Experience Unparalleled Sound with Apple AirPods 4: Hands-on Review of Active Noise Cancellation and Premium Features
Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation: A Review of Sound and Value
The Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation may not look like a radical departure from the third-generation AirPods at first glance, but don’t be fooled – these earbuds have undergone a significant overhaul. The design has been streamlined for a better fit, and the internal hardware has been upgraded, with many of the best features of AirPods Pro 2 trickling down to Apple’s new entry-level earbuds.
A Balanced Sound
One of the standout features of the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation is their sound quality. The earbuds deliver a clear and rich audio mix with a fairly wide soundstage, making them suitable for a variety of music genres. The real chef’s kiss here is the Spatial Audio support, which immerses you in the music and makes you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action.
Adaptive EQ and Custom Drive
The audio experience is powered by Adaptive EQ via the H2 chip, and sound is pushed out by a custom high-excursion drive and a high-dynamic range amplifier. This all comes together to give you a balanced representation of the track you’re listening to, with a surprising amount of bass for earbuds of this size.
Value for Money
At $179 / £169 / AU$279 with active noise cancellation or $129 without, AirPods 4 offers a lot of value for the price. You get a comfortable open-ear design that doesn’t fall out, solid battery life, and a findable case should they go missing. The higher price might only be $70 away from AirPods Pro, but you still get a lot of features for the price.
Should You Buy Them?
Buy them if:
- You’re looking for a comfortable open-ear design that doesn’t fall out
- You want a rich, crisp audio experience with Spatial Audio support
- You’re sold on Apple’s ecosystem and want to stay within it
Don’t buy them if:
- You’re looking for true noise cancellation (the AirPods 4 don’t provide a full seal of the ear)
- You’re on a tight budget (the AirPods 4 are priced at $179 / £169 / AU$279 with active noise cancellation)
How I Tested Them
I tested the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation for several days, using them with an iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPad Mini, iPad Pro, 14-inch MacBook Pro, Apple Watch Ultra 2, and Apple TV 4K. I tested audio playback, standard, and Spatial Audio tracks in various locations to gauge and track performance and see if there was sound leakage since these are open-ear earbuds.
Conclusion
The Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation are a great option for those looking for a comfortable, open-ear design with a rich audio experience and Spatial Audio support. While they may not offer true noise cancellation, they still provide a lot of value for the price. If you’re sold on Apple’s ecosystem and want a reliable pair of earbuds, the AirPods 4 are definitely worth considering.
