Battery (buds): 5 hours
Battery with case: 30 hours
Weight (bud): 4.3g per earbud
Noise cancellation: No
Spatial audio: Yes, Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
Water resistance: IP54
AirPods 4 give you everything you love about AirPods at an entry-level price point. The Apple magic is there, with easy device switching and all of the iOS ecosystem perks you want. The Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking also gives you a theatre-like sound experience. There are plenty of other extras, too, with Voice Isolation, Adaptive EQ, the H2 chip, USB-C charging case, and a new shape designed to fit your ears better. Overall, you have to say you're getting a lot for your money with the AirPods 4.
For
- Reasonable price point
- Gesture control adds value
- Decent battery life
Against
- No Noise Cancellation
- No wireless charger
- No speaker in case
Battery (buds): 5 hours (4 hours with noise canceling)
Battery with case: 30 hours (20 hours with noise canceling)
Weight (bud): 4.3g per earbud
Noise cancellation: Yes
Spatial audio: Yes, Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
Water resistance: IP54
For a little extra, the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation bring even more to the table. Additional features include, of course, noise cancellation (which will be the determining factor for many buyers), but you also get Adaptive Audio, Transparency Mode and Conversation Awareness. Plus, you get the ability to charge not only with USB-C but also any Qi wireless charger or your Apple Watch charger. The case has a speaker for use with Find My. Our early verdict of the AirPods 4 with noise cancellation details all of these features.
For
- Noise cancellation has a strong effect
- Audio playback is rich and clear
- Spatial Audio sounds great
Against
- Below-average battery life
- Some sound leakage from outer-ear fit
