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I love Apple and great sound, so I was excited for the AirPods 4. They promised better sound, comfort, and new features. In this review, I’ll share what makes them special in the wireless earbuds world.
Apple keeps making AirPods better with each new version. The AirPods 4 look sleek and modern. They aim to give you the best sound and work well with Apple products. This review will help you decide if they’re right for you.
In this review, I’ll talk about the AirPods 4’s sound, comfort, and controls. I’ll also cover cool features like noise cancellation and voice assistant. By the end, you’ll know if the AirPods 4 are for you.
Key Takeaways
- AirPods 4 offer improved sound quality and comfort compared to previous models
- Active Noise Cancellation effectively isolates external noise for immersive listening
- New features like Personalized Spatial Audio and Conversation Awareness enhance the user experience
- Two models are available: $129 for the base model and $179 for the model with Active Noise Cancellation
- AirPods 4 provide excellent value for money, with advanced features at a competitive price point
Introduction to AirPods 4
Apple has introduced the AirPods 4, with new features and upgrades. As a fan of Apple’s audio products, I was excited to try them. The AirPods 4 are available in two models, for different needs and budgets.
The basic AirPods 4 cost $129 and offer better connectivity and design. For a better sound, the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation cost $179. Both have Apple’s H2 chip and Bluetooth 5.3 for great sound and easy connection.
The AirPods 4 look sleek and modern. They weigh 4.3 grams each, just like the AirPods 3. They fit well and are comfy, perfect for listening all day or while moving.
The AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation have cool features. Conversation Awareness lets you talk without taking out your earbuds. Adaptive Audio changes the sound based on where you are. They can block out up to 40% of low sounds in noisy places like airplanes.
Both AirPods 4 models have lots of features to make listening better. They offer personalized audio, quick pairing, and auto-switching between devices. You can also use Siri hands-free with gestures. The stems have sensors for easy control.
Design and Comfort
The AirPods 4 have a sleek look that’s both modern and elegant. They have shorter stems and a new bud shape. This makes them look better and feel more comfortable.
Apple worked hard to make the AirPods 4 fit many different ears. They used over 50 million data points to make sure they’re comfy for long listening times. Whether you’re listening to music or on a long call, they feel secure and comfy.
IP54 Sweat Resistance
The AirPods 4 are also great for people who are active. They’re rated IP54 for sweat resistance. This means you can wear them while working out or playing outside without worrying about damage.
Feature | AirPods 4 | AirPods 3 |
---|---|---|
Design | Shorter stems, sculpted bud shape | Longer stems, less sculpted buds |
Comfort | Improved fit for enhanced comfort | Good fit, but not as refined |
Sweat Resistance | IP54 rated | IPX4 rated |
The table shows how the AirPods 4 are better than the AirPods 3. Apple improved the design, fit, and sweat resistance. This makes the AirPods 4 a better choice for users.
AirPods 4 Review: Sound Quality and Performance
Apple’s AirPods 4 give you great sound, thanks to new tech. Let’s explore how they sound and perform.
Redesigned Acoustic Architecture for Richer Audio
The AirPods 4 have a new design for better sound. They focus on mid-range sounds, making vocals and guitars clear. The bass might not be as strong, but overall, the sound is balanced and rich.
These earbuds are great for listening to podcasts, audiobooks, and music with lots of vocals.
Active Noise Cancellation for Immersive Listening
The AirPods 4 come in two types. One has active noise cancellation (ANC) for $179, and the other is $129 without ANC. The ANC model blocks out noise well in loud places, making music feel more real.
But, it’s not as good as some other earbuds in very loud places. Apple says it’s about 50% less effective than the AirPods Pro 2.
Adaptive EQ for Personalized Sound
The AirPods 4 have Adaptive EQ. It changes the sound to fit your ears perfectly. They also support Spatial Audio for a wider soundstage.
Some might think Spatial Audio is just a trick. But, you can make it your own for a better experience.
Feature | AirPods 4 (ANC) | AirPods 4 (Base) |
---|---|---|
Price | $179 | $129 |
Active Noise Cancellation | Yes | No |
Battery Life (with ANC) | 4 hours | – |
Wireless Charging Case | Yes | No |
The AirPods 4 sound great and work well, with extra features for those who want more. Their new design, Adaptive EQ, and Spatial Audio make them a good choice for Apple fans.
