Apple’s latest addition to its iconic AirPods lineup, the AirPods 4, brings a mix of new features, refined design, and enhanced usability.
While it doesn’t aim to dethrone the more premium AirPods Pro 2 in terms of advanced capabilities, the AirPods 4 manages to carve out a niche for itself by offering a combination of practicality and portability.
For users entrenched in the Apple ecosystem, these earbuds strike a balance between affordability and function, making them a compelling option for casual listeners and on-the-go professionals alike.
Sleek, Minimalistic Design with an Open-Ear Fit
The design of the AirPods 4 reflects Apple’s continued commitment to blending style with functionality. With shorter stems and a slightly more rounded form compared to its predecessor, the AirPods 4 offer a snug yet unobtrusive fit for most users.
The open-ear design, a hallmark of Apple’s standard AirPods models, eliminates the need for silicone ear tips. This appeals to users who find in-ear tips uncomfortable, though it may not suit those seeking a more secure fit or superior passive noise isolation.
Apple’s design team has also emphasized portability, crafting a charging case that’s remarkably compact. About the size of a dental floss container, the case fits effortlessly into the tightest of pockets or smallest purses.
This focus on minimizing bulk is a significant draw for users who value convenience and mobility in their audio gear.
Balanced Sound with Room for Improvement
The sound profile of the AirPods 4 strikes a balance that caters well to casual listeners. Vocals and mid-range frequencies shine, making them ideal for podcasts, audiobooks, and acoustic tracks.
Personalized Spatial Audio, one of Apple’s standout features, elevates the listening experience by creating a more immersive soundstage.
This functionality works particularly well when paired with Apple Music, offering dynamic soundscapes that feel both engaging and expansive.
However, the AirPods 4 fall short when it comes to bass depth and high-frequency clarity. Genres like electronic dance music or hip-hop, which rely heavily on punchy low-end performance, may feel underwhelming.
Similarly, treble frequencies can occasionally become sharp, detracting from the overall listening comfort during extended sessions. While the sound quality is acceptable for the average user, audiophiles might find themselves reaching for higher-end alternatives.
Active Noise Cancellation
The AirPods 4 introduce Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) in their higher-end variant, a first for Apple’s standard AirPods lineup. This feature aims to reduce ambient noise, making it easier to focus on your music or calls in busy environments.
While the ANC is effective at muffling consistent background sounds like office chatter or distant traffic, it struggles with more intrusive noises such as nearby construction or loud conversations.
It’s important to note that the open-ear design inherently limits the effectiveness of ANC. Without the passive noise isolation provided by in-ear tips, achieving a fully immersive noise-canceling experience becomes challenging.
Still, for everyday use in moderately noisy settings, the AirPods 4’s ANC performs admirably.
Seamless Integration with the Apple Ecosystem
Apple’s strength has always been its ecosystem, and the AirPods 4 are no exception. Pairing is virtually instantaneous, with a simple pop-up on your iPhone screen as soon as you flip open the case.
Once connected, features like automatic device switching, Personalized Volume, and voice isolation for calls make these earbuds a breeze to use.
The new touch controls on the AirPods 4 allow for basic playback management, but they require deliberate gestures to register correctly.
Users can pause or play music, skip tracks, and adjust volume by stroking the stems, though the latter can be finicky. For Apple enthusiasts accustomed to intuitive interfaces, these minor quirks may require some adjustment.
Battery Life and Charging Updates
Battery performance is a key highlight of the AirPods 4. With up to six hours of listening time on a single charge and a total of 30 hours with the charging case, these earbuds easily handle a full day of use.
This places them on par with competitors in their price range while offering the added convenience of rapid charging.
The transition to USB-C charging aligns with Apple’s broader move toward universal connectivity standards.
However, the decision to exclude MagSafe compatibility in favor of the compact case design may disappoint some users who have grown accustomed to wireless charging.
Portability
One of the AirPods 4’s most compelling features is their portability. The charging case’s diminutive size cannot be overstated—it’s a marvel of design that fits almost anywhere without adding noticeable bulk.
Whether you’re slipping it into your jeans pocket or tucking it into a small bag, the AirPods 4 case exemplifies Apple’s talent for creating products that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
This emphasis on portability makes the AirPods 4 a practical choice for users who prioritize convenience over feature-rich audio gear. Even when larger, more advanced earbuds are available, the AirPods 4 often win out simply because they’re easier to carry.
Value for Money
Priced at $129 for the standard model and $179 for the ANC variant, the AirPods 4 occupy a middle ground in the wireless earbuds market.
While they lack some of the premium features found in the AirPods Pro lineup, such as advanced noise cancellation and a more immersive sound profile, they compensate with ease of use and seamless integration with Apple devices.
For casual listeners, commuters, or anyone seeking a reliable pair of everyday earbuds, the AirPods 4 offer excellent value. However, users who prioritize high-fidelity audio or robust ANC may find better options at a similar price point from competing brands.
Room for Improvement
Despite their many strengths, the AirPods 4 leave room for improvement. Enhanced sound quality, particularly in the bass and treble ranges, could make these earbuds more appealing to a wider audience.
Similarly, refining the ANC performance to handle more challenging noise environments would be a welcome upgrade.
Connectivity quirks, such as occasional delays in pairing or switching between devices, also need addressing. While these issues are not deal-breakers, they detract from the otherwise seamless user experience Apple is known for.
A Practical Everyday Companion
In the end, the AirPods 4 excel in areas that matter most to the average user: convenience, portability, and integration within the Apple ecosystem.
They’re not designed to compete with audiophile-grade earbuds or high-end models that prioritize ANC. Instead, they cater to those who want a hassle-free listening experience in a compact, stylish package.
While the AirPods 4 may not make it onto every “best earbuds” list, they fulfill their intended purpose with aplomb. For Apple loyalists and casual users alike, these earbuds represent a practical, reliable, and user-friendly option.
