Shopping: Brenda’s new AirPods 4 w ANC are a disappointment
Posted By RichC on January 18, 2026
After gifting Brenda AirPods a year or so ago and seeing her enjoy them so much … buying a new pair was a no-brainer after she forgot to bring the old ones along on a trip. 
Since the newer ones were on sale at Costco for $148 (and elsewhere) after the holidays, we pick up a set of the AirPod 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (supposedly helpful on an airplane).
Unfortunately she is not happy with them as the fit is different. They are smaller and have a different shape than the other ones. Maybe in time she’ll find them “ok” … but even I didn’t like the fit compare to her previous AirPods either.
Also another disappointment was the ANC — very poor sound when it is on. I’m starting to wonder if this is a common complaint or if there might be a setting that can be adjusted?
Yes — many other users have voiced complaints or mixed impressions about the fit and the active noise cancellation (ANC) performance on the Apple AirPods 4 ANC and the standard AirPods 4 ANC model.
Here’s a balanced summary of what people are saying:
Fit Issues – Common complaints:
Some users find the open-fit design less secure than in-ear buds, especially during movement — they feel like they might slip out or require frequent small adjustments.
A number of owners report they don’t stay put well and end up returning them because they feel like they’re falling out.
The smooth plastic finish and lack of ear tips make them easier to slide out compared with silicone-tipped models.
Positive notes:
Others do find them comfortable and secure, especially if previous AirPods models fit well.
This aligns with the typical variation in ear shapes and personal comfort preferences.📌 ANC and Noise-Cancelling Performance
Complaints / mixed feedback:Several users report that ANC isn’t as strong as they expected — some say they can still hear a lot of background noise even with ANC enabled, especially compared to sealed in-ear ANC earbuds like Apple’s Pro models.
Some forum posts describe ANC acting inconsistently or even amplifying certain noises (like fabric rustling or wind sounds when in ANC).
There are threads where people feel the ANC seems to “pump in noise” or only works well on certain frequencies, which is frustrating given the premium price.
Positive experiences:
Many reviewers and users do find ANC noticeably effective for everyday environments like planes, trains, and busy coffee shops — especially impressive for an open-fit earbud that doesn’t seal the ear canal.
🧠 Why Opinions Vary
Fit naturally affects ANC: Because these don’t use silicone ear tips, passive sealing is minimal. That means ANC has to work harder and can feel less “complete” than buds with a physical seal.
Ear shape matters: Some people’s ear anatomy works well with open-fit designs; others don’t, and that impacts both comfort and how effectively noise cancellation performs.
In summary:
Yes — there are significant threads of criticism about both fit and ANC effectiveness on the AirPods 4 with ANC. Some users appreciate the comfort and moderate noise reduction, but others find the fit insecure and the ANC less capable or inconsistent compared with sealed, in-ear alternatives. Personal experience tends to vary widely, which is common with open-fit earbuds.
If you’re sensitive to fit or want the strongest ANC available, many reviewers and users recommend considering in-ear models (like AirPods Pro) as an alternative.
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