Battery Life and Charging
The AirPods 4 have a great battery life. You can listen to music for hours. With one charge, you get up to 5 hours of listening time.
When it’s time to recharge, the case adds 30 hours. This means you can listen for a total of 35 hours.
If you have the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) model, you get 4 hours of listening with ANC on. The case adds 20 more hours. So, you can listen all day.

The AirPods 4 now have a USB-C charging port. This makes charging easier, like your MacBook or iPad. You can also use wireless charging mats for the ANC model.
Need a quick charge? Just 5 minutes in the case gives you 1 hour of listening. This is great for topping up your airpods 4 battery life fast.
Model | Battery Life (Single Charge) | Battery Life with Case | Charging Port | Wireless Charging | Quick Charge (5 min) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
AirPods 4 (Non-ANC) | 5 hours | 30 hours | USB-C | No | 1 hour |
AirPods 4 (ANC) | 4 hours | 20 hours | USB-C | Yes | 1 hour |
With the AirPods 4, I never have to worry about running out of battery. The long-lasting battery life and convenient charging options make them the perfect companion for my busy lifestyle.
Both the standard AirPods 4 and the ANC model have lots of battery life. They’re great for all-day listening. Plus, they have usb-c charging, wireless charging, and quick charge options. This makes them a big improvement in wireless earbuds.
Connectivity and Pairing
The AirPods 4 make listening wireless and easy. They pair and switch devices smoothly. This makes listening fun and hassle-free.
Seamless Integration with Apple Devices
The AirPods 4 work great with Apple devices. They connect easily with iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. This lets you listen to your favorite music without stops.
The charging case has a new touchpad. It makes pairing even easier and more fun.
Bluetooth 5.3 for Improved Wireless Range
The AirPods 4 use Bluetooth 5.3. This is better than the old Bluetooth 5.0. It means you can move around more without losing your connection.
Bluetooth 5.3 keeps your music playing smoothly. You won’t have to deal with dropouts or interruptions.
Feature | AirPods 4 |
---|---|
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.3 |
Codecs | AAC and SBC |
Fast Pairing | Apple devices only |
Multipoint | No |
The AirPods 4 sound great, even with their design. They use Bluetooth 5.3 and AAC for a stable connection. They don’t have the best Bluetooth codecs, but they still sound good.
The AirPods 4 also have a cool spatial audio feature. It makes you feel like you’re right in the action. Plus, they have better call quality thanks to noise cancellation.
Special Features
The AirPods 4 have cool features that make listening better. They offer personalized sound, awareness of conversations, and control with head gestures. These earbuds fit well into your life, giving you a great audio experience.
Personalized Spatial Audio for Immersive Sound
Get lost in sound with the AirPods 4’s spatial audio. It makes you feel like you’re in the action. Whether watching a movie or playing games, the sound is amazing.
Conversation Awareness for Seamless Interactions
The AirPods 4 know when you’re talking. They lower the sound so you can hear others. Then, they turn it back up so you can keep listening.

Head Gestures for Hands-Free Control
Control your music with head gestures. Just nod or shake to change tracks. It’s easy and fun, and you don’t need your hands.
Feature | AirPods 4 | AirPods 4 with ANC | AirPods Pro 2 |
---|---|---|---|
Personalized Spatial Audio | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Conversation Awareness | No | Yes | Yes |
Head Gestures | No | Yes | Yes |
Siri Integration | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The AirPods 4 work with Siri. You can ask Siri things with just your voice. It’s easy to get info and control things without your phone.
AirPods 4 vs. AirPods Pro 2: Which One to Choose?
Choosing between AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 depends on what you want. You might look at sound quality, battery life, noise cancellation, or price. Both have great features, but which one is right for you?
The AirPods Pro 2 came out on September 23, 2022. They block twice as much noise as AirPods 4. This is because of their design and ear tips, making them better at noise cancellation. They also last longer, up to 30 hours with the case.
The AirPods 4 will be released on September 20, 2024. They are more affordable and have an open-ear style. The basic model costs $129, and the ANC model is $179. They are comfortable for many users, even without ear tips.
