AirPods 4 Review: A Comprehensive Analysis

Design and Comfort

The AirPods 4 have been redesigned for enhanced comfort and fit. The new internal architecture and refined contour provide a natural and secure fit for more users than ever before. The shortened stem houses the battery and H2 chip, while the new force sensor lets you control playback and calls with just a pinch.

AirPods 4 and the charging case are rated IP54 dust, sweat, and water resistant, making them durable enough to withstand rain and heavy workouts.

Sound Quality

The AirPods 4 offer a completely transformed audio experience with Personalized Spatial Audio and dynamic head tracking. The H2 chip enhances audio and call quality, making music sound exceptional with deeper bass and crystal-clear highs. Adaptive EQ automatically tunes music to your ears, ensuring rich detail in every song.

For the first time in this design, AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation are available, helping to reduce low-frequency environmental noise. Adaptive Audio blends Transparency and Active Noise Cancellation in real-time, tailoring noise control to your environment.

Active Noise Cancellation

AirPods 4 now offer Active Noise Cancellation, a first for this open-ear design. Powered by the H2 chip and upgraded microphones, it reduces low-frequency environmental noise, enhancing your listening experience in noisy environments.

Voice Isolation and Siri Interaction

Clearer calls are made possible with Voice Isolation, which minimizes background noise while clarifying your voice. A new, hands-free way to interact with Siri is also introduced, allowing you to control playback and calls without touching your AirPods.

Battery Life

AirPods 4 provide up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge, and up to 4 hours with Active Noise Cancellation enabled. The charging case offers up to 30 hours of total listening time, or up to 20 hours with Active Noise Cancellation.

Charging Options

Both AirPods 4 models come with USB-C charging capabilities. AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation also support wireless charging, which can be done using an Apple Watch charger or a Qi-certified charger.

Pairing and Connection

AirPods 4 pair instantly with every device connected to your Apple ID. Simply place AirPods near your iPhone or iPad and tap Connect. They also provide a seamless listening experience across iPhone, Apple Watch, Apple Vision Pro, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV.

Find My and Siri

Track down your AirPods 4 with the Find My app. For AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, you can have the case play a sound to help locate it. Siri can be activated with just “Siri” or “Hey Siri,” allowing you to play music, make calls, get directions, or check your schedule hands-free.

Pre-order and Release Date

AirPods 4 are available for pre-order and will be released on September 20. You can pre-order through the Apple website or the Apple Store app.

Purchase Options

Apple offers various purchase options, including Apple Card Monthly Installments for interest-free payments. Personalization options such as engraving are also available for free during the purchase process.

AppleCare+ for Headphones

AppleCare+ for Headphones extends your coverage to up to 24 months from your AirPods purchase date and adds up to two incidents of accidental damage protection every 12 months, each subject to a service fee.

Support and Service

Apple provides comprehensive support for AirPods 4 through its support website, including troubleshooting guides, user manuals, and access to Apple experts for assistance.