Apple introduced its first AirPods—true wireless in-ear headphones—in 2016, and they have since become a popular choice for enjoying music or taking calls wirelessly. The initial version of the AirPods was followed by a second-generation model that maintained a similar aesthetic and remained in the lineup until just last month. The third-generation variant, which has also been retired, featured a redesigned look with a shorter stem.
Recently, Apple unveiled two new versions of its beloved entry-level AirPods: the AirPods 4. This model boasts a fresh design for the earbuds, a notably smaller battery case, and the option for active noise cancellation (ANC). Although the outward appearance of the two earbud versions is the same, the case differs in both design and interior functionality, making it the smallest charging case available in the industry that supports wireless charging.
We had the opportunity to test a pair of the new AirPods 4 with ANC. Traditionally, active noise cancellation has only been available on the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max models, both of which continue to be offered, making this feature a substantial addition. The setup process is straightforward; the ANC version can be charged wirelessly using a MagSafe charger or an Apple Watch charging puck. With MagSafe integrated, the case connects securely with either charging method. Additionally, the case includes a speaker at the bottom, allowing users to activate a sound via Apple’s Find My app if it gets misplaced.
From a design perspective, the earbuds are distinct compared to earlier models. They lack the silicone ear tips found on the AirPods Pro, but feature a shorter stem and a flat edge that can be squeezed to toggle the noise cancellation on or off. The grilles and speakers have also been updated, and during our tests, I found the new design made the AirPods 4 more comfortable for prolonged usage.
While these earbuds have an open design and do not include the silicone tips of the AirPods Pro 2 (which provide a more secure fit and better noise isolation), the audio quality remains impressive. While the ANC isn’t as robust as that found in the AirPods Pro 2 variant, it matches the cancellation capabilities of the original AirPods Pro. Both the AirPods with ANC and the AirPods Pro 2 utilize identical microphones, meaning the differences may stem from the open design. However, during phone calls on an iPhone with voice isolation enabled, background noises are effectively reduced even in bustling environments like cafés or busy streets in London.
The AirPods 4 are powered by the same H2 chip featured in the AirPods Pro 2, which includes useful enhancements such as personalized spatial audio, delivering an outstanding surround-sound experience. Users can also effortlessly accept or decline phone calls announced by Siri by simply nodding or shaking their head.
Music playback is exceptional, even with noise cancellation turned off, providing a wide soundstage and excellent fidelity across vocals, mid-range, and bass tones.
Activating noise cancellation significantly minimizes background sound, though certain noises, like that of a jet engine, may still be noticeable while flying. Over-ear headphones like the AirPods Max are more effective at blocking these types of noises during flights, as one might expect.
The AirPods 4 come equipped with a ‘Conversation Awareness’ feature that automatically reduces the volume when you begin speaking and increases it when you stop. As with all AirPods since the original model, the AirPods 4 are equipped with sensors that detect when they are removed from your ears, pausing the music accordingly.
As expected, enabling noise cancellation does slightly impact battery life. Apple claims the earbuds offer up to five hours of usage without noise cancellation and four hours with it, a figure I’ve found accurate during my testing. Charging is quick; placing the earbuds back in their case for just five minutes can yield an additional hour of listening time.
Regarding pricing, the new models are priced at £10 more than their predecessors, at £129 and £179. In the U.S., the prices remain unchanged at $129 and $179. The other models are priced higher: £229 ($249) for the AirPods Pro 2 and £499 ($549) for the AirPods Max.
In conclusion, the AirPods 4 offer a significant upgrade while maintaining a similar price point to the models they replace. They deliver enhanced performance, improved sound quality, and better battery life, with both the case and earbuds being more streamlined than the previous generation. The powerful H2 chip along with a completely new acoustic design positions the AirPods 4 as the best-sounding option yet, featuring richer bass and clearer high frequencies. They represent a substantial improvement over the second-generation AirPods they replace and are also superior to the more costly third-generation AirPods, ultimately making the AirPods 4 the best value and highest performing earbuds in the AirPods lineup.
AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation Specifications:
- Processor: H2
- Active Noise Cancelling: Yes
- Personalised Spatial Audio: Yes
- Battery life: 5 hours (4 hours with noise cancelling on)
- Dimensions (earbuds): 30.2 x 18.3 x 18.1 mm
- Weight (case): 34.7 g
Image Source: bella1105 / Shutterstock
