The AirPods 4 With (and Without) ANC Are Under $100 Right Now

Apple’s latest wireless earbuds, the AirPods 4—both the version with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and the standard model without—are hitting record-low prices under $100 at major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy.[1][2][3][4] This holiday steal slashes the ANC model’s $179 list price by up to 45% to $99, while the base AirPods 4 drop from $129 to as low as $79.99 or $84.99.[1][2][4]

These deals are reshaping how budget shoppers access Apple’s premium audio ecosystem, especially as wireless earbud sales surge 40% in December according to NPD Group analysts.[1] Whether you’re gifting for the holidays or upgrading your daily driver, here’s why these sub-$100 prices on AirPods 4 make them a no-brainer right now.

Unbeatable Pricing Breakdown

The AirPods 4 with ANC are the star of the show at $99—a record low that’s $80 off the original price. Amazon and Walmart lead the charge, with some listings even bundling two years of AppleCare+ for $119, still shipping in time for Christmas.[1][3] This isn’t a fleeting flash sale; it’s holding steady after a brief price hiccup, making it one of the best AirPods discounts in recent memory.[3]

For those skipping ANC, the standard AirPods 4 are even cheaper at $79.99 (Best Buy and Amazon) or $84.99 (34% off), down from $129.[2][4] These open-ear buds deliver core Apple features without the noise-canceling premium, perfect for casual listeners.

These prices beat typical sales and put pressure on rivals like Samsung’s Galaxy Buds FE (also ~$99 but lacking Apple’s seamless iOS integration).[1] Act fast—stock and shipping for holiday delivery are slipping on some listings.[3]

Key Features That Punch Above Their Price

What elevates the AirPods 4 beyond bargain-bin buds? Both models share a redesigned form factor for all-day comfort: refined contours, shorter stems, and quick-press controls for music or calls.[3] They boast IP54 water and sweat resistance, ideal for workouts or commutes, plus Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking for immersive listening.[4]

The ANC version amps it up with the H2 chip (same as AirPods Pro), delivering effective noise cancellation in an open-ear design—surprisingly strong for blocking low rumbles, per The Verge review.[1] Add Transparency Mode to hear your surroundings, Adaptive Audio that auto-adjusts based on environment, and fun nods like head-gesture call answering.[1][3][4]

Battery life? Up to five hours per charge on the base model, with the ANC pair maintaining solid performance despite extra features.[4] The case supports wireless charging and has a built-in speaker for Find My location pings—handy for scatterbrains.[1]

Standard AirPods 4 match the comfort and resistance but skip ANC for a lighter, cheaper ride. Reviewers like Good Housekeeping’s Olivia Lipski call them Apple’s best open-fit option, with sound quality rivaling pricier siblings.[6]

Why This Deal Matters in Apple’s Strategy

Apple’s commanding 32% of the global true wireless stereo market (Counterpoint Research), but competition from Samsung, Sony, Bose, and Chinese brands is fierce.[1] Dropping AirPods 4 under $100 signals a shift: prioritizing volume over margins to hook users into the ecosystem, where seamless pairing, Siri integration, and future upgrades keep them loyal.[1]

Compared to flagships like AirPods Pro 3 ($199–$220, with superior ANC and heart-rate tracking), these are the accessible entry point.[4][6] No ear tips needed—open design suits those who hate in-ear seals.

Who Should Buy—and Who Should Skip?

Grab the ANC model if: You commute in noisy cities, want Pro-like smarts on a budget, or gift an iPhone user. At $99, it’s a steal for H2-powered features.[1][3]

Opt for standard AirPods 4 if: You’re Android-agnostic but prefer basics—spatial audio and stability for $80 is unbeatable.[2][4]

Skip if you need top-tier ANC (go Pro 2/3) or over-ears (AirPods Max). Battery might not thrill heavy users, and open-ear means less isolation than sealed buds.[1][4]

Final Call: Lock It In Before It’s Gone

With holidays looming, these sub-$100 AirPods 4 deals blend premium Apple tech with impulse-buy pricing. The ANC pair at $99 redefines value, while the base model at under $85 is pure gravy. Check Amazon, Walmart, or Best Buy now—quantities are moving, and post-holiday hikes loom.[1][2][3] Your ears (and wallet) will thank you.

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Original source: Lifehacker – The AirPods 4 With (and Without) ANC Are Under $100 Right Now