Apple’s latest AirPods have a new trick up their sleeves, offering noise cancelling without the need to block your ears with silicone tips.
The AirPods 4 come in two versions. A standard set that are direct replacements for the outgoing model with a slightly refined shape, a smaller case and better sound for £129 (€149/$129/A$219). But more interesting are the AirPods 4 with noise cancelling costing from £179 (€199/$179/A$299).
Both sets look and fit the same with a shape that is almost identical to the 2022 model. A slight change in the size and geometry of the earbud makes it fit better, remaining more comfortable after a couple of hours of listening. But those who did not like the loose fit of the previous versions won’t like the new model.
The white, flip-top case was already nice and compact, but is now 10% smaller while still able to charge the earbuds about five times. The earbuds last a little over four hours with noise cancelling, or five without it, adding up to 20 to 30 hours total playback time with the case.
Inside, the AirPods 4 have the same H2 chip as the AirPods Pro 2, supporting the same Apple-specific features such as automatically switching between different devices and sharing audio with other AirPods from one device. It also enables a new voice-isolation feature for calls, which significantly reduces background noise, and new head nodding and shaking gestures for interacting with Siri, such as dismissing notifications or calls.
Specifications
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Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, SBC, AAC, H2 chip
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Battery life: up to five hours playback (30 hours with case)
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Water resistance: IP54 (splash resistant)
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Earbud dimensions: 30.1 x 18.3 x 18.1mm
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Earbud weight: 4.3g each
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Charging case dimensions: 46.2 x 50.1 x 21.2mm
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Charging case weight: 34.7g
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Case charging: USB-C or wireless (Qi or Watch)
Upgraded sound and noise cancelling
Apple has also improved the audio quality of the AirPods, producing more bass for a richer, more detailed sound all over. They have better separation of tones, greater depth and improved balance, with less accentuation of treble than their predecessors.
There is no way to customise the audio and they won’t please audiophiles or bass heads, but they are some of the best-sounding open-fit earbuds you can get. They also support spatial audio for virtual surround with music or movies with Apple devices.
More impressive is the noise cancelling in the pricier model. Most noise-cancelling systems require a good seal with your ear to be effective, and while they cannot match Bose or the AirPods Pro, the AirPods 4 manage to pull it off with the open fit far better than expected.
It reduces the severity of most outside sounds by at least a third without accentuating higher tones, effectively silencing the sounds of air conditioning in an office, although being overwhelmed by the screech of rails and the loudest of London’s tube lines.
The earbuds support adaptive noise cancelling, adjusting its level automatically based on the amount of ambient noise and Apple’s class-leading transparency mode, which is less needed in an open fit but a nice option to have.
The personalised volume feature adjusts the volume in response to your environment, but I find it seesaws far too much out on the street with the passing of traffic. Conversation awareness detects when you start speaking to people, switching to transparency mode and lowering the music volume, which works very well and isn’t triggered accidentally by coughing, unlike most competitors.
The AirPods will work with Android and other standard Bluetooth devices, but without the more advanced features such as pausing the music when being removed, conversation awareness and personal volume.
Sustainability
Apple does not provide an expected lifespan for the batteries. Those in similar devices typically maintain at least 80% of their original capacity for 500 full charge cycles. The earbuds are not repairable, but Apple offers a “battery service” for £49 per earbud or case and offers replacements costing from £69 an item.
The AirPods and case contain recycled aluminium, gold, rare earth elements and tin, but Apple does not publish environmental impact reports for accessories such as headphones. The company offers trade-in and free recycling schemes, including for non-Apple products.
Price
The fourth-generation AirPods cost £129 (€149/$129/A$219) or £179 (€199/$179/A$299) with ANC.
For comparison, the AirPods Pro 2 cost £229, the Beats Studio Buds+ cost £179, the Beats Solos Buds are £79.99, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 cost £129 and the Nothing Ear £129.
Verdict
The AirPods 4 are a small refinement in the physical form of Apple’s open-fit earbuds with big upgrades in audio quality and the option of noise cancelling for the first time.
The earbuds fit slightly more comfortably and securely, but anyone who didn’t get on with the previous design won’t like the new one and I wouldn’t recommend them for running. They sound better with more depth that makes them a great listen. A chip upgrade makes them more reliable at switching between Apple devices and adds a few extra features including clearer calls.
But it is the noise cancelling in the slightly more expensive model that is most impressive. They cannot match the AirPods Pro with their silicone tips or other plugged earbuds, but they can take the edge off most unwanted noise. I think it is worth the extra cost unless you predominantly wear one earbud only.
They work as basic Bluetooth headphones with Android and other devices, but I wouldn’t recommend the AirPods for people who don’t primarily use an iPhone or other Apple device.
The AirPods 4 are slightly pricier than rivals and you can find far better noise cancelling in traditional sealed earbuds for the money. But they work better with Apple devices and really good open-fit earbuds are still rare. The worst thing is that they are just as unrepairable as their predecessors, which loses them a star.
Pros: open fit, good sound, noise cancelling, great case, good playback controls, great connectivity, special features with Apple devices including spatial audio, great call quality.
Cons: no sound isolation, lack features when connected to Android or Windows, no multipoint or higher quality Bluetooth audio formats, no onboard volume control, battery life could be better, cannot be repaired, expensive.