Apple AirPods 4 with ANC
Best Apple earphones
Pros
- Great for those who you don’t like in-ear buds
- Packed with features
- Diminutive case
Cons
- The ANC has its limits
- Fit won’t be for everyone
The AirPods 4 are the sequel to the AirPods 3, and come in two versions: one with noise-cancellation, and another without.
The version we tested was the ANC model, and while we had doubts about how well an open-ear design would work with ANC, the AirPods 4 do a surprisingly good job at removing ambient noise. The AirPods Pro 2 are still the better option for noise-cancellation, but if you don’t like that design, the AirPods 4 are your next best bet.
We found the AirPods 4 to be more comfortable to wear than previous models, though the one-size design may not fit all ears as it doesn’t feature any ear-tips to provide a stronger seal. These headphones also use Apple’s Force Sensor for control, though disappointingly there’s no means of controlling the volume on the earbuds.
The AirPods 4 doesn’t have as long a battery life as the AirPods 3, registering four hours with ANC and five without in our tests. But these earbuds have switched from a Lightning connection to USB-C for charging, and there is wireless charging support included to.
There are Apple-specific features such as Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos, which supports immersive 3D audio with head tracking (on Apple Music), quick pairing with iOS devices as well as Audio Sharing, where you can share what you’re listening to with another pair of AirPods. The Conversation Awareness feature isn’t exclusive to iOS devices, as it enables the Transparency mode when you start talking, but we haven’t had much luck in making this feature work.
As long as you’re not looking for audiophile quality sound from the AirPods 4, we think you’ll be happy with the performance of these headphones. They register more in the bass department, the midrange performance is clear, and there’s a bright energy to the treble. Even with ANC they’re a better listen in quieter environments. Nevertheless, in terms of the standard AirPods line, these are the best ones yet.
Reviewer: Max Parker
Full Review: Apple AirPods 4 with ANC
