AirPods 4 review: A safe and reliable option, but definitely better than its predecessors

During Apple’s time annual September hardware eventThe company released two new AirPods models along with iPhone 16 is highly anticipated family. new one AirPods 4 the lineup includes one model with active noise cancellation (ANC) and one without. The ANC model replaces the third-generation AirPods, and the model without it replaces the second-generation AirPods.

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the AirPods Pro 2 are my daily driver earbuds, but I splurged and bought the upgraded Pro model two years ago simply because the base model AirPods lacked noise cancellation and weren’t comfortable enough for long-term wear. Apple attests that both AirPods 4 models solve these problems, so I wore both pairs throughout my work week to see if Apple puts its money where its mouth is. Here’s how it happens.

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The AirPods 4 with ANC are Apple’s most capable earbuds after their larger and even more capable sibling, the AirPods Pro 2. Although noise cancellation and the Find My speaker take the cake There’s been a lot of conversation around these headphones’ new features, but it’s the smaller and less visible upgrades that matter most.

Both AirPods 4 models launch with Bluetooth 5.3, a significant upgrade over the 5.0 version found in both versions’ predecessors. In addition, the upgraded AirPods 4 also have better dust and water resistance and improved ear detection, choosing in-ear sensors instead of skin sensors.

Also: Your AirPods Pro 2 are getting a free audio upgrade, and it’s the most important one yet

Bluetooth 5.3 gives AirPods 4 a more stable Bluetooth connection, enhanced sound quality and more efficient power consumption. In-ear sensors allow for more reliable ear detection, as sensors on the skin have a harder time distinguishing when to play or pause music if you place the AirPods on a table or in a bag.

The AirPods 4 charging case is a bit more compact than the AirPods 3 case, making them easily pocketable and small enough to fit into small bags. The new charging case is much more space efficient than the second generation case, which was elongated and sometimes bulky.

As for comfort, I was pleasantly surprised with both AirPods 4 models. The stem is shorter than the second generation and the buds are more angled than the third generation, allowing them to sit more comfortably in your ears and angle the speakers. towards your eardrum. The AirPods 4’s tight, in-ear fit makes it easy to forget you’re wearing them, which I consider a significant increase in comfort compared to the second-generation AirPods.

Also: I’ve been using AirPods Pro 2 since the 2022 release. Are they still worth it in 2024?

Apple has upgraded the AirPods 4 to feature the H2 audio chip, the same chip found in the Pro 2 earbuds. This chip allows for enhanced noise cancellation performance, Transparency mode, and Assembly Awareness phone. The base model AirPods 4 lacks these features, but they take advantage of the H2 chip’s improved sound quality when the headphones are paired with your iPhone.

In terms of sound, AirPods 4 have stronger bass response than AirPods 2 and 3. The fourth-generation models sound great, with present bass, clear vocals, and impressive clarity. I listened to Sabrina Carpenter “espresso”, and I could hear an improvement in instrument separation, as the instrumental and vocal harmonies were pleasantly layered.

AirPods 4 support ANC for similar sound, and noise cancellation adds an extra layer of external noise protection that helps combat some of the ambient noise transmitted by the headphones’ open design. In noisier environments, noise cancellation performance isn’t as effective, but that’s also due to the buds’ design.

The only AirPods 4 feature I’m not sure about is a small hardware change. There was a small button on the back of the case on previous AirPods models, and you could force the AirPods into pairing mode by pressing and holding the button. On AirPods 4, there is no pairing button. Instead, the status light on the front of the box acts as a pairing sensor. Double-tapping the sensor will activate pairing mode, and triple-tapping will initiate a factory reset.

ZDNET Buying Tips

the AirPods 4 with ANC And AirPods 4 are a great pair of mid-range headphones for anyone already in the Apple ecosystem. Both headphones offer everything you need: great sound, adequate noise cancellation, a comfortable fit, and iOS device integration. The AirPods 4 are neither exciting nor impressive, so if you want a simple and useful pair of headphones, these are for you.

Also: How to know if you should (or shouldn’t) buy new USB-C AirPods Max

However, if you want Apple headphones that can accompany you in more dynamic situations, I recommend AirPods Pro 2. The Pro 2’s silicone ear tips hug your ear canal and provide a significantly more secure fit than the AirPods 4 model. The Pro 2’s in-canal design also provides a more immersive listening experience and noise canceling performance is more effective because the headphones are inserted deeper into your ears.

Additionally, if you pair these headphones with non-Apple devices, you’ll miss out on features like Spatial Audio, Adaptive Sound, Conversation Awareness, and Find My compatibility . If you want conventional earbuds that offer extensive software features regardless of your device’s operating system, consider Bose QuietComfort headphones or You’re welcome. Earrings.