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Apple has once again raised the bar with its latest release, the AirPods 4. Designed for those seeking an improved listening experience, the AirPods 4 now come in two versions—one with active noise cancellation (ANC) and one without. Though the exterior looks quite similar to the AirPods 3, the internal upgrades and added features make them stand out in a competitive market. This review will cover the key features, pros, and cons, helping you decide if the AirPods 4 are worth the investment.
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Sleek Design with Minor Tweaks
At first glance, you won’t notice many changes in the design of the AirPods 4 compared to their predecessor. They retain the iconic white, minimalist look, but Apple has made subtle adjustments to enhance the fit. For instance, the charging case has shrunk and now features a USB-C connector, aligning with the brand’s transition away from proprietary ports. Despite the upgrades, the overall aesthetic remains clean and familiar—exactly what long-time users expect from Apple.
New Versions and Pricing
For the first time, Apple is offering two versions of the regular AirPods: a base model priced at $129 and a premium version with ANC, costing $179. Both models share the same sound quality, powered by the H2 chip, which enhances audio performance and voice call clarity. Additionally, both models boast IP54 dust and water resistance, making them suitable for outdoor activities. However, the $50 price difference comes with a few notable features exclusive to the ANC model, such as wireless charging and a built-in speaker on the charging case for Find My app compatibility.
Active Noise Cancellation: What to Expect
The key selling point of the premium AirPods 4 model is its ANC feature. But how effective can noise cancellation be on open-design earbuds? The AirPods 4 don't have silicone tips to create a seal, unlike traditional noise-canceling earbuds like the AirPods Pro. Instead, they rely solely on the microphones that analyze your environment and generate anti-noise. This feature works well in specific scenarios, particularly in reducing lower-frequency sounds such as city traffic, airplane noise, or the rumble of office air conditioners.
While it’s not as effective as the AirPods Pro at creating a “quiet bubble,” the ANC in the AirPods 4 does enough to let you lower the volume on your music and still block out a good portion of ambient noise. This can be especially beneficial for your hearing health, as you won't need to crank up the volume to combat loud environments.
Improved Sound Quality
Both versions of the AirPods 4 deliver upgraded sound quality compared to earlier models. The bass feels more pronounced, giving music a richer texture, and the instrument separation is noticeably better. Whether you’re listening to pop tracks like Bleachers’ "Tiny Moves" or more intricate compositions, the clarity in the upper range is an improvement over previous AirPods models. While they don't surpass the AirPods Pro in overall sound fidelity, the AirPods 4 offer excellent performance for the price.
No Volume Controls on the Buds
One of the most noticeable drawbacks of the AirPods 4 is the absence of on-ear volume controls, a feature available in the AirPods Pro. This means you'll need to reach for your device or use Siri to adjust the volume. It's a minor inconvenience, but for some users, the lack of touch-sensitive volume gestures could be a dealbreaker, especially in noisy settings where adjusting volume quickly is essential.
Transparency Mode and Adaptive Audio
In addition to ANC, the higher-end AirPods 4 come equipped with Transparency Mode and Apple’s Adaptive Audio feature. Transparency Mode allows important ambient sounds, such as sirens or conversations, to filter through while you're listening to music. The Adaptive Audio feature blends both ANC and Transparency Mode to adjust the levels based on your surroundings. While this feature works exceptionally well on the AirPods Pro, its utility is somewhat limited on the AirPods 4, given the open design that already lets in plenty of ambient sound.
Conversation Awareness: A Handy Feature
Another standout feature in the premium version is Conversation Awareness, which automatically lowers the volume when you start speaking. This feature is convenient in situations where you need to have a quick chat without removing your earbuds. However, if you're someone who tends to mutter to yourself, this feature can be accidentally triggered, which may get annoying over time.
Comfort and Fit: An Improvement
One area where the AirPods 4 excel is in comfort. Apple has slightly tweaked the design to ensure a more secure fit. While they still won’t suit everyone perfectly, especially during high-intensity activities, they stay in place relatively well for most everyday uses. Compared to the AirPods Pro, which can be quickly shoved into place, the AirPods 4 require a bit more attention to fit securely. However, once in, they are comfortable for extended listening sessions.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life on the AirPods 4 remains consistent with previous models, offering about five hours of listening time on a single charge. The ANC model can go slightly longer with ANC turned off, but the difference is negligible. Both versions come with a charging case that provides multiple additional charges, extending battery life to over 24 hours.
One disappointing factor is that wireless charging is only available on the premium version. The base model requires a wired connection, which might be a drawback for users looking for the convenience of wireless charging. The charging case for the ANC model also includes a small built-in speaker that works with the Find My app, making it easier to locate your earbuds if they go missing.
Final Thoughts: Are the AirPods 4 Worth It?
The AirPods 4 are a solid step forward for Apple’s regular earbud lineup, offering improved sound, a better fit, and the option for ANC. While they don’t match the noise cancellation capabilities of the AirPods Pro, they come surprisingly close for open-design earbuds. If you prioritize comfort, integration with the Apple ecosystem, and can make do without full noise isolation, the AirPods 4 with ANC are worth the $179 price tag. However, for those who can live without ANC and wireless charging, the base model at $129 is still an excellent option.
Both models perform well in everyday use, but the decision to opt for the premium version ultimately depends on how important features like ANC, wireless charging, and noise isolation are to you.
Apple AirPods 4 Review: Defying Expectations
The AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation are worth considering over the regular model. Both versions sound great, but the ANC works impressively well in most scenarios.
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