Apple AirPods 4: Wireless Earbuds for Exceptional Audio

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Apple’s AirPods4 Wireless Earbuds are here, offering a significant upgrade in audio technology and user experience. The AirPods4 comes in two versions: the standard model priced at $129 and the version with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) priced at $179. These earbuds replace both the AirPods2 and AirPods3 in Apple’s headphone lineup, marking a significant step forward in wireless audio.

The AirPods4 represent Apple’s latest innovation in audio technology, offering impressive sound quality in a redesigned, more comfortable form factor. Throughout this review, I’ll share my personal experience using these earbuds in various real-world situations, from commuting to working out, and examine how they compare to previous generations and competing models.

By exploring both the standard and ANC models, this review aims to help you decide which version is right for your needs. Whether you’re looking for exceptional sound quality, advanced noise cancellation, or seamless integration with your Apple devices, the AirPods4 are designed to deliver an enhanced listening experience.

With the AirPods4, Apple continues to push the boundaries of wireless audio, offering users a more refined and immersive experience. The earbuds’ redesigned case and improved sound technology make them a compelling choice for both new and loyal customers.

Since their debut in 2016, Apple AirPods have revolutionized the wireless audio landscape. The original AirPods brought a new level of convenience and wireless audio quality, setting a new standard in the industry.

The first AirPods were a groundbreaking product, but each subsequent generation has brought significant improvements in sound quality, battery life, and features. The AirPods4 represent a major leap forward, particularly with the introduction of active noise cancellation to the standard open-ear design for the first time. This feature was previously exclusive to the in-ear AirPods Pro models.

The evolution of AirPods has been marked by enhancements in design, functionality, and performance. With each new generation, Apple has addressed user concerns and incorporated new technologies to improve the overall user experience.

The AirPods4 lineup includes two models: the standard AirPods4 ($129) and the AirPods4 with Active Noise Cancellation ($179). The key difference between these models is the presence of active noise cancellation in the latter, which provides a more immersive listening experience. The new H2 chip and improved sound architecture also contribute to the enhanced audio quality.

With the AirPods 4, Apple has refined its design to achieve a perfect blend of aesthetics and functionality. The new design improvements are evident across various aspects, from the compact charging case to the earbuds themselves.

The AirPods 4 charging case is a masterclass in compact design, fitting effortlessly into even the tightest pockets. I’m genuinely impressed by how noticeably smaller it is compared to previous generations. The refined design ensures that the earbuds nestle inside snugly, making it a portable perfection for on-the-go users.

• The compact case is designed to fit into tight spaces, making it highly portable.
• The earbuds are immaculately shaped and fit snugly inside the case.

In my testing, the AirPods 4 provided a more secure fit than their predecessors, though comfort levels can vary depending on individual ear shapes. The stems are slightly shorter, and the overall profile is more streamlined, contributing to a refined design that balances aesthetics with functionality.

• The earbuds feature a refined design for a comfortable fit.
• The shorter stems enhance the overall wearing experience.

The AirPods 4 boast an IP54 rating, offering decent protection against dust and modest water protection. They can withstand water spraying from any direction, making them suitable for workouts and light rain. However, they shouldn’t be submerged in water or rinsed under a faucet.

• The IP54 rating provides meaningful protection against dust and water splashes.
• The earbuds are suitable for use during workouts and in light rain.

Apple’s latest wireless earbuds, the AirPods 4, bring numerous upgrades and new features that enhance the listening experience. These earbuds are designed to provide exceptional audio quality, improved connectivity, and intuitive controls.

The AirPods 4 comes in two models: the standard version and the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) model. The ANC model offers advanced noise cancellation technology, making it ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in their music or podcasts without distractions. In contrast, the standard model provides a more affordable option without compromising on sound quality. One customer praised the ANC model, saying, “The noise cancellation is incredibly effective; I can focus on my work without any background noise.”

