Apple has finally unveiled the highly anticipated AirPods 4, the next iteration in their iconic lineup of wireless earbuds. Whether you’re a casual listener, a fitness enthusiast, or someone who demands high-quality sound, the AirPods 4 promises to deliver something for everyone. In this review, we’ll dive into its design, sound quality, features, and overall performance to see if it lives up to the hype.
Design and Comfort: Sleek, Familiar, but Refined
At first glance, the AirPods 4 look strikingly similar to their predecessor, the AirPods 3. However, Apple has made some subtle but meaningful refinements that make them more comfortable and practical for long-term use.
The shape remains largely unchanged, with the signature stems and semi-in-ear fit, but the earbuds are now slightly more ergonomic, allowing for a snugger fit in most ears. While they still don’t have the silicone tips like the AirPods Pro, the new vent system helps with pressure balance, making them more comfortable during extended listening sessions. Apple claims the new design also improves sound isolation, a welcome improvement for those who want a more immersive audio experience without needing active noise cancellation.
The charging case remains compact, but it now offers a slightly more refined feel, with a smooth matte finish. The case is also MagSafe compatible, meaning you can now charge it wirelessly with ease. There’s also IPX4 water resistance, so a little sweat or rain won’t ruin your day.
Sound Quality: Richer, Clearer, and More Dynamic
The biggest upgrade with the AirPods 4 lies in the sound quality. Apple has made significant strides with the new custom drivers, which deliver richer bass, more detailed mids, and crisper highs compared to the AirPods 3. Whether you’re listening to your favorite playlist or catching up on a podcast, the audio feels fuller and more dynamic.
The Adaptive EQ feature, a hallmark of AirPods, has been refined for even better performance. It analyzes the shape of your ear and the fit of the AirPods to adjust the sound in real-time for an optimal listening experience. Whether you’re in a noisy coffee shop or on a quiet evening walk, the sound adapts to your environment, ensuring you always get the best possible audio.
For those who love deep bass, the AirPods 4 provides a noticeable improvement in this area. While it’s not as intense as the AirPods Pro, the bass is punchier without being overpowering. This makes it ideal for genres like hip-hop, EDM, and pop music, where bass plays a crucial role. However, if you’re looking for a more tailored bass experience, the lack of customizable sound profiles (like in the Pro model) might be a drawback.
Battery Life: All-Day Power
Apple continues to impress with its battery performance. The AirPods 4 now offer up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge, which is a significant boost over the previous generation. Paired with the compact charging case, you’ll get a total of 30 hours of use, making these ideal for travel, long commutes, or extended workouts.
A quick 15-minute charge gives you about 2 hours of playtime, so even if you’re in a rush, you can get enough juice to last through the day. The MagSafe case also ensures you can top them up conveniently with any compatible wireless charger, so you won’t have to worry about carrying extra cables.
Performance and Features: Seamless Integration and Smart Tech
Apple continues to excel in seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem. The H1 chip in the AirPods 4 ensures faster, more reliable pairing with your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV. Switching between devices is as easy as ever, and you can even use Hey Siri voice commands to control playback or adjust volume without lifting a finger.
For fitness buffs, the motion-detecting sensors are more accurate than ever, offering better integration with fitness apps. Apple has also enhanced spatial audio for a more immersive listening experience, particularly with supported movies and shows on Apple TV+ and other compatible apps. The addition of dynamic head tracking allows the sound to follow you as you move, making it feel like the audio is coming from all around you.
The Find My feature has also been updated, with a built-in speaker in the case that plays a sound when your AirPods are misplaced. If you’ve ever frantically searched for your earbuds, this is a welcome addition.
Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode: No Pro, No Problem
One of the few areas where the AirPods 4 differ from the Pro model is Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). While the AirPods 4 do not have this feature, they still do a great job of passive noise isolation thanks to the better-fitting design. You’ll still be able to block out a lot of ambient noise, though it’s not as effective as the Pro’s ANC.
The Transparency mode has also been improved, offering a more natural blend of your environment’s sounds while still letting you enjoy your music. Whether you’re in a crowded area or walking outside, the Transparency mode lets you hear essential sounds like traffic or voices without pausing your music.
Final Thoughts: A Strong Contender for All Users
The AirPods 4 continue to uphold Apple’s reputation for combining convenience, performance, and style. While they may not have the active noise cancellation or custom fit of the AirPods Pro, they are a fantastic choice for most users, offering excellent sound quality, impressive battery life, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem.
Pros:
- Richer sound quality with improved bass
- Longer battery life
- MagSafe charging case
- Comfortable fit for most users
- Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
Cons:
- No Active Noise Cancellation
- Lack of customizable sound profiles
- No silicone tips for better noise isolation
Verdict: The AirPods 4 are a solid upgrade for anyone looking for an affordable yet high-performance set of wireless earbuds. If you’re not particularly concerned about noise cancellation or a more customizable fit, these are a fantastic option that offers a premium audio experience for all your daily activities.
