AirPods 4 Review: Which Ones to Get?

AirPods 4 now come in 2 versions: Regular and with Noise Cancellation. Are they any good?

When it comes to the latest AirPods, there are two distinct types of people: those for whom AirPods fit perfectly in their ears, and those for whom they don’t. Some people love the snug feel of silicon-tipped earbuds, while others can’t stand them. Similarly, there are those who swear by noise cancellation and others who don’t find it necessary. Apple, however, caters to everyone, offering two versions of the new AirPods: the base AirPods 4 at $129 and the AirPods 4 with noise cancellation at $179. While it may seem straightforward, there’s more to these devices than meets the eye. Having tested them for a few days, I’m ready to break down the differences and let you know if they’re worth it.

First off, Apple has once again tweaked the shape of the AirPods, with subtle new curves and angles designed to point the audio driver more directly into your ear. The stems are also slightly shorter. Visually, they still look very much like AirPods and retain familiar features like in-ear detection, IP54 dust and water resistance (an upgrade from last year’s IPX4), and multiple microphones for clearer sound. However, my main question was whether this new design would actually fit better in my ears. Unfortunately, the answer was only a slight improvement. While they sit a little more securely, they still tend to slip out if I’m moving around—even while sitting still, they slowly feel like they’re working their way out. So, if previous AirPods didn’t fit you well, these likely won’t either.

Both the base AirPods and the noise-cancelling version share the same size and shape, but the real differences lie in the case. The new case is smaller and, thankfully, now has USB-C charging. For the noise-cancelling version, the case also has a small speaker for lost-device tracking and wireless charging. One noticeable downside is the absence of MagSafe compatibility, likely due to the case being just a tad too small to align with the magnetic charger. It’ll still charge wirelessly, but it won’t snap into place like previous models. A slight improvement, however, is the stronger magnets that hold the AirPods in the case more securely.

One of the lesser-known features is the new capacitive touch area on the AirPods 4 case. The physical pairing button is gone, replaced by this hidden touch sensor. Double-tapping this area puts the AirPods into pairing mode, while a triple-tap initiates a factory reset—a clever hidden feature.

Of course, the big question is whether the noise cancellation on the AirPods 4 is worth it, especially compared to the AirPods Pro with silicon tips. While the noise reduction is impressive, it’s nowhere near the level of the AirPods Pro. The hard tips don’t create a perfect seal, allowing some outside noise to sneak in. The noise cancellation is more of a noise reduction, making them useful in loud environments like public transportation but less effective in quieter settings. On the plus side, the transparency mode is top-notch, offering a natural sound that almost makes you forget you’re wearing earbuds.

Battery life is solid, with around 4 hours of use with noise cancellation on and a total of 20 hours when combined with the case. Additionally, the AirPods 4 feature ultra-low latency for Apple’s Vision Pro, thanks to the H2 chip, and a speaker on the case for easier locating of your lost buds. The AirPods Max also got a refresh this year, but it was minimal—just a switch to USB-C and new color options, with no other significant upgrades.

As for sound quality, the AirPods 4 perform well across the board. They don’t offer much in the way of EQ customization, but they’re tuned to handle everything from podcasts to movies and music reasonably well. For $129 (base) or $179 (noise-cancelling), they’re a solid option if you’re looking for basic AirPods. However, if you’re like me and prefer the snug fit of silicon-tipped earbuds for better noise cancellation, the AirPods Pro might still be the better choice. At only $20 more on Amazon, the AirPods Pro offer a better fit and enhanced features. Nonetheless, the AirPods 4 remain a great choice for those embedded in the Apple ecosystem, offering seamless connectivity with other Apple devices.

For many, the real advantage of AirPods lies in how they integrate with the broader Apple ecosystem. The seamless switching between devices—whether it’s your iPhone, iPad, MacBook, or even Apple Watch—makes them incredibly convenient. This is a feature where other earbuds often fall short. While some might have better sound quality or a more secure fit for activities like working out, the overall experience of using AirPods within Apple’s ecosystem is unmatched.

It’s also worth noting that Apple is clearly pushing USB-C compatibility across its device lineup, and the AirPods 4 are no exception. The shift from Lightning to USB-C for charging makes it easier for users who already have USB-C devices in their arsenal. However, the removal of MagSafe from the AirPods case is a bit of a letdown. The previous generation’s case would align perfectly with MagSafe chargers, making it easy to just drop and charge. Now, while wireless charging is still available, the case no longer magnetically sticks to the charger, which may be a minor inconvenience for some.

If you’re eyeing the AirPods Max refresh, though, the changes are minimal, with the most notable being the switch to USB-C. It’s a missed opportunity for Apple to have upgraded the internals with the H2 chip or improved other aspects like the mesh design or overall sound quality. This has led to some disappointment, especially considering the AirPods Max still carry a hefty price tag without any significant upgrades beyond the new port.

