Review of the Apple AirPods 4

The Airpods by Apple have always had mixed reviews and it's fair to say it’s not one of the hottest launches by the company. 

For some, these wireless earpods were too big to fit in, while for others, the price didn’t seem worth it. But 2024 is the year Apple turns the tables in its favor—with the launch of the mighty Airpods 4

Being one of the most anticipated releases of the year, the Airpods 4 naturally made a great million-dollar revenue for the company in one go. But most of this anticipation is due to the marketing of the earbuds as noise-canceling and voice-isolating. Who wouldn’t want the ultimate Airpod Max experience squished into handy-dandy earbuds?

Now the million-dollar question is - do the Airpods 4 really stand up to the expectations? And that’s what we’ll be unfolding today, by unwrapping every feature bound in that sleek white exterior. 

AirPods 4 - Overview

Introduced to the world in September 2024, the Airpods 4 are one of the most comfortable headphones ever. As per the manufacturers, this technology brings the concept of healthy hearing to life without any hassle. This product comes in two variations; the Airpods 4 and the Airpods 4 ANC (Active Noise Cancellation).

Comfort is the USP of this product yet its defining factor is the design, which is an advanced take on the classics. Unlike other earplugs, these feature a supersonic H2 chip which helps in delivering the complete AI experience along with the iconic Siri Interactions. With these, it’s pretty evident that you’re the one in control. 

Reviewed Features of the Airpods 4

Design & Fit

Both variations of the Airpods 4 have the same design with exact dimensions measuring 1.19 inches in length and 0.72 inches in width. The case of these earphones measures 1.82 inches in length and 1.97 inches in width. Thanks to its tiny frame, the buds of this baby cup up perfectly in the concha. And we absolutely love the 0.15-ounce weight which makes these earpods feel barely there. That’s the type of comfort you want while jogging. 

Controls

With this amazing gadget, you can accept calls, pause, unpause, mute, unmute, and play media, all with one tap. To end a call or skip the media forward, tap twice, while for skipping backward, tap thrice. You can even consult Siri by pressing the button and holding it for a second or two. However, navigating the button could be a problem, since it doesn’t have a regular raised layout. Users mention getting used to it after a while, so that’s not a red flag to look out for. 

Sound Quality

When it comes to sound quality, these tiny buds will shock you with their new pointed drivers that ensure balance and clarity. Tests have also shown that the bassline is reasonably deep and has that thwack factor. Even though it thins down a bit in the low-frequencies, the overall profile is pretty good. Another good thing about these buds is the consistency; the sound profile of each bud matches in terms of peaks, dips, and vocals. 

Noise Cancellation & Voice Isolation

If you’re expecting full-on noise cancellation from these babies, we’d tell you to take your hopes somewhere else. Logistically, it's not possible for these buds to block 100% rattle from outside as they don’t cover your ear canal completely. Though it does block medium-frequency noises like people talking in the background, the much higher frequencies like traffic din are inevitably to be unheard. The same is the case with voice isolation; however, the Personalized Volume feature can be a lifesaver to combat medium-ambient noises and voices. 

Audio Leakage

One serious issue of all previous models of the Airpods is audio leakage. The high sound frequency negates your privacy by giving side-sitters a show into your personal life. The new Apple AirPods combats this issue like a pro, leaking no medium or low-frequency outgoing sounds. As for the high-frequency sound, you’ll have to lower the volume because slight hums might escape the buds. Overall, we give it a 9.5 out of 10 in this department. 

Bluetooth Connection

Featuring a decent Bluetooth 5.3 technology, this device allows you several benefits over its predecessor. For starters, it enables enhanced data transfer rates up to 240 meters distance, meaning what’s playing in your compatible device will reach your ears within milliseconds. With this technology being highly energy-efficient, there are no signs of heavy power withdrawal. The best part is that if your compatible device is iOS-powered, you will encounter minimum to no lagging. 

Battery

The lithium-ion battery of the earphones is considered extremely reliable with a lasting duration of 5 hours, which is more than the previous models. Though in standby mode, you can extend it to 6 to 6.7 hours smoothly. The case can hold its charge for roughly up to 33 hours, again a surprise compared to what’s advertised. You can recharge both the earphones and the case up to 80% (as recommended, to increase battery lifespan) within 30 minutes.

Value for Money

These Airpods are expensive, as all Apple products are, promoting a sense of rarity, but do they offer value for money? We’d say yes, regardless of the $130 and $180 price tags of Airpods 4 and Airpods 4 ANC. While they do block considerable din, it’s the smooth functionality and fit that make these an upgrade worth every dime. Especially for people with a complete ecosystem, this teeny tiny product can bring a good change in the everyday lifestyle. 

Compatibility

One of the major disappointments of this product is its incompatibility with Xbox and Playstation - seriously, Why Apple? But on the bright side, you can pair it up with all Android smartphones, laptops, and tablets. The iOS users do have a weighted advantage over Android users when it comes to these buds though. 

You can access all advanced features and Siri through your iOS device. Multi-device pairing is also possible if both devices are registered on the same iCloud account. With iOS 18 or 18+, you can access features like personalized volume ahead gesture controls.

Final Verdict - Do or Ditch? 

Putting an end to the suspense, the Airpods 4 are an investment you’d want to make today for your ease. For those calling these earphones a redo of the previous Airpods, hear us, this new gadget has finally nailed what no one else could - a structure that fits! The sound profile is top-notch, and the controls are 100% perfect. Its din cancellation and isolation is also good - that, right there is a masterpiece! 

Another big bonus of the design is its composition which is mostly recycled, promoting sustainability.  The advanced H2 chip with Head Gesture is something you wouldn’t want to miss out on, especially with your hands full. So what's stopping you from owning a pair of these budsies?