Apple AirPods 4 review: A sound decision for every iPhone fan

I knew it was coming, but for me, the Apple AirPods 4 was the biggest (and most pleasant) surprise of the 2024 Apple Special Event. Finally, non-Pro AirPods with active noise cancellation, gesture control, and more! Plus, two different versions – a lot to celebrate.

I’ve been using the AirPods 4 (mainly the “with ANC” variety and the lower-priced non-ANC version) for over a week. Although they won’t replace my absolute favourite Apple AirPods Pro 2 as my go-to in-ears, there is a lot to like and love about the new headphones.

Just to throw it out there, the AirPods 4 with ANC are the best earbuds for iPhone users on a budget and those who don’t like the (rather strong) passive noise cancellation of the AirPods Pro 2.

What are the pros and cons of the AirPods 4, and how do they compare to the big rivals from Bose, Sony and Beats? Read my full Apple AirPods 4 review below to find out.

Apple AirPods 4 review

Price and availability

Apple’s AirPods 4 was announced in Spetember 2024 and is available directly from Apple UK, Apple US and Apple AU and third-party retailers now.

The base version is a direct upgrade from the previous AirPods model with a slicker shape, smaller case, and better sound, which retails for £129/ /$129/ AU$219. The AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancelling sells for £179/ $179/ AU$299.

While the cheaper non-ANC version is slightly more expensive than similar earbuds on the market, the AirPods 4 with ANC is one of the most accessibly-priced headphones with active noise cancellation.

Apple has made an effort in recent years to cap the price increase of its wearables, and the AirPods 4 with ANC is certainly one of Apple's best value-for-money products. Better still, for the wallet-friendly price, you get flawless integration across devices, instant pairing, and Siri at your beck and call.

Specifications

• Dimensions (AirPods 4, H x W x D): 1.19” x 0.72” x 0.71”
• Dimensions (Charging case, H x W x D): 1.82” x 1.97” x 0.83”
• Weight (AirPods 4): 0.15 ounce (4.3 grams)
• Weight (Charging Case): 1.22 ounces (34.7 grams)
• Durability: IP54-rated (AirPods 4 and Charging Case)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3
• Battery: up to 5 hours of listening time with a single charge (up to 4 hours with ANC enabled), up to 30 hours of listening time (up to 20 hours with ANC enabled)
• Charging time: 5 minutes in the case provides around 1 hour of listening time
• ANC: yes (AirPods 4 with ANC model)

Design and build quality

Apple’s playing it safe with the AirPods 4 design, but when you’ve got a winning formula, why mess with it? They’re sleeker, lighter, and more compact than the Apple AirPods 3 but feature the same open-ear design that allows air to enter the ears for longer-lasting comfort.

The iconic stemmed design is still very much present, but Apple refined the angle of the contour and adjusted the buds’ width for increased comfort. The company applied some of the learnings from the AirPods Pro 2, like moving some components and the battery into the stems, without drastically changing the form factor people love.

One of the components moved was the new H2 chip, the same one that powers the AirPods Pro 2. The chip added some cool functionality previously only available on the Pro model (see Features and functionality section).

Apple improved the AirPods 4’s and the charging case’s durability by making them IP54-rated (the AirPods 3 were ‘only’ IPX4). It’s worth noting that the first number means dust protection and that the ‘X’ in ‘IPX4’ merely means that the product wasn’t tested for dust ingress. Nevertheless, it’s a welcome improvement.

One huge advantage of the AirPods 4 is their weight. At 0.15 ounces (4.3 grams), they are some of the lightest in-ears on the market right now. Plus, the charging case is the smallest in the world (according to Apple), weighing only 1.22 ounces (34.7 grams).

Speaking of the charging case, Apple removed the push button and replaced it with an invisible capacitive version. The button was used to pair the buds with new devices; now, you can double-tap the case when it’s open (with the buds inside) to initiate pairing mode.

Both the AirPods 4 and the AirPods 4 with ANC can be charged via USB-C. However, the AirPods 4 with ANC’s case also has a built-in speaker, helping locate the buds via Find My (you can essentially ring the case). Also, the case chimes when you put the buds back inside and when you put the case itself on charge.

Features and functionality

The H2 chip now enables you to operate the AirPods 4 very much the same way as the AirPods Pro 2. The force sensor on the stem lets you play and skip songs as well as answer calls. Sadly, you can’t control the volume like on the AirPods Pro 2, but Apple had to draw the line somewhere, right?!

Siri also makes a big appearance in the AirPods 4, thanks to the H2 chip. You can interact with the smart assistant by saying, “Hey Siri”, and do cool things like send messages, set reminders, and more.

Another way to interact with Siri is to nod your head “yes” or gently shake your head “no” to respond to Siri Announcements for calls, messages, and notifications. This can be useful when Siri prompts you in quiet environments or when reaching for your iPhone isn’t an option.

The function works perfectly, although I must say, shaking your head disapprovingly in public to deny calls does look a bit strange. It's not like I care what people think about me, but it’s not hard to look slightly eccentric when shaking and nodding your head to respond to Siri.