Overall, while the AirPods 4 won’t be for everyone—particularly those who need the noise isolation provided by silicon-tipped earbuds—they’re still a compelling option for users already embedded in the Apple ecosystem. They may not have the best noise cancellation or the most secure fit for active users, but they deliver a well-rounded experience that handles most everyday tasks well. Whether it’s for calls, music, or general use, AirPods remain the go-to choice for many Apple users, simply because they “just work.”

At the end of the day, if you’re already invested in Apple’s world and don’t need the absolute best noise cancellation, the AirPods 4 with noise cancellation are still a solid buy. But if noise cancellation, fit, and sound quality are top priorities, spending a little extra on the AirPods Pro might be the better route. Apple has done a great job refining the AirPods lineup over the years, ensuring that whether you’re a casual listener or a power user, there’s something for everyone.

AirPods 4 Review: SO GOOD!

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My review of Apple AirPods 4 versus AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3

These are Apple’s AirPods 4, and they far exceed my expectations. They manage to pull off impressive active noise cancellation (ANC) without any rubber seal or silicone tips—just hard plastic ear tips that fit comfortably. This is surprising, given that most ANC-equipped earbuds typically rely on a rubber seal. In this review, I’ll take a closer look at the AirPods 4 and compare them to other available AirPods, such as the AirPods 2, AirPods 3, and the AirPods Pro 2.

There are three standout features of the AirPods 4 that I believe are worth highlighting. First, they now come with an ANC option, meaning you can purchase an AirPods 4 model with active noise cancellation. Second, the inclusion of Apple’s H2 chip enhances both audio quality and ANC performance, while also enabling special Apple features. Lastly, the new shape of the AirPods 4 significantly changes the way these earbuds fit and feel.

Let’s talk about the fit. The first-generation AirPods and AirPods 2 had the classic “Q-tip” design with a longer stem and smaller tips, which made them fit comfortably, though their sound quality wasn’t the best. The AirPods 3 introduced a more bulbous shape that, while improving sound quality, felt less comfortable for many users. The AirPods 4, however, have a redesigned tip that strikes a balance between comfort and performance. They fit much more like the original AirPods, but with the improved audio characteristics of the AirPods 3. During Apple’s keynote, they mentioned using 3D scanning and laser imaging to perfect this new design, and after trying them, I can definitely notice the difference.

For clarity, the Pro versions of the AirPods have always been differentiated by the presence of a rubber seal, which passively blocks out sound and prevents audio leakage. This design is crucial for achieving the best possible sound quality, especially with bass-heavy music, but it can be uncomfortable for some users. The AirPods 4, while lacking a rubber seal, still manage to provide impressive sound, and for those who prefer the hard plastic tips, this will be a pleasant surprise.

Moving on to the charging case, the AirPods 4 case is smaller than the previous generation and now features USB-C charging. One interesting design change is the light indicator—it’s invisible until it’s activated. Another change is the lack of a physical button on the case, replaced by a touch-sensitive area for manual connection or resetting. The case also supports wireless charging, but it no longer has MagSafe capabilities, meaning it won’t magnetically attach to a charger like previous models.

Now, let’s talk about sound. Keep in mind that sound quality is subjective and depends on factors like ear canal shape and fit. That said, the AirPods 4 sound very good, especially for earbuds without rubber or silicone tips. In comparison to the AirPods 3, which had good mids and treble but lacked bass, the AirPods 4 deliver a noticeably improved bass response. I’m not sure if it’s due to new drivers or the improved fit, but the bass is much more present in the AirPods 4. While they don’t quite match the AirPods Pro 2, especially in the lower frequencies, they are a noticeable step up from the AirPods 3.

The most impressive feature of the AirPods 4 is their ANC. When Apple announced it, I was skeptical, as most good ANC earbuds rely on a rubber seal. The AirPods 4, however, perform surprisingly well without one. They effectively cancel out low-frequency background noises like engines and appliances, though higher-pitched sounds, like kids screaming, are muted better by the AirPods Pro 2 due to their passive seal. Overall, the AirPods 4’s ANC is impressive, especially considering the lack of a rubber seal.

Regarding microphone quality, I tested the mics on the AirPods 2, AirPods 3, AirPods 4, and AirPods Pro 2. The AirPods 4, with their H2 chip, offer improved environmental noise blocking compared to older models, but the AirPods Pro 2 still have the edge, likely due to better mics and higher-end components.

The AirPods 4 also feature force touch controls like the AirPods Pro 2, but they lack volume controls, which is a bit of a disappointment. In terms of pricing, the AirPods 4 are about $60 more expensive than some competing products. A portion of this cost comes from the Apple brand, but the seamless connectivity with other Apple devices justifies the price for those in the Apple ecosystem.

