Apple AirPods 4 with ANC: A Disappointing Debut
Apple’s September event brought two new AirPods to the table: the AirPods 4 and the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), priced at $130 and $180 respectively. This marked Apple’s first foray into offering ANC with an open-ear design, a departure from their previous offerings like the in-ear AirPods Pro. While the concept holds promise, the reality of the ANC AirPods 4 is a mixed bag, with some commendable features battling significant drawbacks.
The Big Draw: ANC and Open-Ear Design
The main selling point of the ANC AirPods 4 is the blend of Active Noise Cancellation and open-ear design. This aims to appeal to users who find in-ear earbuds uncomfortable or dislike the feeling of having their ear canals blocked. Apple touts this as a winning combination, but the actual execution falls short in several key areas.
Design: A Shrunken Case, a Lost Feature
The charging case of the AirPods 4 has been significantly trimmed down compared to the 2022 AirPods Pros. The elongated design has been replaced with a stumpier, more squared-off case, offering a lighter and potentially more travel-friendly profile. However, this change has led to the removal of the lanyard loop, a frustrating omission for users who relied on this feature.
Another notable design change is the elimination of the physical pairing button. This has been replaced with a touch-sensitive sensor located on the front of the case. While the change is functional, the lack of transparency regarding the feature on Apple’s product page could leave new users puzzled.
The earbuds themselves have also seen a reduction in stem length compared to the AirPods Pro. They retain the IP54 dust and water resistance, offering some assurance against everyday wear and tear.
Fit: Loose, Unreliable, and Requiring Constant Adjustment
The fit of the AirPods 4 is a major concern. During my testing, I experienced repeated instances of the earbuds falling out despite constant readjustment. While this is a subjective experience that may vary depending on ear size, the general looseness of the fit is evident. This is a significant point of contention considering the lack of rubber ear tips and the past complaints surrounding the fit of Apple AirPods.
Control: Force Sensors, a Lack of In-Ear Volume
The AirPods 4 feature force sensors on the stems, a welcome change from the touch sensors present on the AirPods Pro. This reduces the risk of accidental taps while adjusting the earbuds. The force sensors are responsive, offer decent feedback, and the gestures are intuitive. However, the absence of onboard volume controls necessitates reaching for your source device, impacting convenience and responsiveness.
Sound and ANC: Pros & Cons of the Open-Ear Design
The sound quality of the AirPods 4 is decent, especially when considering the open-ear design, but does not stand out compared to other models. While the "crisp highs" touted by Apple are present, the "deep lows" are not as noticeable. The mids carry sufficient space, but the overall sound profile lacks the immersive quality of in-ear buds.
The ANC is a mixed bag. While it effectively cancels low-end noise such as car engines and subway rumbling, it struggles with high-frequency sounds like car horns and conversations. The open-ear design inherently leaves gaps for noise to seep through, which can be frustrating for users expecting a truly immersive noise reduction experience.
The transparency mode, however, performs well, offering a balanced and natural amplification of ambient sound. The Adaptive ANC mode, which automatically adjusts to the ambient noise level, also proves to be useful, seamlessly adjusting the level of noise cancellation. The Conversation Awareness feature reduces the volume of content during conversations, which can be helpful but may also be annoying for some users.
Battery Life: A Major Disappointment
The battery life of the AirPods 4 is downright disappointing. With ANC enabled, the earbuds offer just four hours of playback. This falls significantly short of the competition, especially when considering the price point.
The inclusion of wireless charging is a positive addition, allowing for charging with any Qi-compatible charger. However, the lack of MagSafe charging and the absence of quick charging capability for the case itself further exacerbate the battery life concerns.
Verdict: A Niche Product with Too Many Compromises
The ANC AirPods 4 are a niche product best suited for users who specifically seek open-ear ANC for low-frequency noise reduction. For most users, the AirPods Pro offer a far superior experience regarding sound quality, ANC performance, and battery life, especially considering the minimal price difference.
The AirPods 4 also suffer from a loose fit, lack of onboard volume controls, and disappointing battery life. These drawbacks overshadow the positive aspects, making it difficult to recommend them to anyone but a select few.
In summary, the AirPods 4 with ANC are a missed opportunity. While they offer a unique open-ear design with ANC functionality, they fall short in crucial areas like fit, noise cancellation, and battery life, ultimately failing to deliver a compelling experience that justifies their price point.
