I have a confession: I was an AirPods skeptic at first and not sure about Apple's idea of true wireless earbuds. Having used wired earphones for the longest time, it wasn’t easy to cut the cord. It didn’t help that at first glance, the AirPods didn’t really give that sturdy vibe. But, oh, how wrong I was. Since AirPods first launched in 2016, they’ve been a constant pocket companion, rarely leaving my side.
As a reviewer, I have the privilege to test many excellent true wireless earbuds but no matter how many truly wireless earbuds I test, I always come back to my trusty AirPods Pro. Not to sound too overdramatic but they are not just earbuds for me but an extension of my iPhone and my digital existence. They’re as essential as my wallet, my keys, something I never leave behind. AirPods just get me.
Having used the AirPods Pro extensively — and reviewed the AirPods 3 — I was curious about the AirPods 4. The AirPods 3 were good but not good enough to replace my AirPods Pro. Can the AirPods 4 do that with its ANC, new-ish design, and a smaller case? Read on to find out more.
Apple AirPods 4 review: Design
The AirPods 4, a significant departure from their predecessors, usher in a new era of Apple earbuds. Gone are the elongated stems that have been a hallmark of previous models. Instead, the AirPods 4 sport a more compact and refined design reminiscent of the AirPods 3.
The earbuds themselves stick to the same timeless design—no silicone tips here, unlike the Pro models. Now, personally, I’ve always leaned towards the Pro for those silicone tips. Not because I am worried about these slipping off but when it comes to ANC, the silicon tips are a godsend.
Many people fear about the AirPods falling off their years but they have a clever balance of shape and weight. The AirPods 4 fit in quite snugly, even though my ears took time to get used to the absence of the silicon tips.
Measuring a mere 30.2 x 18.3 x 18.1mm and weighing a feather-light 0.15 ounces, the AirPods 4 offer an incredibly discreet and comfortable fit. Even during extended listening sessions, these earbuds remain snug and secure in the ear.
The AirPods 4 not only boast a sleek design but also offer enhanced durability and functionality. Equipped with an IP54 rating for sweat resistance, these earbuds are can be worn without any worries during workouts or outdoor runs.
The AirPods 4 inherit several premium features previously reserved for the AirPods Pro. Personalized Spatial Audio is now available on this more affordable model. Conversation Awareness, another useful feature, automatically reduces playback volume when you begin speaking. I am not a fan of this feature as even if you cough a bit loudly, the volume is reduced.
Furthermore, the AirPods 4 introduce Head Gestures, a new interaction method that allows you to answer or decline calls with a simple shake of your head.
Apple AirPods 4 review: Performance, ANC
With the new AirPods 4, Apple has levelled up the game by adding active noise cancellation to its lineup without breaking the bank like the AirPods Pro. The ANC works rather well on the AirPods 4 — though not as well as the AirPods Pro. Still, at a noisy airport, they are able to drown the outside noise. But if you are in an office surrounding and want to put a muzzle on the surrounding chatter, the AirPods 4 do that really well.
And then there’s the seamless switching. Need to hop from your iPhone call to a Zoom meeting on your MacBook and then over to a YouTube break on your iPad? The AirPods handle it all like a pro, gliding from one device to the next with absolute ease. It is also one of the biggest reasons why ditching my AirPods is next to impossible. That device switch convenience is hard to find any other pair of true wireless earbuds.
When it comes to audio quality, these are AirPods which mean you get Apple’s signature soundstage and a concisely good audio across genres. Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” sounds great on the AirPods 4. The rich acoustic guitar and haunting vocals hit the sweet spot. The AirPods 4 also deliver a clear separation between instruments, allowing the ethereal quality of David Gilmour’s voice to shine through while the guitar gently strums.
Simon and Garfunkel’s iconic “The Sound of Silence” shows how well the AirPods 4 handle the the duo’s intricate harmonies. Each vocal layer is distinct yet beautifully blended. It’s not an easy song for most TWS but on AirPods 4, it sounds quite delightful.
Stevie Nicks’ sultry vocals on Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” is another song I tried. The bassline is punchy yet refined and it sounds really good. The AirPods 4 bring Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s powerful vocals and intricate qawwali rhythms in “Tumhein Dillagi”.
When it comes to battery life, you can get close to six hours on a single charge and another 24 with the charging case. It’s not the best but still reasonably good.
Apple AirPods 4 review: Should you buy them?
At Rs 17,900, the AirPods 4 are Apple’s way of offering some of the premium features at an affordable price. If you don’t want ANC and almost all other features, there’s a pair selling for Rs 12,900 as well. But I recommend the ANC ones as blocking outside noise is a great feature. If you’re on the hunt for a pair of wireless earbuds that won’t let you down, the AirPods 4 are certainly up there.
The sound quality is undeniably impressive, capturing everything from the crisp strum of a Fleetwood Mac guitar to the soulful highs of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. If you crave convenience, seamless device switching, and a pair of earbuds that deliver consistently good audio, the AirPods 4 are worth it. More so, if you have an iPhone. For those with Android phones, the OnePlus Buds 3 Pro are a really good alternative. Still, the AirPods 4 offer a compelling alternative to the AirPods Pro.
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