Spatial Audio is back with a vengeance. The AirPods 4 feature Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, also powered by the H2 chip. There is also Personalised Volume, which adjusts the volume of media in response to your environment, Conversation Awareness and Automatic Ear Detection.

One thing that’s still missing is an AirPods app to control/change EQ settings. You find the control panel for your AirPods 4 in the settings, as usual, which is fine, but it also means there is no way to tweak the sound of the buds. You just have to trust Apple’s sound engineers. To be fair, they seem to know what they’re doing.

Audio quality

The AirPods 4 have an open-air design, naturally providing reduced passive noise cancellation and allowing more ambient sound to enter the ears. This makes them less isolating but more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time.

As mentioned above, the H2 chip has been moved to the stem, leaving more room in the head of the buds. This, according to Apple, improves acoustic architecture; however, in classic Apple fashion, the company doesn’t say in which way was said architecture improved.

I like the sound of the AirPods 4, but they aren’t here to shake up the world of sound – they deliver where it counts, though. You’ll get crisp highs and clear mids – perfect for podcasts, vocal-heavy tracks, and casual listening. Bass lovers, though, might feel a bit shortchanged. The low-end is present but not punchy, which might leave you reaching for an EQ that, spoiler alert, doesn’t exist.

The AirPods 4 with ANC sounds better, thanks to its ability to remove some of the distractions in the lower registers. Apple says the AirPods 4 has half the ANC prowess of the AirPods Pro 2 (so to speak), which is evident when you’re out in public with the buds.

I tried them on the tube, train, and during flights, and the AirPods 4 do an excellent job removing the constant droning sound of machines. However, they struggle with eliminating higher-pitched sounds, like when tannoy announcements. Decent ANC performance for the price, that’s for sure.

Microphone and call quality

If there’s one thing AirPods have nailed from the start, it’s call quality, and the AirPods 4 continue that streak. Connectivity with iPhones is on point (as expected), and sound comes through the earbuds loud and clear. The microphone's performance is also good; I had no complaints from the people I chatted with. This is probably because AirPods connect so well with iPhones (and Macs, etc.), so there are no latency issues.

Siri, of course, is always listening, so it’s always available when you need it. It’s ready to take your commands without missing a beat. Whether you’re sending texts, checking the weather, or queuing up a playlist, Siri integration is smoother than ever. Calls and voice commands are a breeze, making these earbuds just as much about communication as they are about music.

Battery life and charging

Battery life on the AirPods 4 is… fine. With ANC on, you’re getting about 4 hours, which isn’t stellar but acceptable. Turn the ANC off, and you gain an extra hour. Add the charging case, and you’re looking at a total of 30 hours (20 hours with ANC on), which is solid but nothing to write home about.

In my experience, that four hours with ANC is closer to three and a half hours of battery life, which is, again, not mind blowing but good enough. I know the lightness is a big advantage of the AirPods 4, but I wish Apple made the buds heavier by adding a larger battery.

If you’re the kind of person who forgets to charge their earbuds (you know who you are), the fast-charge feature will be your best friend – 5 minutes in the case gives you an extra hour of listening.

Popping the AirPods 4 back in their case during your lunch break will give you just about enough juice to survive the rest of your work day. Then, you can pop them in the case again for a 5-minute top-up before you start your commute home.

Of course, USB-C charging is here (huzzah!), and you can also use MagSafe wireless chargers if you have one of those. Better still, the AirPods 4 with ANC’s case will chime when charging, which is a lovely little accessibility feature for the visually impaired.

Verdict

The AirPods 4 are classic Apple – slick, intuitive, and tied into an ecosystem that makes you feel like everything just works. If you’re living in Apple’s world, these are a no-brainer, bringing that signature seamless experience we’ve come to expect.

Of the two AirPods 4 versions, it’s hard not to recommend the one with active noise cancellation. Apart from the comparatively shorter battery life, the AirPods 4 with ANC is the best affordable earbuds option for iPhone users, thanks to the flawless connectivity we know and love.

Sure, the ANC might not be mind-blowing or class-leading due to the open-ear design, and there’s no manual EQ to fine-tune your sound, but for most users, the convenience far outweighs the compromises.

If you’re the kind of person who values simplicity, integration, and a solid all-around listening experience, the AirPods 4 are an easy choice. But if you’re hunting for audiophile-grade sound or the best ANC money can buy, you might want to look at the competition.

Also consider

If the AirPods 4 aren’t quite hitting all the right notes for you, here are some alternatives that might:

Sony WF-1000XM5: Audiophile-grade sound, class-leading ANC, and customisable EQ. If sound quality is your top priority, Sony’s got you covered.

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II: Bose’s noise-cancellation is still the one to beat. If blocking out the world is your goal, these are your go-to.

Beats Studio Buds Plus: Works almost as well with iPhones as the AirPods 4 but offers a punchier sound performance and longer battery life in a stem-less design.