In conclusion, while the AirPods 4 may not have the absolute best sound quality, or ANC, they offer a well-balanced mix of comfort, performance, and convenience, especially for those who dislike rubber ear tips. The fit is much better, and for many users, they will feel and sound better than previous AirPods models.

Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation review

Ican’t recall another consumer electronics product category becoming a commodity as quickly as Bluetooth earbuds. Apple’s AirPods played a key role in that growth, of course, recapturing a kind of excitement not seen in consumer music tech since the original iPod.

AirPods’ fundamentals haven’t changed much in the eight years since they debuted. The stems are mercifully shorter, and they’ve gained some key features, but these have mostly been refinements to a product that entered the world fully formed.

Until last week, their upgrade cycle was straightforward: Apple introduces a new feature for its pricey high-end models, which filters down to the base level after a year or two. At last Monday’s iPhone 16 event, however, things got more complicated, as the base AirPods forked into two distinct products: AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation.

Here’s what the line looks like:

• AirPods 4 ($129)

• AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation ($179)

• AirPods Pro ($229)

• AirPods Max ($549)

I picture a lot of late-night sessions among Apple’s handsomely paid branding team, attempting to determine what to call the new tier. I can practically guarantee someone tossed out “AirPods 4.5” in a bid to leave the office before sunrise. Ultimately, however, they landed somewhere far more unwieldy. But hey, at least it does what it says on the box.

AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (referred to henceforth as “AP4wANC”) exist in a sort of liminal space. Had AirPods 4 arrived last year, perhaps Apple would have deemed these AirPods 5. As it stands, however, they’re smack in the middle of the in-ear AirPods line.

They look identical to the base model, featuring the same redesign, with a sleeker square charging case and a more ergonomic design. Apple says they scanned thousands of ears to produce 50 million data points. The results are smaller and more tapered than their predecessor. The AP4wANC also adopts some of the Pros’ best features, including wireless charging, a speaker for FindMy and the titular ANC.

There are two clear reasons why someone would choose the AP4wANC over AirPods Pro 2. The first is the $50 price difference. The second is a preference for the hard-edged, open design over the Pro’s swappable silicone tips. The former is self-explanatory, while the latter is highly subjective. I, for one, can’t wait to return to the warm embrace of the Pros’ tips.

I understand, however, that some people are deeply uncomfortable inserting anything into their ears, including a millimeter or two of silicone. If that’s you, get the AP4wANC and save some cash in the process. For my money, however, the comfort and passive noise cancelling you get with the Pros largely justifies the price gulf.

When the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancelling hit the stage last week, many – ourselves included – wondered how the company would maintain daylight between them and the Pro models beyond just the tips. After all, every model, save for the USB-C AirPods Max, are run off the same H2 chip. There are a few points of difference, including swipeable volume controls on the stem, better noise cancellation and a touch more battery.

While AirPods Pro 3 are rumored to be arriving sooner than later, however, the distance between the models isn’t huge, but for one surprise. Last week, the FDA gave the green light to a new software feature that let the premium model double as over-the-counter hearing aids. It’s difficult to say how large the specific audience for that feature will ultimately be, but it finds Apple charting a fascinating future for the line.

At the moment, only the AirPods Pro 2 support the feature. This is for two key reasons. First is the passive noising-cancelling properties of the silicone tips, which are key to taking iOS 18’s new hearing test. That rules out the standard AirPods 4. The second is that the H2 chip is required, which makes the original AirPods Pro a non-starter.

I wore the AP4wANC for much of my trip home from the event last week. The ANC was enough to drown out plane noises. On the subsequent train ride, however, a woman speaking loudly on her phone a few rows away made me long for the AirPods Pro noise seal. As far as comfort goes, I had no issue with the AP4wANC, where as other open-ear design models have given me trouble.

The sound is excellent, though you do lose the full picture of the music without a seal in place. Most people won’t find this to be a major issue – doubly so if most of your listening involves podcasts and audiobooks.

The fully wireless earbud market is dramatically different than the one the first AirPods entered in September 2016. It’s safe to say we’ve all changed a lot in that time. But the AirPods themselves haven’t changed too dramatically. New features have arrived, but the core is still intact.

Competition, on the other hand, has increased dramatically. Every decently sized electronics company has their own take on the space, while at the other end, there’s an endless stream of sub-$50 buds from companies you’ve never heard of that will do in a pinch.

But AirPods are still the real deal. They’re a kind of Platonic ideal most of us picture when we think of fully wireless earbuds. They sound great and fit like a glove with the rest of Apple’s hardware offerings. As for that price gulf between the AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC, $50 goes a long way here.

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