right)
- USB-C charging case (wireless charging for ANC model only)
- USB-C to USB-C charging cable
- Documentation and warranty information
- No wall adapter included (use existing USB-C chargers)
Comparing Against Premium Options
AirPods 4 ANC ($99) vs AirPods Pro 3 ($220)
AirPods Pro 3 Advantages:
- Superior ANC performance (40-48 dB vs 20-30 dB)
- Customizable silicone ear tips for better seal
- Longer battery life (8 hours ANC on, 10 hours off)
- Health features including heart rate monitoring
- Better water resistance (IP54 vs IPX4)
AirPods 4 ANC Advantages:
- $121 cheaper ($99 vs $220)
- Open-ear comfort without pressure
- Lighter weight for all-day wear
- Same H2 chip computational audio
- Sufficient ANC for most users
The Bottom Line: If budget allows, AirPods Pro 3 provide superior overall experience. However, the AirPods 4 ANC deliver 80% of Pro performance at 45% of the cost, making them the smarter value choice for most buyers.
For comprehensive Apple audio comparisons, check our AirPods Max vs Sony WH-1000XM4 detailed analysis.
Key Features Explained
Personalized Spatial Audio Using the TrueDepth camera on your iPhone, AirPods 4 create a custom audio profile tailored to your unique ear shape. This enables theater-like 3D sound positioning for movies, games, and supported music tracks.
Siri Voice Control Simply say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to control playback, check weather, send messages, or get directions hands-free. New Siri Interactions let you nod yes or shake your head no to respond without speaking.
Automatic Device Switching Seamlessly move between iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch without manual reconnection. Audio automatically routes to whichever device you’re actively using.
Find My Integration Never lose your AirPods again. The charging case includes built-in Find My support, displaying its location on a map and playing a sound when nearby. Precision Finding uses Ultra Wideband on iPhone 15 and newer.
Water and Sweat Resistance IPX4 rating means AirPods 4 handle sweat during workouts and light rain exposure. They’re not fully waterproof, but daily moisture won’t damage them.
Setup and Compatibility
Compatible Devices:
- iPhone running iOS 18 or later
- iPad with iPadOS 18+
- Mac with macOS Sequoia+
- Apple Watch with watchOS 11+
- Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD
- Android devices (limited features via Bluetooth)
Initial Setup Process:
- Open the charging case near your iPhone
- Tap “Connect” on the automatic popup
- Follow simple on-screen instructions
- Done in under 30 seconds
Android Compatibility Note: AirPods 4 work with Android phones via standard Bluetooth pairing but lack Hey Siri, automatic device switching, and spatial audio. Sound quality and ANC still function normally.
Where to Buy
Amazon ($99 for ANC, $79 for Standard) Free shipping for Prime members with fastest delivery. Excellent return policy through January 2026.
Best Buy ($99 for ANC, $79 for Standard) In-store pickup available immediately in most locations. My Best Buy members earn reward points.
Walmart ($69 for Standard via Walmart+) Walmart+ members accessed the $69 standard model exclusively before opening to all customers. Check for restocks.
Apple Store (Gift Card Offers) While not offering direct discounts, Apple provides $25 gift cards with AirPods 4 purchases during their Black Friday event, usable toward future purchases.
Long-Term Value Proposition
Software Updates and Longevity Apple supports AirPods with software updates for 5+ years. The H2 chip ensures compatibility with future iOS features, protecting your investment long-term.
Resale Value Apple products maintain stronger resale value than competitors. Even after 2-3 years, used AirPods sell for 40-50% of original retail, offsetting upgrade costs.
Repair and Replacement AppleCare+ coverage available for $29, covering two incidents of accidental damage with small service fees. Individual AirPod replacements cost $89 without coverage, $29 with AppleCare+.
Should You Wait for AirPods 5?
Apple hasn’t announced AirPods 5, and given the AirPods 4 launched in late 2024, a successor likely won’t arrive until late 2026 at earliest. At $99 with ANC, the value proposition is too compelling to wait two years for unconfirmed future products.
Expert Buying Tips
Check Multiple Retailers Simultaneously Stock fluctuates rapidly during Black Friday. Have tabs open for Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target to catch restocks immediately.
Consider AppleCare+ Protection For $29, get two years of coverage including accidental damage protection. Worthwhile insurance for $99 earbuds you’ll use daily.
Bundle with Other Apple Products Many retailers offer additional savings when bundling AirPods with iPhones, iPads, or Apple Watches. Stack deals for maximum savings.
Sign Up for Price Drop Alerts If your preferred model sells out, enable stock alerts through browser extensions or apps like Honey, CamelCamelCamel for Amazon price tracking.
For more Apple audio insights, read our Beats Flex budget wireless earphones coverage.
How to Watch AirPods 4 Reviews and Comparisons
Official Apple Resources Visit Apple’s official AirPods 4 page for technical specifications, feature demonstrations, and compatibility information. Apple’s support videos explain setup processes and advanced features.
YouTube Tech Reviews Search “AirPods 4 review” for comprehensive analysis from MKBHD, iJustine, The Verge, and Unbox Therapy. These creators provide sound quality tests, ANC comparisons, and real-world usage scenarios across different environments.
Tech Publication Reviews Read in-depth written reviews from Tom’s Guide, CNET, TechRadar, and Engadget. Professional reviewers conduct standardized testing with measurement equipment providing objective performance data beyond subjective impressions.
Reddit Community Discussions Join r/AirPods where 500,000+ members share experiences, troubleshooting solutions, and purchasing advice. The community quickly identifies which Black Friday deals offer genuine value versus inflated “discounts” on overpriced retailers.
Podcast Audio Quality Tests Listen to podcasts like “The Talk Show” or “Connected” where hosts specifically discuss AirPods audio quality while using them to record episodes, providing meta-analysis of microphone performance.
Apple Store In-Person Demos Visit Apple retail locations to try AirPods 4 firsthand. Staff provide personalized fit testing and answer specific questions about features, compatibility, and comparisons against other models in Apple’s lineup.
Black Friday Shopping Strategy
Early Morning Restocks Retailers typically restock popular items between 6-8 AM local time. Set alarms to catch fresh inventory before peak shopping hours.
Mobile App Advantages Amazon and Best Buy mobile apps often show stock availability before desktop sites update. Enable notifications for instant restock alerts.
Payment Method Preparation Have credit card information saved in accounts to complete checkout within seconds when stock appears. Hesitation loses deals during high-demand periods.
Extended Return Windows Most retailers extend Black Friday purchase returns through mid-January 2026. Buy now, gift later, with confidence recipients can exchange if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do AirPods 4 with ANC work well for phone calls in noisy environments?
Yes, the H2 chip features voice carrying to the other side perfectly without distortion or background noise thanks to noise cancellation. The beamforming microphones focus on your voice while computational audio algorithms suppress ambient sounds. Multiple reviewers consistently praise call quality as excellent even in challenging environments like busy streets, coffee shops, and airports. The microphone array performs comparably to AirPods Pro models, making them highly effective for video conferences, phone interviews, and daily calls.
Q: Can I use just one AirPod at a time to extend battery life?
Absolutely! AirPods 4 support independent mono mode where either earbud functions alone while the other charges in the case. This effectively doubles your available listening time to 8-10 hours for calls or podcasts. The optical sensor detects when you remove one earbud, automatically pausing media playback. When wearing only one AirPod, audio automatically switches from stereo to optimized mono output ensuring you don’t miss important sounds. This feature proves invaluable during long work calls or when you need environmental awareness while listening to content.
