How do Apple's new budget-friendly AirPods with noise cancellation measure up for travelers?

Look around any airport or airplane, and you're likely to spot several pairs of AirPods in use.

Apple's widely-loved headphones have become a key component of the travel experience for many passengers. They seamlessly connect to all your Apple devices and can also link to select seatback TVs equipped with Bluetooth capability. Among the range, the $249 AirPods Pro stand out as Apple's best-seller, thanks to their impressive audio quality, portability, and effective noise cancellation, all fitting into a case no larger than a credit card.

Recently, Apple unveiled a new model of AirPods set to launch on Friday, Sept. 20, which includes features that may appeal to travelers. Named AirPods 4, this entry-level version boasts several attributes that were previously exclusive to the Pro models, such as enhanced audio quality, additional charging options, and even the ability to include noise cancellation.

Given all these Pro-like enhancements, some travelers may wonder if the new $179 AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation are the perfect choice for travel headphones.

Ahead of the launch, I had a unique chance to test the new AirPods 4 during my travels. Read on for my impressions.

The importance of noise cancellation

The latest AirPods 4 lineup includes a model equipped with Active Noise Cancellation priced at $179. (Apple will also offer a version without this feature for $129, but the noise-canceling option is likely to be more attractive to travelers.)

I tried out both models during a transcontinental flight and some train journeys last week, and I was particularly impressed with the noise-canceling version. They effectively muted much of the ambient noise at the airport and train station, as well as on the plane and train. Thanks to their open-ear design (more details on that below), these AirPods mainly target low-frequency sounds, like those from airplane engines.

Within moments of wearing them in the air, it became clear that they did an excellent job of significantly reducing engine noise. This was also evident when I used them in a bustling (and crowded) airport lounge — I could enjoy my music without the distraction of nearby conversations.

However, there are times when you might need to pause your music to chat with someone nearby. In my experience, the flight attendant often walked by, taking drink and meal orders and offering refills. Instead of taking off the AirPods, I simply switched to Adaptive Audio mode — a feature now available on the entry-level models — which automatically adjusted the noise cancellation and transparency settings so I could easily converse with the flight attendant without removing the headphones.

Once the flight attendant had moved past my row, the AirPods detected that the conversation was over and reverted to full noise cancellation mode.

The sound quality is remarkable

These new AirPods may be budget-friendly, but they deliver outstanding audio performance.

Apple has revamped the earbuds to be shorter than the previous version, while also re-engineering the internal components to enhance the acoustics.

Throughout my travels, I alternated between listening to music on my old AirPods Pro and the new AirPods 4. By the end, it was difficult to determine which model had superior audio quality—an impressive achievement for the entry-level option.

Charging options are more flexible

One of the Pro-level enhancements that Apple added to the noise-canceling AirPods 4 is the capability to charge the case wirelessly. You can use your Apple Watch charger or any Qi-certified magnetic charger to recharge the AirPods case, making it convenient for travelers who wish to reduce the number of cables they carry.

(Of course, you can still charge the case via a wired connection, and this year, Apple has introduced USB-C across the entire AirPods lineup. Just keep in mind that the AirPods don’t come with a charging cable, so you’ll need to provide your own.)

Additionally, an increasing number of premium airplane cabins now come equipped with wireless charging pads, allowing you to simply place the case on the pad to recharge.

Apple claims that the AirPods 4 provide four hours of continuous listening time with Active Noise Cancellation turned on. I used them throughout my flight from San Francisco to Newark, and they only ran out of battery during the descent, just as Apple stated. I then placed them back in the charging case, and after just five minutes, they were ready to last another hour.

The charging case itself can store between 20 and 30 hours of power, depending on whether noise cancellation is activated.

Locating AirPods is simpler

For the first time, Apple has integrated a speaker into the charging case of an entry-level AirPods model. Although the speaker is compact, it’s incredibly useful for travelers who often misplace their belongings.

The speaker aims to simplify locating your AirPods. If you've misplaced the charging case, just open the Find My app on your iPhone, select your AirPods, and tap "Play Sound." Anyone familiar with using an AirTag will find this process quite straightforward.

In fact, the speaker proved invaluable during my flight. While I was capturing content, I accidentally knocked the AirPods case, and it tumbled behind my seat. I struggled to see where it landed and didn't want to risk hurting myself trying to reach for it, so I played a sound that helped me find the AirPods quickly (and without any injuries).

However, the comfort and fit don’t quite measure up to the Pro-level experience.

That said, the new AirPods 4 showcase a significantly different structure compared to the Pros.

These earbuds feature an open-ear design, meaning they lack the silicone tips that create a suction seal with your ear. Apple claims to have analyzed over 50 million data points to develop its universal earbud design, yet some travelers may still find the open-ear fit to be uncomfortable.

From my perspective, I wouldn’t describe the AirPods 4 as uncomfortable. However, as a long-time user of the AirPods Pro, I could definitely feel a noticeable difference in comfort during my five-hour flight.

During a bout of heavy turbulence, I worried that the AirPods might slip out of my ears. (Fortunately, they stayed put.) However, they didn't feel as secure as the AirPods Pro.

As a runner, I wouldn’t recommend the AirPods 4 for intense cardio workouts. On a recent long run, one of the earbuds did fall out.

Another downside of the open-ear design is its impact on noise cancellation. Without a full seal against your ear, you’ll notice more ambient noise compared to the AirPods Pro.

In summary

Overall, Apple’s new AirPods 4 offer a strong option for travelers seeking earbuds.

The noise-canceling model effectively reduces much of the ambient noise encountered on the go, all while maintaining excellent sound quality and battery life. Additionally, the charging case features several charging options and supports the Find My app, which includes sounds to help locate the earbuds if they go missing.

That said, I still prefer the fit and enhanced noise cancellation of the AirPods Pro, to the extent that it may be worth spending a bit more initially to invest in the Pros, especially if you intend to use them long-term.

Naturally, everyone’s ears are unique. If you’re considering a new pair of AirPods, I recommend testing the AirPods 4 before purchasing to ensure they fit snugly and comfortably in your ears. If they do, you’ll likely enjoy all the enhancements at this new entry-level price.

If not, it might be worth investing an additional $70 for the Pros.