AirPods 4 with ANC | AirPods Pro 2 | |
---|---|---|
Battery Life (Single Charge) | 4 hours with ANC on, 5 hours with ANC off | 6 hours |
Battery Life (With Charging Case) | 30 hours | 30 hours |
Weight (Per Earbud) | 4.3g | 5.3g |
Noise Cancellation | Good | Excellent (2x better than AirPods 4) |
Price | $179 / £179 / AU$299 | $249 / £249 / AU$399 |
Both models sound great. The AirPods Pro 2 have clear and powerful sound. The AirPods 4 focus on clarity and balance. They both have cool features like Spatial Audio and Transparency mode.
Choosing between AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 depends on what you want. If you want better noise cancellation, go for the AirPods Pro 2. But if you like a smaller design and saving money, the AirPods 4 with ANC are a good choice.
Pricing and Value
Apple’s latest AirPods 4 are a great deal. They come in two models. The non-ANC model costs $129, and the ANC version is $179. Both have Pro-level features at a lower price than the AirPods Pro 2.

The AirPods 4 with ANC have cool features like Find My support and a wireless charging case. They have less battery life than before but still play up to 30 hours with the case.
AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation
The AirPods 4 with ANC are perfect for those who love great sound. They cancel out noise, making vocals clear and music balanced. They also have a case speaker, wireless charging, and Bluetooth LE radio.
AirPods 4 without Active Noise Cancellation
The non-ANC AirPods 4 are great for those who want better sound without extra cost. They don’t block out as much noise but still sound clear and have good bass. They’re a smart buy.
Model | Price | Battery Life | Key Features |
---|---|---|---|
AirPods 4 with ANC | $179 | Up to 20 hours (with case) | Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Transparency, Wireless Charging |
AirPods 4 without ANC | $129 | Up to 30 hours (with case) | Voice Isolation, Improved Music Quality, Lightweight Design |
Choosing between the AirPods 4 with or without ANC depends on what you want and how much you’re willing to spend. Both are big upgrades and a good deal in the wireless earbuds market.
Comparison with Other Wireless Earbuds
The AirPods 4 face tough competition from Sony LinkBuds S and Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. These earbuds have cool features. But, the AirPods 4 are special because they work well with Apple devices and feel comfy.
Let’s compare the AirPods 4 with their rivals. We’ll look at price, battery life, and important features:
Earbuds | Price Range | Battery Life | Key Features |
---|---|---|---|
AirPods 4 (without ANC) | $120 – $150 | 5 hours | Seamless Apple ecosystem integration, IPX4 water resistance |
AirPods 4 (with ANC) | $170 – $200 | 4-5 hours | Active Noise Cancellation, wireless charging case |
Sony LinkBuds S | $198 | 6 hours | Adaptive Sound Control, IPX4 water resistance |
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro | $229.99 | 8 hours | 360 Audio with Head Tracking, IPX7 water resistance |
AirPods 4 vs. Sony LinkBuds S
The Sony LinkBuds S have a longer battery life of 6 hours. They also have adaptive sound control. But, the AirPods 4 work better with Apple devices.
AirPods 4 vs. Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro have an 8-hour battery life. They also have cool features like 360 Audio. But, the AirPods 4 are easier to use for Apple fans.
In the end, the Sony LinkBuds S and Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are strong rivals. But, the AirPods 4 are still a top pick for Apple users. They offer a great mix of features and comfort.
Conclusion
After testing the AirPods 4, I say they’re great for anyone wanting top-notch wireless earbuds. They work well with Apple devices. You can choose from two models: one for $129 and another with noise cancellation for $179.
The AirPods 4 look sleek and feel comfy. They sound amazing, thanks to Apple’s design work. They stay in your ears, even when you’re moving around.
The earbuds have a special feature: active noise cancellation. It cuts down common sounds by a third. They also have cool features like Personalized Spatial Audio and Head Gestures.
Battery life is impressive. You get up to five hours of playtime with noise cancellation. The case is smaller and can charge the earbuds five times. Apple also offers battery services for $49 per earbud or case.
In short, the AirPods 4 are a top pick for Apple users. They offer great sound, noise cancellation, and work well with Apple devices. They’re not the best for Android users, but they’re perfect for iPhone owners.
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