The AirPods 4 is equipped with Apple’s H2 chip, which represents the company’s most advanced audio processing technology. This chip enables improved sound quality, more effective noise cancellation, and better battery efficiency. The H2 chip also enhances connectivity, providing a stable and seamless connection to your Apple devices. As a result, users can enjoy spatial audio and transparency mode, further enriching their listening experience.

The touch controls on the AirPods 4 stems are intuitive and responsive, allowing users to manage playback, calls, and Siri without reaching for their phone. The stems use presses and holds for basic operations, making it easy to navigate through tracks and manage calls. Additionally, the AirPods 4 supports hands-free Siri control, enabling users to respond to Siri’s questions with simple head gestures – a nod for “yes” or a shake for “no.” A satisfied customer noted, “The touch controls are so much more reliable than my previous earbuds – no more accidental pauses when adjusting the fit!”

The integration with Siri is particularly impressive, offering a truly hands-free experience. Over time, Siri can learn your specific nod and shake patterns, adjusting to your preferences for a more personalized interaction.

The AirPods 4 offer an impressive listening experience, balancing sound quality and comfort. This balance is crucial for users who value both audio fidelity and the convenience of wireless earbuds.

The AirPods 4 boast an advanced audio architecture that emphasizes mid-range frequencies, making them particularly well-suited for listening to vocals and guitars. For instance, the clarity and depth brought to guitar parts and vocal tracks are noteworthy. However, the emphasis on mid-range frequencies comes at the cost of some bass response, which, while extended, lacks impact and tends to fade into the background when mid-range frequencies kick in.

Additionally, the high-end frequencies sometimes exhibit sibilance, particularly with cymbals, high notes on pianos, and trumpets, which can be unpleasant. Despite these limitations, the overall sound quality is impressive for open-ear earbuds, especially considering the form factor and price point.

The AirPods 4 feature spatial audio, creating an immersive, three-dimensional soundstage that enhances the listening experience for movies and specially mixed music. The inclusion of head tracking adjusts the sound as the user moves, further enhancing the sense of immersion.

• The spatial audio feature is a significant enhancement for entertainment.
• Head tracking adds to the realism of the audio experience.

Call quality on the AirPods 4 is excellent, thanks to the beamforming microphones and voice isolation technology. Multiple test callers have reported that voices come through clearly, even in noisy environments, highlighting the effectiveness of the microphone performance.

The noise reduction capabilities contribute significantly to the overall call quality, making the AirPods 4 a reliable choice for hands-free calls.

With the AirPods 4, Apple continues to innovate in noise cancellation technology, offering both Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode. These features significantly enhance the listening experience by allowing users to control their auditory environment.

The AirPods 4’s Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology is particularly noteworthy given its open-ear design, which lacks the noise-isolating silicone ear tips found in some other models like the AirPods Pro. ANC works by utilizing microphones to detect external noise and then generating ‘anti-noise’ signals to cancel it out. This technology is most effective against consistent background noise, such as the hum of an engine or ambient chatter, rather than sudden, sharp sounds. For instance, the AirPods 4 handles the consistent loud noise of an incoming subway train better than the crosstalk in a busy office. When listening to music or an audiobook, the ANC feature becomes particularly impressive, allowing users to reduce their listening volume by about 33% compared to when ANC is off.

In addition to ANC, the AirPods 4 also features a Transparency Mode that allows users to hear their surroundings naturally without needing to remove the earbuds. This mode is particularly useful for quick conversations or staying aware of one’s environment in public spaces. Furthermore, the Adaptive Audio Mode intelligently switches between ANC and Transparency based on the user’s environment, though it may occasionally take a moment to adjust when moving between drastically different noise levels. Key benefits of these features include:

• Enhanced listening experience with effective noise cancellation
• Improved awareness of surroundings with Transparency Mode
• Adaptive technology that adjusts to different environments

By incorporating these advanced noise management features, the AirPods 4 offers users a more versatile and immersive listening experience.

When it comes to battery life, the AirPods 4 truly shine with their ability to last up to 5 hours on a single charge. This makes them an excellent choice for long commutes, workouts, or extended listening sessions.

