AirPods 4 review: we don’t say ‘no’ to these earbuds

With the AirPods 4, Apple is introducing two versions of its popular earbuds for the first time. But are they worth the price tag? We tested the model with noise cancellation and share our findings.

Two versions, one familiar design

Let’s start with the most striking thing about the AirPods 4: there are now two variants. On the outside you can’t see any difference between the two models. Both versions have the sleek, minimalist design that we have come to expect from Apple. But appearances are deceiving. The cheaper version is a direct successor to the AirPods 3, while the more expensive model offers active noise cancellation (ANC) and a wireless charging case.

What is special about the AirPods 4 with ANC is that they do not have silicone attachments like the AirPods Pro. Yet they do a surprisingly good job at filtering out unwanted sounds. From the noise on a busy train to the buzz in an open office space – the noise cancellation dampens it all, without completely blocking off your ears. However, you should not expect miracles. If you don’t listen to music, you will continue to hear what is happening around you – even if it is a lot quieter.

Noise reduction without pressure

Now that we’re talking about noise reduction, it’s good to mention that the lack of silicone attachments can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. If you find the AirPods Pro feeling a bit stuffy, the AirPods 4 are a relief. They sit lightly in your ear, without the ‘vacuum feeling’ of in-ear buds.

However, you have to pay attention: if you are sensitive to the slight feeling of pressure that the ANC creates, you will also notice this with this version of the AirPods. But fortunately you can simply switch off the noise reduction when you don’t need it. And that of course has advantages for the battery.

Battery: that’s how long the party keeps going

What about the battery life? Without ANC, the AirPods 4 last about five hours – comparable to their predecessors. But if you enable noise reduction, you will compromise on battery life, which decreases by about 20 percent – leaving four hours. Fortunately, the new, smaller charging case offers a big extra boost. With a fully charged case you get thirty hours of extra listening time. And speaking of that case: Apple has finally said goodbye to the Lightning port. You can now charge the AirPods 4 via USB-C. Handy, right?

The magic of head gestures

Apple also added a very unique feature this year: head gestures. Suppose you receive a phone call while you are at work. Instead of reaching for your iPhone or saying “no” out loud, simply shake your head to decline the call. Do you want to record? Then you just nod yes. It works surprisingly intuitive and almost feels like magic. Even the smallest movements are registered, so you don’t have to make exaggerated head movements.

Sound quality: ready to enjoy

Apple wouldn’t be Apple if it didn’t also take sound quality to the next level. The AirPods 4 sound better than ever, with deeper bass, clearer treble and a more balanced midrange – all compared to the AirPods 3. The biggest improvement is in the bass. It is much deeper and fuller – much too good actually for earphones of this size. However, the AirPods Pro 2 are slightly better.

So whether you’re listening to your favorite music or watching an exciting movie, the AirPods 4 always deliver rich and full sound. The H2 chip ensures that you can now also enjoy 3D audio, which provides an impressive spatial experience, especially with films and series. Music sounds more dynamic and surrounds you, as it were, which gives a special effect.

Comfort for every ear

Apple analyzed millions of ears to create the perfect fit, and it shows. The AirPods 4 fit even better than their predecessors. They are designed to fit comfortably and securely in almost any ear, without sinking too far into your ear canal. Your on-duty editor caught himself several times without even realizing he was wearing them – a sign of good design.

Voice isolation: just wait and see

The aforementioned H2 chip also enables voice isolation, a feature that filters out background noise during phone calls so that the person on the other end only hears your voice. This sounds great in theory, but in our testing the results were mixed. Occasionally there was still quite a bit of ambient noise coming through.

Since this feature runs on AI, it may get better over time as it learns your voice. So this is a function that may need some more time to fully achieve its full potential.

Price tag: is it worth it?

And then we come to the price. The basic version of the AirPods 4 costs around € 149, while the version with noise cancellation sells for € 199. That’s a reasonable price for what you get. But here’s the crux: for just €30 more you can get the AirPods Pro 2 these days. These not only offer better noise cancellation, but also silicone tips for extra insulation and an improved fit for people who like in-ear. Moreover, in combination with iOS 18, the AirPods Pro 2 can even function as a hearing aid – a feature you don’t get with the AirPods 4.

Conclusion: who are the AirPods 4 for?

The AirPods 4 are fantastic earbuds that certainly convince in terms of sound, fit and ease of use. The version with ANC in particular offers great value, with effective noise cancellation without in-ear attachments. But the price difference with the AirPods Pro 2 is small, and they offer that little bit extra. However, if you’re not a fan of silicone tips or are on a tighter budget, the AirPods 4 are a great choice. But if you want the best of the best and can invest a little extra, the Pros are a better option.

With the AirPods 4, Apple has created a strong new mid-range. They’re comfortable, sound great and have cool new features like head gestures. Whether you choose the basic model or the version with ANC, you always get impressive earbuds.

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