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Apple’s latest AirPods have a new trick up their sleeve: They offer noise cancellation without having to plug your ears with silicone tips.
The AirPods 4 come in two versions. A standard set that directly replaces the previous model with a slightly refined shape, smaller case and better sound for £129 (€149/$129/A$219). But the most interesting are the AirPods 4 with noise cancellation that cost from £179 (€199/$179/A$299).
Both sets look and fit the same with an almost identical shape to the 2022 model. A slight change in the size and geometry of the earcup makes it fit better and remains more comfortable after a couple of hours of listening. But those who didn’t 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 it’s now 10% smaller and can still charge the earbuds about five times. The earbuds last a little over four hours with noise cancellation, or five without, for a total playtime of 20 to 30 hours with the case.
Inside, the AirPods 4 have the same H2 chip as the AirPods Pro 2, and support 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 nod and head shake gestures for interacting with Siri, such as dismissing notifications or calls.
Budget
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Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, SBC, AAC, H2 chip
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Battery life: up to five hours of playback (30 hours with case)
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Water resistance: IP54 (splash resistant)
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Headphone dimensions: 30.1×18.3×18.1mm
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Headphone 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 loading: USB-C or wireless (Qi or Watch)
Improved sound and noise cancellation
Apple has also improved the audio quality of the AirPods, producing more bass for richer, more detailed sound throughout. They have better tone separation, greater depth and improved balance, with less treble accentuation than their predecessors.
There’s no way to customize the audio and they won’t please audiophiles or bassists, but they are some of the best-sounding open-back headphones you can get. They also support spatial audio for virtual surround sound with music or movies with Apple devices.
More impressive is the noise cancellation on the more expensive model. Most noise cancellation systems require a good seal with your ear to be effective, and while they can’t match the Bose or the AirPods Pro, the AirPods 4 manage to achieve this with the open fit much better than expected.
Reduces the intensity of most outside sounds by at least a third without accentuating the higher tones, effectively silencing the sounds of air conditioning in an office, even if overwhelmed by the screeching of rails and the loudest subway lines in London.
The earbuds support adaptive noise cancellation, adjusting their level automatically based on the amount of ambient noise, and Apple’s class-leading Transparency mode, which is less necessary in an open setting but is a nice option.
The custom volume feature adjusts the volume in response to your surroundings, but I find that it oscillates too much on the street with passing traffic. The conversation recognition detects when you start talking to people, switches to transparency mode and lowers the music volume, which works very well and is not accidentally activated 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 music when removed, conversation recognition, and personal volume.
Sustainability
Apple does not provide an expected lifespan for batteries. Those of similar devices typically maintain at least 80% of their original capacity for 500 full charge cycles. The earbuds cannot be repaired, but Apple offers a “battery service” for £49 per earbud or case and offers replacements costing from £69 an article.
The AirPods and case contain recycled aluminum, gold, rare earth elements and tin, but Apple does not publish environmental impact reports for accessories like the headphones. The company offers free exchange and recycling programs, even 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 are £229, the Beats Studio Buds+ are £179, the Beats Solos Buds are €79.99the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 is £129 and the Nothing Ear is £129.
Verdict
The AirPods 4 are a small refinement in the physical form of Apple’s open headphones with big improvements in audio quality and the option of noise cancellation for the first time.
The earbuds fit a little more comfortably and securely, but anyone who doesn’t like the old design won’t like the new one and I wouldn’t recommend them for running. They sound better with more depth, making them a great listen. An update to the chip makes them more reliable for switching between Apple devices and adds some additional features, including clearer calls.
But what’s most impressive is the noise cancellation on the slightly more expensive model. They can’t match the AirPods Pro with their silicone tips or other attached earbuds, but they can muffle most unwanted noises. I think it’s worth the extra cost unless you primarily use a single earbud.
They work as basic Bluetooth headphones with Android and other devices, but I wouldn’t recommend AirPods for people who don’t primarily use an iPhone or other Apple device.
The AirPods 4 are a bit more expensive than their rivals and you can find much better noise cancellation in traditional sealed earbuds for the money. But they work best with Apple devices and really good open-back headphones are still rare. The worst thing is that they are as irreparable as their predecessors, which makes them lose a star.
Advantages: open fit, good sound, noise cancellation, great case, good playback controls, great connectivity, special features with Apple devices including spatial audio, great call quality.
Cons: no sound isolation, lack of features when connected to Android or Windows, no multipoint or higher quality Bluetooth audio formats, no built-in volume control, battery life could be better, not serviceable and expensive.
