Here’s a polished review of the Apple AirPods 4 wireless earbuds, covering both the standard and the ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) versions:
✅ What’s Great
1. Refined sound performance
- Equipped with a new 11 mm low-distortion driver and H2 chip, offering deeper bass, crisp highs, and improved instrument separation compared to AirPods 3 (Engadget).
- Users report a soundstage “very nicely balanced… with plenty of air and micro‑details” – surprisingly close to AirPods Pro-level quality (Reddit).
2. Comfortable, secure fit
- Slightly slimmer stems and refined geometry result in a more stable open-fit design. Comfortable for long wear, though still not as sealing as in-ear tips (Business Standard).
- Many users praised the fit: “I shook my head… and they didn’t miss a beat.” (Reddit, Reddit)
3. Noise‑Cancelling (ANC) + Adaptive Audio
- First open-ear Apple earbuds with ANC – mainly reducing low-frequency noise like engine hum and air conditioning, though not as isolating as silicone tips (What Hi-Fi?).
- Includes Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness, automatically adjusting transparency when you speak (Business Standard).
4. Deep Apple ecosystem integration
- Seamless device switching, Spatial Audio with head-tracking, Siri support, new voice isolation for calls, and head‑nod gestures to answer or dismiss calls (The Guardian).
- Compact, now USB‑C (case also supports Qi and Apple Watch wireless charging on ANC model) (The Guardian).
5. Water resistance & build quality
- Rated IP54 for splash and dust resistance. Durable enough for light rain and workouts (The Hindu).
- Heavy use (workouts, light rain) didn’t diminish performance (Reddit).
⚠️ What Could Be Better
1. Battery life is average
- Around 5 hrs per charge (standard) and 4 hrs with ANC enabled, totaling ~30 hrs including the case (What Hi-Fi?).
- Some users clock only 3.5 hrs with ANC during heavier usage (Digit, The Hindu).
2. Audio tuning isn’t for everyone
- Some find the bass and treble a bit “boomy” or sibilant – “sound quality feels like a slight downgrade… overly boomy” (Reddit).
- Others disagree and love the enhanced detail; Apple’s Adaptive EQ may or may not suit personal taste (Reddit, The Times of India).
3. No onboard volume controls
- You must use Siri or your device to adjust volume – no swipes or taps on the earbuds themselves (The Hindu).
4. Case ergonomics
- Smaller case is pocket-friendly—but earbuds can be fiddly to remove; you might fumble or drop them (The Guardian).
5. Open‑fit limits true isolation
- ANC helps, but doesn’t fully block noise like in-ear buds (AirPods Pro, Bose, Sony) (Engadget, What Hi-Fi?, Business Standard).
6. Non‑repairable design
- No battery replacements; Apple offers paid battery service, but repairability remains low (The Guardian).
Rating: 4/5
📋 Summary Table
| Feature | Standard AirPods 4 | ANC AirPods 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (US) | ~$129 (₹12,900 in India) | ~$179 (₹17,900 in India) |
| Fit | Open‑fit, improved stability | Same fit |
| Sound quality | Upgraded, richer and detailed | Same audio, plus ANC |
| Battery life | ~5 hrs (earbuds), 30 hrs total | ~4 hrs with ANC, 20 hrs total |
| ANC | ❌ | ✅ Low-frequency noise suppression |
| Charging case | USB‑C only | USB‑C + Qi + Apple Watch support |
| Water resistance | IP54 | IP54 |
🏆 Final Verdict
The AirPods 4 are a meaningful upgrade in comfort, sound, and Apple‑centric features. They’re one of the best open‑fit earbuds you can get—especially if you dislike silicone tips—but ANC remains modest compared to sealed buds. Battery life is serviceable, though not standout.
- Choose the standard model if you prefer better battery and don’t need ANC.
- Go for ANC version if you want some active noise reduction in a comfortable open design—and don’t mind replacing earbuds more often.
Overall, Apple nailed comfort and ecosystem connectivity. They aren’t the perfect fit for everyone’s ears or needs—but if you want seamless Apple use, better sound, and don’t mind paying extra for ANC, the AirPods 4 offer compelling value.
Interested in alternatives (like Nothing Ear Stick, Galaxy Buds Pro 2, AirPods Pro 2)? I can compare them next!
