Apple AirPods 4 with ANC
Apple AirPods 4 with ANC Review: Are They Worth the Upgrade?
Apple's AirPods have long dominated the wireless earbud market, offering seamless connectivity, premium sound quality, and iconic design. With the release of the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Apple takes another step forward, bridging the gap between affordability and high-end performance.
In this comprehensive review, we'll cover the design, comfort, features, sound quality, ANC performance, battery life, and overall user experience of the AirPods 4. By the end, you'll know whether these earbuds are the right choice for you.
Design and Comfort
Apple has always focused on creating earbuds that combine minimalist design with comfort, and the AirPods 4 continue this tradition. They come with a slightly refined look compared to the AirPods 3, featuring a shorter stem and an ergonomic fit that sits securely in the ear.
Lightweight Build: At just a few grams per earbud, they are barely noticeable during extended wear.
Customizable Fit: Apple finally introduces multiple ear tip sizes, ensuring a snug fit for different ear shapes.
Sweat and Water Resistance: With an IPX4 rating, the AirPods 4 can withstand workouts and light rain, making them a good option for active users.
Comfort is excellent for most users, though those with very small ears may still find the fit slightly challenging after long sessions.
Key Features of AirPods 4 with ANC
One of the standout upgrades in the AirPods 4 is the integration of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), a feature previously reserved for the Pro lineup.
Here are the most notable features:
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Blocks out background noise for an immersive listening experience.
Transparency Mode: Lets in outside sound when you need awareness, such as walking in busy streets.
Adaptive EQ: Adjusts sound in real time based on your ear shape.
Spatial Audio with Dynamic Head Tracking: Creates a surround-sound effect for movies, music, and calls.
Seamless Apple Ecosystem Integration: One-tap pairing, automatic device switching, and Siri voice assistant support.
Find My Integration: Helps locate lost AirPods via the Find My app.
These features make the AirPods 4 more versatile than previous generations, appealing to both casual listeners and professionals.
Sound Quality
The sound performance of the AirPods 4 is noticeably improved compared to earlier non-Pro models. Apple has refined the drivers to produce:
Crisp highs that maintain clarity without distortion.
Balanced mids for natural vocals and podcasts.
Enhanced bass response, though not as heavy as some bass-focused earbuds.
The Adaptive EQ is particularly useful, automatically adjusting frequencies to your ear canal for a more personalized listening experience.
When combined with ANC, the AirPods 4 deliver a more immersive audio environment, allowing you to fully enjoy music, audiobooks, or movies even in noisy settings.
ANC and Transparency Performance
The Active Noise Cancellation on AirPods 4 is impressive, especially considering these are not the Pro series. While they don’t match the ANC levels of the AirPods Pro 2 or high-end competitors like Sony WF-1000XM5, they block out everyday noise effectively.
Office use: Cancels out typing sounds, air conditioning, and chatter.
Commuting: Reduces the rumble of buses, trains, and engines.
Airplane travel: Provides noticeable noise reduction, though some engine sounds still seep through.
The Transparency Mode is also excellent, allowing you to carry conversations or stay aware of surroundings without removing the earbuds.
Battery Life
Battery life is always a concern with wireless earbuds, and the AirPods 4 perform well in this area.
Up to 6 hours of listening time with ANC enabled.
Around 30 hours total with the charging case.
Fast charging: A quick 5-minute charge provides about 1 hour of playback.
Wireless charging case: Supports MagSafe and Qi wireless charging.
Compared to competitors, these numbers are competitive, though heavy ANC use can drain the battery faster.
Call Quality and Microphone Performance
Apple consistently delivers great call quality, and the AirPods 4 are no exception. Thanks to beamforming microphones and advanced algorithms:
Voices sound clear and natural during phone and video calls.
Background noise reduction ensures that callers hear you clearly, even in busy environments.
For professionals who take frequent calls, the AirPods 4 are a reliable choice.
Connectivity and Ecosystem Benefits
Being part of the Apple ecosystem is one of the biggest advantages of the AirPods 4. They integrate seamlessly with iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch.
Instant pairing with Apple devices.
Automatic switching when moving between devices (e.g., iPhone to MacBook).
Audio Sharing: Lets two people listen to the same audio stream with separate AirPods.
For non-Apple users, the AirPods 4 still function as standard Bluetooth earbuds, but some advanced features (like Spatial Audio and seamless switching) won't be available.
Price and Value
The AirPods 4 with ANC are positioned between the regular AirPods 3 and the AirPods Pro 2. This makes them an appealing option for those who want ANC without paying the Pro price tag.
Considering the sound quality, ecosystem integration, and ANC features, the value is strong, though Android users might find better alternatives at similar prices.
Pros and Cons of AirPods 4 with ANC
Pros:
Active Noise Cancellation now available outside the Pro lineup.
Lightweight, comfortable design with multiple ear tip options.
Strong sound quality with Adaptive EQ and Spatial Audio.
Excellent call quality and microphone performance.
Seamless Apple ecosystem integration.
Decent battery life with fast charging and wireless charging case.
Cons:
ANC not as strong as AirPods Pro 2 or top competitors.
Fit may not be perfect for very small ears.
Price still higher than many rival earbuds with similar features.
Limited functionality for Android users.
Final Verdict
The Apple AirPods 4 with ANC are a welcome addition to Apple's audio lineup, offering premium features without fully stepping into Pro territory. They strike a balance between affordability and performance, making them a great choice for Apple users who want better sound isolation and improved audio quality without paying top dollar.
If you're part of the Apple ecosystem, these earbuds are an easy recommendation. If you use Android or prefer stronger ANC, however, you might want to explore competitors like Sony or Bose.
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