Apple AirPods 4 Alternatives
The Apple AirPods 4 is one of our top earbuds picks of 2026 ($148.99 · 4.5/5), but it is not the right buy for everyone. Below are the closest comparables in the same category, ranked by how strong a case they make against the Apple AirPods 4 for typical buyers.
Apple EarPods
At $14.88 the Apple EarPods costs $134.11 less than the Apple AirPods 4 while still scoring 4.6/5 in our research synthesis. Worth a serious look if you do not need every premium feature on the Apple AirPods 4.
Soundcore by Anker Liberty 4 NC
At $63.99 the Soundcore by Anker Liberty 4 NC costs $85 less than the Apple AirPods 4 while still scoring 4.4/5 in our research synthesis. Worth a serious look if you do not need every premium feature on the Apple AirPods 4.
JLab Go Air Pop+
At $24.99 the JLab Go Air Pop+ costs $124.00 less than the Apple AirPods 4 while still scoring 4.4/5 in our research synthesis. Worth a serious look if you do not need every premium feature on the Apple AirPods 4.
Anker Soundcore Liberty 5
At $99.99 the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 costs $49.00 less than the Apple AirPods 4 while still scoring 4.4/5 in our research synthesis. Worth a serious look if you do not need every premium feature on the Apple AirPods 4.
EarFun Air Pro 4
At $62.99 the EarFun Air Pro 4 costs $86 less than the Apple AirPods 4 while still scoring 4.4/5 in our research synthesis. Worth a serious look if you do not need every premium feature on the Apple AirPods 4.
EarFun Air Pro 4+
At $79.99 the EarFun Air Pro 4+ costs $69.00 less than the Apple AirPods 4 while still scoring 4.4/5 in our research synthesis. Worth a serious look if you do not need every premium feature on the Apple AirPods 4.
Beats Studio Buds +
At $99.95 the Beats Studio Buds + costs $49.04 less than the Apple AirPods 4 while still scoring 4.3/5 in our research synthesis. Worth a serious look if you do not need every premium feature on the Apple AirPods 4.
Anker Soundcore P30i
At $24.99 the Anker Soundcore P30i costs $124.00 less than the Apple AirPods 4 while still scoring 4.3/5 in our research synthesis. Worth a serious look if you do not need every premium feature on the Apple AirPods 4.
TOZO A1
At $16.99 the TOZO A1 costs $132 less than the Apple AirPods 4 while still scoring 4.3/5 in our research synthesis. Worth a serious look if you do not need every premium feature on the Apple AirPods 4.
CMF Buds Pro 2
At $37.05 the CMF Buds Pro 2 costs $111.94 less than the Apple AirPods 4 while still scoring 4.3/5 in our research synthesis. Worth a serious look if you do not need every premium feature on the Apple AirPods 4.
Nothing Ear (a)
At $53.20 the Nothing Ear (a) costs $95.79 less than the Apple AirPods 4 while still scoring 4.3/5 in our research synthesis. Worth a serious look if you do not need every premium feature on the Apple AirPods 4.
Beats Solo Buds
At $69.95 the Beats Solo Buds costs $79.04 less than the Apple AirPods 4 while still scoring 4.2/5 in our research synthesis. Worth a serious look if you do not need every premium feature on the Apple AirPods 4.
Apple AirPods Pro 3
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 sits $100.01 above the Apple AirPods 4 at $249 and earns a 4.7/5 rating. Justifiable only if its specific strengths line up with your use case.
Apple AirPods Pro 2
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 sits $114.87 above the Apple AirPods 4 at $263.86 and earns a 4.7/5 rating. Justifiable only if its specific strengths line up with your use case.
Sony WF-1000XM6
The Sony WF-1000XM6 sits $201 above the Apple AirPods 4 at $349.99 and earns a 4.6/5 rating. Justifiable only if its specific strengths line up with your use case.
Apple AirPods 4 with ANC
Priced within a few dollars of the Apple AirPods 4 at $148.99 with a 4.5/5 rating, the Apple AirPods 4 with ANC is the closest direct comparable in the category.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro sits $101 above the Apple AirPods 4 at $249.99 and earns a 4.5/5 rating. Justifiable only if its specific strengths line up with your use case.
Sony WF-1000XM4
The Sony WF-1000XM4 sits $29.01 above the Apple AirPods 4 at $178 and earns a 4.5/5 rating. Justifiable only if its specific strengths line up with your use case.
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 sits $75.98 above the Apple AirPods 4 at $224.97 and earns a 4.4/5 rating. Justifiable only if its specific strengths line up with your use case.
Soundcore Anker Liberty 5 Pro Max
The Soundcore Anker Liberty 5 Pro Max sits $81 above the Apple AirPods 4 at $229.99 and earns a 4.4/5 rating. Justifiable only if its specific strengths line up with your use case.
Sony WF-1000XM5
The Sony WF-1000XM5 sits $99.01 above the Apple AirPods 4 at $248 and earns a 4.3/5 rating. Justifiable only if its specific strengths line up with your use case.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds sits $100.01 above the Apple AirPods 4 at $249 and earns a 4.3/5 rating. Justifiable only if its specific strengths line up with your use case.
Status Pro X
The Status Pro X sits $100.01 above the Apple AirPods 4 at $249 and earns a 4.3/5 rating. Justifiable only if its specific strengths line up with your use case.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro sits $88.01 above the Apple AirPods 4 at $237 and earns a 4.2/5 rating. Justifiable only if its specific strengths line up with your use case.
Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 sits $116 above the Apple AirPods 4 at $264.99 and earns a 4.2/5 rating. Justifiable only if its specific strengths line up with your use case.
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds sits $50.01 above the Apple AirPods 4 at $199 and earns a 4.2/5 rating. Justifiable only if its specific strengths line up with your use case.
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