AirPods 4: Are They Finally Worth the Hype?

Apple AirPods 4 Review: Noise-Canceling Magic, But at a Price

Apple’s AirPods have always been a popular choice for those seeking a wireless, comfortable listening experience. But the standard AirPods haven’t always been the most "audiophile" option, struggling with mediocre sound quality and lacking the noise isolation provided by their silicone-tipped counterparts. This year, however, Apple is taking a significant step forward with the AirPods 4, introducing two models: a standard set and an ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) option.

From the Outside, Familiar Flair:

The AirPods 4 stick to the familiar design language, resembling the third-generation model. Slight tweaks to the shape and contours have been made for improved fit, and the charging case has shrunk further. However, like its predecessors, the AirPods 4 remain available only in a white color.

Under the Hood: A Big Upgrade:

The real magic lies within. Both AirPods 4 models feature Apple’s H2 chip, delivering several notable upgrades. The H2 chip enhances sound quality, providing a richer, more detailed listening experience with bolder bass and improved treble compared to previous models. The voice call clarity is significantly enhanced as well, thanks to improved Voice Isolation, a feature already enjoyed by AirPods Pro users.

Both Models Offer a Decent Resistance Rating:

The standard AirPods 4 and the AirPods 4 with ANC are both IP54 rated, offering resistance to both dust and water. This makes them a practical choice for everyday use, whether you’re working out or caught in a sudden downpour.

Diving Deeper into the ANC Experience:

The AirPods 4 with ANC represent a significant step forward for Apple in the open-ear noise cancellation market. While it won’t replicate the complete isolation offered by models like the AirPods Pro, it’s a notable improvement over previous attempts at open-ear noise cancellation.

The AirPods 4 with ANC excel at tackling low-frequency noises, effectively dampening sounds from airplane cabins, city traffic, and those irritating office hums. On ferry engines, the ANC proved surprisingly effective in minimizing the loud rumble. While you’ll still hear some ambient sounds, the ANC does a remarkable job of reducing the overall din.

Music Sounds Great with ANC:

The AirPods 4’s ANC shines when paired with music. With the noise cancellation activated, you can enjoy your music at a lower volume without being overwhelmed by distractions. This helps to promote safer listening habits compared to the previous AirPods models, where you often had to crank up the volume to combat surrounding noise.

Don’t Expect Miracle Noise Cancellation:

It’s important to emphasize that the AirPods 4’s ANC doesn’t offer complete isolation. You will still be aware of your surroundings, and in loud environments, the level of noise cancellation may not be enough to make a significant difference. For example, the ANC struggled to drown out the chatter in a crowded bar. It’s a step forward in the open-ear ANC space, but real silence isn’t in the cards.

Adaptive Audio Offers Additional Control:

Along with noise cancellation, the AirPods 4 with ANC also offer transparency mode, which allows you to hear your surroundings, and Adaptive Audio, which blends the two modes intelligently. While Adaptive Audio might not be as essential on the AirPods 4 due to their open design, Conversation Awareness remains a helpful feature, automatically lowering the audio volume when you start talking.

The Case Makes a Difference:

The AirPods 4 with ANC come with a premium charging case that includes some handy features missing from the standard model:

• Wireless charging: The case allows you to charge your AirPods wirelessly using both Apple’s MagSafe ecosystem and Qi-compatible chargers.
• Built-in speaker: The case has a built-in speaker that emits a sound through the Find My app, making it much easier to locate your AirPods when they’ve gone astray.

Standard AirPods 4 Case Lacks these Features:

The standard AirPods 4 case lacks both the wireless charging functionality and the built-in speaker, making it a decidedly less compelling proposition, especially considering the modest price jump to the ANC model.

Sound Quality: A Significant Leap Forward:

Both AirPods 4 models offer an improved soundtrack over their predecessors. The H2 chip delivers a richer, more nuanced audio experience, with deeper bass and greater clarity across all frequency ranges. While the AirPods Pro still hold the edge in terms of overall fidelity, the AirPods 4 sound significantly better than previous models, making them enjoyable for most auditory tastes.

Fit and Comfort:

The AirPods 4 fit comfortably, and they have a tendency to stay put longer than their predecessors. However, you may need to twist these AirPods slightly to ensure a secure fit.

New Head Gestures:

The AirPods 4 introduce head gestures, allowing you to interact with Siri through nods and shakes. This feature might appeal to some users, but it’s not essential, and those used to traditional voice commands might find it unnecessary.

Voice Isolation Makes Calls Better:

The AirPods 4, both the standard and ANC models, benefit from enhanced Voice Isolation technology, improving call clarity even in loud environments. This is similar to Google’s Clear Calling feature and can make a significant difference when taking calls in noisy settings.

Ecosystem Integration:

As expected, the AirPods 4 seamlessly integrate with the Apple ecosystem, offering features such as audio sharing, automatic switching between devices, hands-free "Hey Siri" commands, Apple TV integration, and more. However, Apple’s decision to omit genuine multipoint support remains frustrating.

Battery Life:

The battery life on the AirPods 4 with ANC is rated at four hours of playback time with ANC and five hours with ANC off. The charging case adds 20 hours with ANC and 30 hours without ANC. The standard AirPods 4 get the longer playback times due to the absence of ANC.

Repair Remains a Challenge:

Apple’s lack of focus on repairability for the AirPods 4 is a concern. While the battery life is initially good, its inevitable decline over time raises the question of what to do when the battery starts to falter.

The Final Verdict:

The AirPods 4 with ANC are a compelling upgrade over the previous AirPods models. The noise cancellation is effective, especially for low-frequency noises, and the sound quality is excellent. The wireless charging case adds further value, making this model highly appealing.

The standard AirPods 4 represent a decent upgrade but lack the ANC and wireless charging case. Unless you’re on a tight budget, the AirPods 4 with ANC are a much more alluring option.

Overall, the AirPods 4 with ANC are a welcome improvement for open-ear wireless earbuds, offering a balance of comfort, sound quality, and now, effective noise cancellation. However, the price tag may be a deterrent for some, and the standard AirPods 4 seem like a missed opportunity without the convenience of wireless charging.

For those seeking a pair of AirPods that seamlessly integrate with Apple’s ecosystem and deliver improved sound quality while tackling distracting noise, the AirPods 4 with ANC are a compelling choice. But for those prioritising pure audio fidelity with superior noise cancellation, the AirPods Pro still reign supreme.

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