Apple’s AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation aim to bridge the gap between the basic AirPods and the feature-packed AirPods Pro. Priced at $179 / £179 / AU$299, they offer a mix of premium features like noise cancellation and wireless charging while maintaining the open-ear design that many users prefer. Released on September 20, 2024, they are positioned as a mid-tier option in Apple’s lineup, appealing to users who want advanced features without the higher cost of the Pro models.
While the price positions them competitively, the availability of the AirPods Pro 2 at similar discounts may make this choice tricky. With additional features and superior sound, the AirPods Pro 2 pose stiff competition. Let’s dive deeper into the AirPods 4 with ANC to see how they perform in terms of specifications, features, sound quality, design, and overall value.
Price and Specifications
The AirPods 4 with ANC come at $179 / £179 / AU$299, placing them between the entry-level AirPods 4 and the AirPods Pro 2. They feature high-excursion dynamic drivers and active noise cancellation. The battery life is rated at four hours with ANC on, extending up to 20 hours with the charging case.
Connectivity is through Bluetooth 5.3, with a USB-C charging port and support for wireless charging. However, they lack waterproofing and a few features seen in the Pro models, like UWB for precise location tracking. Other highlights include personalized Spatial Audio, Adaptive Audio Transparency, and Find My support, making them convenient for Apple users.
The earbuds weigh 4.3 grams each, which is lightweight enough for extended use. Despite lacking an official waterproof rating, their compact build and Apple’s design enhancements make them comfortable for everyday use.
Features
The AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation integrate seamlessly into Apple’s ecosystem, making them an attractive choice for users heavily invested in Apple devices. Pairing is quick and intuitive—just flip open the case near an iPhone, and the setup is complete within seconds. Once connected, the AirPods sync across all Apple devices linked to the same iCloud account, enabling effortless switching.
One of the standout additions is gesture controls. With a simple nod or shake of the head, users can accept or decline calls. This feature proves handy when multitasking or on the move. While reliable, some may find the gestures exaggerated and awkward, especially if they prefer traditional controls.
For playback control, Apple retains the squeeze controls on the stems. This allows users to toggle between noise cancellation and Transparency mode or play and pause music. However, the lack of volume adjustment by swiping on the stem—a feature available on the AirPods Pro 2—is disappointing.
Noise Cancellation and Transparency
Active noise cancellation on open-ear earbuds is challenging due to their design, but the AirPods 4 with ANC perform remarkably well. In busy environments like cafes or offices, background noise is noticeably reduced. On flights, they minimize ambient noise effectively, though not as thoroughly as the AirPods Pro 2, which have a better ear-sealing design.
Transparency mode is also impressive, providing clear and natural audio feedback from the surroundings. With Conversation Awareness enabled, users can seamlessly converse without removing the earbuds. The technology enhances voice clarity, making conversations feel natural and unprocessed.
The microphone quality is another strong point, delivering crisp audio for calls and voice recordings. Unlike many earbuds that over-process sound, the AirPods 4 ensure speech sounds natural and clear.
Sound Quality
Sound performance is a key area where the AirPods 4 excel. The earbuds deliver a balanced audio experience with rich bass, clear treble, and well-defined midrange tones. The high-excursion dynamic driver ensures minimal distortion even at higher volumes, making them suitable for various music genres.
Pop and EDM tracks showcase their ability to handle intricate layers of sound. The bass is punchy and controlled, complementing the vibrant treble and dynamic mids. Even subtle details in acoustic tracks, such as rainfall effects, come through with clarity.
Spatial Audio adds another layer of immersion. While particularly effective for movies and live tracks, it may not appeal to all music listeners. The head-tracking feature is smooth and lag-free, creating a surround sound effect that enhances cinematic experiences.
However, the AirPods 4 fall slightly short compared to the AirPods Pro 2 in terms of expansiveness and detail. While they handle dense audio tracks well, the overall soundstage feels narrower, and some elements lack weight and depth.
Design
Apple has refined the design of the AirPods 4 to enhance comfort and usability. The earbuds feature short stems and a more ergonomic shape, ensuring a snug fit. Despite their hard plastic build, they remain comfortable during extended use. They stay securely in place during activities like workouts, commutes, and flights.
The charging case is impressively compact, making it one of the smallest on the market. Its slim profile ensures easy portability, fitting effortlessly into pockets. However, removing the earbuds from the case can be tricky due to the strong magnets holding them in place.
The lack of a lanyard loop and a physical button for pairing is noticeable. Instead, pairing requires double-tapping a touch panel on the case, which may be less intuitive for some users. Additionally, the status light blends into the case, making it less conspicuous when not in use.
Value
When evaluating the AirPods 4 with ANC, their value depends largely on user priorities. For Apple users who prefer open-ear designs, these earbuds deliver excellent features and sound quality. At $179, they offer a fair balance between affordability and functionality.
However, comparisons with the AirPods Pro 2 reveal some shortcomings. The Pro 2 offers superior noise cancellation, additional features, and a more immersive sound experience—often at similar discounted prices. Competitors like the Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 also deliver better sound quality and cross-platform compatibility at a comparable cost.
While the AirPods 4 cater to a niche audience of Apple enthusiasts seeking open-ear buds, their value diminishes when broader options are considered.
Conclusion
The Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation are a compelling choice for users seeking open-ear earbuds with advanced features. Their seamless integration with Apple devices, effective noise cancellation, and balanced sound quality make them ideal for Apple enthusiasts.
However, for users who prioritize noise isolation, cross-platform functionality, or premium sound, alternatives like the AirPods Pro 2 or other leading earbuds may offer better value. For Apple loyalists looking for a blend of style, comfort, and performance, the AirPods 4 with ANC are a worthy consideration.
