AirPods 4 go on sale for the first time

It’s shaping up to be a good week for Apple fans. First, the new black Apple Watch Ultra 2 got a $50 discount, and now both versions of the new AirPods 4 are on sale for the first time. AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation are $169 ($10 off) on Amazon, while the standard price AirPods 4 are on sale at Amazon for $119 (that’s $10 off). It’s not a huge discount, but if you’re an early adopter, it beats the prices you’d pay at Best Buy, Apple, and other retailers.

No matter which model you choose, the AirPods 4 represent a substantial upgrade over their predecessor. Both pairs of earbuds sound better than the second-generation AirPods, with more bass than the third-generation AirPods. They also feature the Voice Isolation feature found in the latest AirPods Pro, which uses a series of machine-learning algorithms to isolate your voice in noisy environments, resulting in clearer voice calls.

The main difference between the two is that the more expensive AirPods include active noise cancellation and a transparency mode. Granted, they’re not going to completely eliminate noise like the Pro models do, but they still do a good job of reducing sound. They also inherit a few other Pro features, including wireless charging and a case with a built-in speaker that can play sound for easy tracking via Apple’s Find My app.

Sure, the AirPods Pro ultimately sound better and offer a few extra features, like easier-to-use volume controls and (soon) the ability to double as hearing aids. But if you don’t mind making a few compromises, Apple’s new entry-level earbuds are a cheaper option that still integrate well with other Apple devices and services.