Buying new earbuds used to be simple. You’d walk into a store, grab the white box, and go. But honestly, Apple made things a bit confusing when they dropped two different versions of the AirPods 4. It’s not just about one price anymore; it’s about figuring out which specific features you actually want to pay for.
If you’re standing in an aisle or staring at a browser tab wondering how much do AirPods 4 cost, the quick answer is $129 for the base model and $179 if you want the ones that actually block out the world. But that’s just the MSRP. In 2026, the street price is a whole different animal.
Breaking Down the AirPods 4 Price Tag
Apple basically split their "standard" earbud line into two tiers. Think of it like a base trim car versus the one with the sunroof and better speakers.
The entry-level AirPods 4 cost $129. For that price, you get the new H2 chip, a much more comfortable shape than the older generations, and a USB-C charging case. It's a solid upgrade if you just need something for podcasts and calls while you’re walking the dog.
Then there is the "step-up" version. The AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) retail for $179.
You’re paying that extra $50 for a few specific things. First, obviously, is the noise cancellation. It’s kinda wild to have ANC in an open-ear design that doesn't have those silicone tips shoved in your ear canal. This model also includes a wireless charging case that works with Apple Watch chargers and has a little speaker on the bottom so you can find it when it falls behind the couch cushions.
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What the real-world prices look like right now
Nobody actually pays full price if they can help it. Retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart are constantly fighting for your clicks.
- The Base Model: While it lists at $129, you can frequently find it for around **$112 to $119**.
- The ANC Model: This one sees bigger drops. It’s common to see it sitting at $149 or $159 during holiday sales or random "Tech Tuesdays."
I’ve seen some sites try to mark them up when stock gets low, but don't fall for that. If you see them for more than $179, you're being fleeced.
The AirPods 4 vs. AirPods Pro 3 Dilemma
This is where it gets tricky. By early 2026, the AirPods Pro 3 have hit the scene at $249. If you find the AirPods 4 with ANC on sale for $149, you’re looking at a $100 gap.
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Is the Pro worth a hundred bucks more? Honestly, it depends on your ears. The Pro 3 has much better noise cancellation—Apple claims up to 4x more—and it has heart rate sensing for your workouts. But some people just hate the feeling of ear tips. If you want the most comfortable, "barely there" feel, the AirPods 4 are the way to go, even if they don't block out a jet engine quite as well as the Pros do.
Hidden Costs You Might Not Consider
When you're budgeting for these, the price on the box isn't the final number.
AppleCare+ is basically a requirement if you’re prone to losing things or dropping them in puddles. It’s roughly $29 for two years (or about $1.49 a month). Given how tiny these things are and how expensive they are to repair out of warranty, it's usually worth the peace of mind.
Also, remember that Apple stopped putting cables in the box for the AirPods 4. If you don't already have a USB-C cable or a wireless charging pad, you’ll need to shell out another $15 to $20 for a decent one. It’s a small thing, but it’s annoying when you open the box and realize you can't charge them.
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Is the $50 upgrade for ANC worth it?
I get asked this a lot. If you ever fly, ride a bus, or work in a loud office, yes.
The open-ear ANC on the $179 model is surprisingly effective at killing low-frequency hums. It won't make a screaming baby disappear, but it makes a massive difference in how loud you have to crank your music. Plus, the Find My speaker in the ANC case is a lifesaver. Searching for a silent white case in a dark room is a special kind of hell that is easily avoided for fifty bucks.
Smart Ways to Save Money
If $179 still feels steep, there are ways to game the system.
- Refurbished Units: Check the "Excellent" condition refurbish sections at Best Buy or backmarket. You can often snag the ANC model for the price of the base model.
- Trade-ins: Apple and some retailers will give you credit for your old, crusty AirPods 2 or 3. It might only be $30 or $40, but it knocks the price down.
- Costco Bundles: Often, warehouse clubs will sell the AirPods 4 with AppleCare+ already included for a price that’s lower than buying them separately elsewhere.
Basically, the "true" price of AirPods 4 is whatever you're willing to hunt for. If you want them today and don't care about a sale, you're looking at $129 or $179. If you can wait a week and keep an eye on a price tracker, you'll probably save enough to cover a few months of Apple Music.
To get the most value, check the current price at major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy before heading to the Apple Store. If the price difference between the AirPods 4 ANC model and the AirPods Pro 2 or 3 is less than $40, consider the Pro for the superior noise isolation and fit. For the absolute lowest entry point, look for open-box "Excellent" condition units at big-box retailers, which often carry the same one-year warranty but at a 20% discount.