Apple AirPods 4 Review: Surpassing Expectations

Apple’s regular AirPods have elicited mixed reviews from users over the years. While some have struggled with the fit and found the sound quality subpar, others appreciate the comfort and open design. The latest iteration, the AirPods 4, appears poised to be a significant upgrade for many.

The AirPods 4 maintain a design reminiscent of their predecessors, the AirPods 3, with some subtle tweaks for a better fit and a smaller charging case that now includes a USB-C connector. Visually, they still retain the iconic white appearance.

A notable advancement with the AirPods 4 is the introduction of two variants. Both versions offer the same sound quality, powered by Apple’s H2 chip, which enhances sound and call clarity. They also boast IP54 dust and water resistance. The base model is priced at $129, while the premium version with active noise cancellation (ANC) costs $179. This premium variant includes additional features such as ANC, which represents a significant enhancement in user experience.

ANC on open-design earbuds may invoke skepticism, but Apple has managed to deliver a noteworthy implementation. The ANC in the AirPods 4 reduces ambient noise effectively, particularly low-frequency sounds like those from airplane cabins and traffic. While it doesn’t match the comprehensive noise cancellation provided by the AirPods Pro due to the absence of silicone tips, it still offers commendable performance. Users can enjoy their music at lower volumes without increasing the sound to overcome external noise.

The $179 AirPods 4 also come with transparency mode and Adaptive Audio, the latter blending ANC and transparency to allow important sounds like sirens to be heard. Other features include Conversation Awareness and a built-in speaker in the charging case, which can be located using Apple’s Find My app. Additionally, the case supports wireless charging via MagSafe or any Qi-compatible charger, a feature absent in the base model.

Regarding sound quality, the AirPods 4 represent Apple’s best offering in the regular AirPods lineup. They deliver an enriched bass experience and improved instrument separation, with enhanced clarity in the treble range. Despite these improvements, they still fall short of the AirPods Pro in terms of overall fidelity.

Fit and comfort remain crucial factors. Users need to ensure a precise fit to prevent the AirPods from dislodging during activities. However, once correctly positioned, they provide comfort even during extended listening sessions.

The AirPods 4 also introduce head gesture controls, allowing users to interact with Siri through simple nods or shakes. Voice Isolation, an effective feature during calls, has been incorporated to enhance voice clarity in noisy environments.

Beyond the new features, these AirPods integrate seamlessly into the Apple ecosystem, offering conveniences like audio sharing, automatic switching between devices, and hands-free “Hey Siri” commands. However, the lack of true multipoint support remains a notable omission.

Battery life for the ANC model stands at four hours of playback, extendable to 20 hours with the charging case. Without ANC, the standard model offers up to 30 hours. Durability and repairability still pose concerns for long-term users.

In conclusion, the AirPods 4 with ANC provide a significant improvement in Apple’s open-ear design. While not on par with in-ear alternatives in terms of noise cancellation, they offer enough enhancement to keep users satisfied with normal listening levels amid various environments. The recommendation leans towards the premium model for its added features and value, over the base model, which is more inclined towards price-conscious consumers.

Photography by Chris Welch / The Verge

Source link