Apple AirPods 4 review: Is it Time to Upgrade old AirPods?

Apple AirPods 4 are a significant update to Apple’s entry-level wireless earbuds. They not only refresh the product line that made AirPods famous but also introduce a new type of affordable earbuds with active noise canceling. One of the standout features is that they do away with silicone ear tips, which some people find uncomfortable. They also switch from Lightning port to USB-C, making them more compatible with various devices.

You might think that without a perfect seal in the ear, noise cancellation wouldn’t work well. However, after using Apple AirPods 4 during train rides, flights, workouts and everyday activities, I can say that they effectively reduce ambient sound. While they may not provide the same level of noise cancellation as AirPods Pro 2, they still do a good job. Personally, I find rubber tips uncomfortable after wearing them for while so I believe that Apple AirPods 4 will be very popular in coming years.

$129 version of Apple AirPods 4, which doesn’t include active noise canceling (ANC), features a redesigned acoustic setup and offers some great modern features. These include Personalized Spatial Audio, Conversation Awareness and Head Gestures—technologies that were previously found only in the more expensive models like AirPods Pro 2. This makes AirPods 4 fantastic deal at over $100 less.

However, one noticeable difference is that the battery life on Apple AirPods 4 is not as strong compared to the Pro version. To help you see how they stack up, I’ve included a chart below that compares the battery life estimates for both models. I also clarify the differences between the standard AirPods 4 and version with Active Noise Cancellation.

With two great options available, you can read my full review of Apple AirPods 4 to determine which version is best for you.

Apple AirPods 4 Specification:

🏷️ Price	$129 (standard), $179 (with ANC)
📏 Dimensions	30.2 x 18.3 x 18.1 mm
⚖️ Weight	0.15 oz
⚡ Charging	USB-C, wireless charging (with ANC)
⏳ Battery Life	5 hours (standard), 4 hours (with ANC)
📡 Codecs	Bluetooth 5.3, Apple H2
🌧️ Durability	IP54

Apple AirPods 4 Price and availability

Price of Apple AirPods 4 starts at $129 for the model without Active Noise Cancellation. This price is the same as AirPods 2 which have been available since 2019. However, you might find AirPods 2 for a lower price as retailers are trying to clear out their stock with some great deals.

If you want Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, it costs $179. This is the same price as AirPods 3 and is $70 less than AirPods Pro 2, making it a more affordable option for those looking for noise-canceling features.

Both versions of Apple AirPods 4 became available on September 20 and you can pre-order them now if you’re interested in getting a pair. Whether you choose the standard version or the one with noise canceling, both offer great features at competitive prices.

AirPods 4 vs. AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation

If you’re wondering why there are two types of Apple AirPods 4 with different prices:

• AirPods 4 ($129): This version does not have active noise cancellation (ANC). It’s great for everyday listening but doesn’t block out outside sounds.
• AirPods 4 with ANC ($179): This model includes active noise cancellation, which reduces background noise. It also has a transparency mode that lets you hear your surroundings when you want to. Additionally, there’s a feature called adaptive audio that automatically adjusts the noise cancellation based on the sounds around you.

Another important difference is the charging case. AirPods 4 with ANC come with a special case that has Find My support, which helps you locate your earbuds if you lose them. This case also supports wireless charging, making it convenient to power up your AirPods.

AirPods 4 Design and Comfort

Apple AirPods 4 have a new look, moving away from the long stems of earlier models. They resemble the AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro but don’t have rubber ear tips. Each earbud is small, measuring 30.2 x 18.3 x 18.1 mm and weighing just 0.15 ounces.

I found the Apple AirPods 4 comfortable for long use. Unlike silicone tips, these earbuds felt light. However, during a long flight, they did shift a bit in my ears, so I had to adjust them sometimes. Overall, they felt almost weightless.

Charging Case

Charging case for both versions measures 50.1 x 46.2 x 21.2 mm. The case without Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) weighs 1.14 ounces, while the ANC version is a bit heavier at 1.22 ounces. The extra weight comes from features like wireless charging and a speaker for the Find My function, which I love from the AirPods Pro 2.

Both cases don’t have a pairing button anymore. Instead, there’s a touchpad on the front for pairing. To connect your Apple AirPods 4 to a non-Apple device, just double-tap the front of the case below the status light.

Apple AirPods 4 Performance

Apple has redesigned the sound for AirPods 4, focusing on better bass and clearer highs compared to AirPods 2. When I listened to Kendrick Lamar’s song “Not Like Us,” the beat and brass instruments stood out clearly and his vocals were sharp and precise.

Vocals also sounded great for podcasts and TV shows. I used AirPods 4 while cooking and listening to a NASCAR race, and the announcers sounded very clear, even over the loud engines.

Active Noise Cancellation Features

For the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, you have options to block out background noise or let sounds in with transparency mode. There’s also an Adaptive Audio feature that combines both modes based on your surroundings. While it might not be as powerful as AirPods Pro 2 or some other top noise-canceling earbuds, it works well for earbuds that don’t fully seal in your ears.

Features of AirPods 4

Apple has added several advanced features to AirPods 4 that were previously available only in Pro models:

• Personalized Spatial Audio: This feature customizes sound to match your hearing, making audio feel more immersive.
• Conversation Awareness: This automatically lowers the volume when you start talking so you can have conversations without taking the earbuds out.
• Head Gestures: You can answer or decline calls just by shaking your head.
• Siri Integration: You can use Siri hands-free to manage notifications, send texts, and control music. With the upcoming updates in iOS 18 for iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro, Siri will better understand context during conversations through AirPods 4.

Sweat Resistance

Another useful feature is that AirPods 4 are rated IP54 for sweat resistance, making them suitable for workouts. This is an upgrade from AirPods 2, which did not have this rating, meaning moisture damage could lead to replacement issues.

Apple AirPods 4 Battery life

Apple AirPods 4 have decent battery life, but it could be better. Regular model gives you 5 hours of listening time and 30 hours with the charging case. The version with Active Noise Cancellation lasts 4 hours and 20 hours total with the case.

This means they might not last through a long flight, so they’re better for shorter trips or workouts. In comparison, AirPods Pro 2 last 6 hours with Active Noise Cancellation and 30 hours with the case. Other earbuds like the Sony LinkBuds S and Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, also last longer. A quick 5-minute charge gives about 1 hour of listening time and charging case now uses USB-C.

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Conclusion

AirPods 4 bring the entire AirPods lineup up to date with features like USB-C charging and smart functions, all in a compact design. Starting at $129, they’re a great choice for entry-level buyers.

If you want more features, model with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is worth the extra money. It comes with a Find My wireless charging case and an adaptive listening experience. While the AirPods Pro 2 offer an additional 2 hours of battery life and are often available for under $200, it really depends on what you prefer.

If you just need comfortable earbuds that work well with your Apple devices and sound good for the price, AirPods 4 are a solid recommendation. If you’re still using the original AirPods or AirPods 2, the AirPods 4 would be a great upgrade.