Apple AirPods 4 ANC Review

Apple’s latest release, the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, brings exciting upgrades to one of their most popular gadgets. If you’re an Apple user, you’ll be happy to know that these earbuds offer improved sound quality, new features, and a more refined design. Let’s break it down so you can decide if they’re worth the price.

Comfortable Design and Fit

The AirPods 4 continue with the comfortable earbud style, rather than in-ear headphones, which many people prefer. They rest just outside the ear canal, providing comfort for long periods. For those who don’t like pushing earphones deep into their ears, this design is a winner. They’re also smaller and fit more snugly compared to the previous version, the AirPods 3.

Though most users will find the fit comfortable, some ear shapes might not be suited for this style. If you’ve had trouble with previous versions of AirPods, it’s possible that this version may not fix those issues, but for many, they stay securely in place even while moving around.

Superior Sound Quality

One of the most notable upgrades in the AirPods 4 is the sound quality. The bass is deeper and richer than before, offering a more immersive experience without making the sound feel muffled. Even the higher tones sound clearer. Whether you’re listening to music or podcasts, you’ll notice a big improvement compared to previous versions.

Airpods 4 Active Noise Cancellation

A standout feature in this version is the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). It performs better than expected, especially for earbuds that don’t cover the entire ear. Although not as strong as over-ear headphones like Bose, the AirPods 4 still do a great job of reducing ambient noise. They’re effective enough to drown out the sound of a vacuum cleaner, making them a great option for noisy environments. The true test will be how they perform during a plane ride, but early impressions are promising.

New Charging Features

The AirPods 4 come with a wireless charging case that adds convenience. The case even works with Apple Watch chargers, which is handy if you already own one. However, one of the biggest new additions is the built-in speaker on the charging case. If you ever misplace your AirPods, you can use your phone to make the case play a loud sound, helping you locate it quickly. This is a nice feature for those prone to losing small gadgets.

The case charges wirelessly, and for wired charging, Apple has included a USB Type-C port. If you choose the non-noise-cancelling version, wireless charging won’t be available, and you’ll only have the option to charge via the USB-C port.

Battery Life and Usage

When the noise cancellation is turned off, you can expect about 5 hours of playback on a single charge. With ANC enabled, battery life reduces slightly by about an hour. The charging case provides up to 20 hours of additional playback time, which is similar to previous models.

For Apple users, pairing the AirPods with your iPhone, Mac, or iPad is effortless. They also seamlessly switch between Apple devices like Apple TV, making them versatile for everyday use.

Easy Controls and Customization

Apple has included more customization options with the AirPods 4. You can toggle between noise cancellation and transparency mode by simply squeezing the stem of the AirPods. If you don’t find transparency mode useful, you can turn it off in the settings. However, because these earbuds don’t completely isolate your ears, the transparency mode isn’t as essential as it is in in-ear headphones.

There’s also an adaptive mode that tries to adjust the level of noise cancellation based on your surroundings, but the real highlight is the ease of use and control over settings through the Bluetooth menu. With a few tweaks, you can make the AirPods fit your personal preferences perfectly.

Microphone and Call Quality

The built-in microphone on the AirPods 4 is good for calls, though it’s not as clear as your phone’s microphone. Still, it works well enough for quick conversations while you’re on the go.

Bluetooth Pairing and Compatibility

The AirPods 4 don’t just work with Apple devices. You can use them as regular Bluetooth headphones with non-Apple gadgets as well. To pair them, simply double-tap the front of the case instead of using the physical button that was present in previous models.

Final Thoughts: Worth the Upgrade?

Overall, the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation are a solid improvement over previous models. The better sound quality, added features like wireless charging and the tracking speaker in the case, and the effective noise cancellation make them a worthy upgrade for anyone already invested in the Apple ecosystem.

While they may not offer the same high-fidelity sound as more expensive, wired headphones, for wireless earbuds, they deliver a fantastic experience. If you’re looking to upgrade your current AirPods or buy your first pair, these are a great choice for Apple users.