In my real-world testing, the standard AirPods 4 consistently delivered around 5 hours of listening time per charge. The ANC model managed about 4 hours with noise cancellation enabled, which is still impressive considering the additional power required for active noise cancellation. It’s worth noting that the actual battery life may vary depending on usage patterns and volume levels.

I was pleased to find that the quick-charge feature provided about an hour of listening time from just 5 minutes in the case. This feature is particularly useful for those moments when you’re about to leave home and discover your AirPods are running low on battery.

The charging case for the AirPods 4 is a powerhouse, providing approximately 5 additional full charges. This gives you a total of 25-30 hours of listening time before needing to plug in the case itself. The case also features wireless charging compatibility with both Qi chargers and Apple Watch chargers, adding convenience, albeit at a higher price point for the ANC model.

The Find My integration in the ANC model’s case is genuinely useful, allowing you to ping the case with a sound to locate it when misplaced. I’ve already used this feature multiple times, and it’s proven to be a lifesaver on more than one occasion.

One of the standout features of the Apple AirPods4 is its seamless integration with other Apple devices, enhancing the overall user experience. As someone who uses multiple Apple products, I appreciate how the AirPods4 syncs effortlessly with my iPhone, iPad, and Mac, providing a cohesive listening experience.

The AirPods4 offers instant pairing and automatic switching between Apple devices. For instance, I can be listening to music on my iPhone and then start working on my MacBook without needing to manually switch the audio output – the AirPods4 intelligently connects to the device I’m actively using.

• Effortless switching between iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch
• Reliable connection that adapts to your active device

The AirPods4 benefits from software features accessible through iOS, including customization options such as renaming your AirPods, customizing the press-and-hold function, and enabling/disabling automatic ear detection. These features enhance the overall user experience, making it more personalized and intuitive.

Users can also personalize their AirPods4 experience through various settings available in iOS. For example, you can adjust the sound quality to your liking and enable features like spatial audio for a more immersive listening experience. The ability to customize these settings adds to the overall satisfaction of using the AirPods4 within the Apple ecosystem.

The Apple AirPods4 lineup offers significant upgrades, but how do they stack up against the AirPods Pro2 and previous generations? To make an informed decision, it’s crucial to compare these models across various aspects.

The AirPods Pro2 are renowned for their superior audio performance, largely due to their in-ear design with silicone tips that seal off the ear canal. This design provides better audio balance and bass response. However, the AirPods4 models, both standard and with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), deliver impressive audio quality, continuing to improve upon the already excellent open-earbud audio performance.

A key difference lies in the noise cancellation capabilities. The AirPods Pro2 offer advanced noise cancellation, but the AirPods4 with ANC provide a compelling alternative without the need for ear tips. This makes them an attractive option for those who find in-ear designs uncomfortable.

Compared to previous AirPods generations, the AirPods4 offer meaningful improvements in sound quality, fit, battery life, and features. Even owners of the AirPods3 will find the AirPods4 to be a worthwhile upgrade. The AirPods4 with ANC strike an impressive balance between the standard AirPods4 and the premium AirPods Pro2, offering many advanced features at a more accessible price point.

Key Highlights:

• AirPods4 models offer improved sound quality and fit.
• AirPods4 with ANC provides a balance between price and advanced features.
• AirPods Pro2 remain the top choice for superior audio performance.

Having put the Apple AirPods4 through extensive testing, I can confidently say they’re an excellent value, particularly the ANC model, which offers premium features at a mid-tier price point.

The AirPods4 excel in various aspects, including sound quality and battery life. The active noise cancellation feature is impressive, making commutes more enjoyable. The compact case design adds to their convenience, fitting easily into pockets or bags.

For Apple ecosystem users who prefer an open-ear design, the AirPods4 are the best option, combining impressive sound quality with seamless device integration. The standard model at $129 is perfect for budget-conscious buyers, while the ANC model at $179 offers a compelling middle ground between basic earbuds and premium AirPods Pro2.

Ready to experience the exceptional audio quality and convenience of the Apple AirPods4? Check out the current pricing and availability on Amazon and join the millions of satisfied AirPods users worldwide.