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Apple’s AirPods 4, released in late 2024, bring several exciting updates to their popular wireless earbuds lineup. The new features, including Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Personalized Spatial Audio, aim to improve the listening experience. However, with a growing range of Apple’s earbuds available, you may be wondering if the AirPods 4 are worth the investment. Let’s take a closer look at their design, features, sound quality, and whether they justify the upgrade.
The AirPods 4 maintain the classic Apple earbud look but come with a few enhancements. The buds are lighter, with each one weighing just 4.3 grams, making them incredibly comfortable for long-term wear. The shorter stem design adds to the sleek feel, and the smaller, more compact charging case makes them more portable than ever. At only 1.9 inches, this is one of the smallest cases on the market
In terms of fit, the open-ear design continues to be a staple of non-Pro AirPods, which may appeal to users who dislike the sealed, in-ear feel of earbuds with silicone tips. The open design also means more ambient sound leaks in, making them less isolating, but they are more comfortable for long listening sessions
One of the most significant new features is the introduction of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), though it is optional. The ANC technology in the AirPods 4 is not as strong as that in the AirPods Pro but still performs well by blocking out lower-frequency noises such as background hums or traffic noise. However, it struggles with higher-pitched or sudden sounds
Apple’s H2 chip powers the AirPods 4, enabling seamless integration with iPhones and allowing for hands-free Siri commands. A unique feature, now available through iOS 18, allows users to interact with Siri using head gestures. You can nod to accept calls or shake your head to dismiss them, which is a handy option when you’re unable to use your hands
The touch controls are similar to previous models, with a force sensor on the stem allowing you to play/pause music, skip tracks, or answer calls with taps. One notable drawback is the lack of touch volume control, a feature available on the AirPods Pro, meaning you’ll need to use your phone or ask Siri to adjust the volume
In terms of audio performance, the AirPods 4 deliver a clean, balanced sound. The highs and mids are particularly clear, making them excellent for podcasts, vocal tracks, and casual music listening. However, the bass doesn’t pack the punch that bass-heavy listeners might prefer. This is largely due to the open-air design, which naturally allows more ambient noise in and reduces the overall bass presence
With ANC activated, the sound quality improves, as external distractions are minimized, leading to a more immersive experience. Though the ANC is not as powerful as the AirPods Pro’s, it’s still effective in reducing background noise in everyday environments like commuting or working in public spaces
For phone calls, the AirPods 4 continue to excel. Apple has introduced Voice Isolation, which enhances microphone clarity, making it easier to be heard on calls even in noisy environments. This is a crucial feature for those who rely on their AirPods for work calls or video conferencing
Apple has made some solid improvements in the battery department as well. Without ANC, the AirPods 4 can last up to 5 hours on a single charge, and with ANC activated, they still manage 4 hours of listening time. The charging case boosts this to 30 hours without ANC and 20 hours with ANC, meaning you can comfortably use them throughout the day without needing to worry about constant charging
The inclusion of USB-C charging is another major upgrade, aligning the AirPods 4 with Apple’s latest charging standard for other devices like the iPhone and MacBook. For users of the ANC model, the charging case supports wireless charging, and it now comes with a built-in speaker that plays sounds to help you locate it via Apple’s Find My app
The AirPods 4 bring substantial improvements over their predecessors, particularly with the addition of ANC and the H2 chip’s enhanced functionalities like head gestures and Personalized Spatial Audio. These features, combined with the lighter design, better battery life, and seamless Apple ecosystem integration, make the AirPods 4 a compelling choice for most users
That said, if you’re an audiophile looking for deep bass or need the most advanced noise cancellation, the AirPods Pro may still be the better option. However, for everyday use, especially for those who value comfort, convenience, and voice quality, the AirPods 4 are an excellent addition to Apple’s lineup and a worthwhile upgrade for anyone in the market for a new set of wireless earbuds.
English (US) ·