Apple AirPods 4 review: Is open-ear ANC done right?

Apple AirPods have long been a staple of the wireless earbuds market, attracting a wide audience with their comfort, simplicity, and seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem. However, for those looking for a more immersive listening experience with active noise cancellation (ANC), the open-ear design of traditional AirPods has always posed a challenge. Introducing AirPods 4 with ANC, Apple’s bold attempt to combine the best of both worlds: the comfort and situational awareness of an open-ear design with the noise-canceling capabilities of its flagship AirPods Pro.

After testing, I’m ready to share my in-depth review of the AirPods 4, both the standard and ANC models. We’ll dive into the intricacies of their design, audio quality, ANC performance, features, battery life, and overall value, ultimately answering the burning question: Has Apple finally cracked the code on open-ear ANC?

Visually, the AirPods 4 won’t surprise those familiar with Apple’s earbuds. The iconic white aesthetic remains the same, and the overall shape and contours are reminiscent of the AirPods 3. However, keen eyes will notice subtle refinements that contribute to a more comfortable and secure fit. The charging case has also shrunk slightly, making it even easier to carry.

One notable change is the inclusion of a USB-C port on the charging case, which finally adopts the industry standard and aligns with Apple’s recent move toward USB-C on its other devices. However, the lack of color options might disappoint some users looking for a little more customization.

Overall, AirPods 4 retain the familiar look and feel of AirPods, prioritizing comfort and a snug fit while incorporating modern conveniences like USB-C charging.

Both the standard and ANC versions of the AirPods 4 deliver impressive sound quality, a marked improvement over their predecessors. Powered by Apple’s H2 chip, the AirPods 4 produce a well-balanced sound signature with an emphasis on clarity and detail.

Bass response is noticeably improved over previous generations, delivering satisfying punch without overpowering the mids and highs. Instrument separation is excellent, allowing you to clearly distinguish individual elements within a complex mix. Highs are crisp and well-defined, giving the overall sound a sense of lightness and sparkle.

While audiophiles may prefer the slightly more refined sound of the AirPods Pro, the AirPods 4 offer a very enjoyable listening experience that will please most users. The improved audio performance, combined with the comfort of the open-ear design, makes them ideal for extended listening sessions.

The AirPods 4 with ANC are the stars of the show, introducing active noise cancellation to Apple’s open-back earbuds for the first time. The technology works similarly to the AirPods Pro, using microphones to analyze ambient noise and generate an anti-noise to counteract it. However, without the natural noise isolation provided by silicone eartips, ANC faces a unique challenge.

In real-world testing, I was surprised by the ANC’s performance. While it doesn’t create the same cocoon of silence as the AirPods Pro, it does a great job of reducing the intensity of low-frequency sounds like airplane engines, traffic noise, and office hums. In quieter environments, you’ll still hear some ambient noise, but once the music starts playing, the ANC does a remarkable job of keeping distractions at bay.

The AirPods 4 with ANC are really great at letting you enjoy your music at lower volume levels, even in moderately noisy environments. This has significant benefits for hearing health, as prolonged exposure to loud sounds can lead to hearing damage.

It’s important to set realistic expectations, though. The AirPods 4 with ANC won’t completely block out the world around you. In loud environments like crowded bars or busy streets, the ANC might struggle to keep up. Additionally, the lack of volume control on the earbuds themselves is a minor drawback compared to the AirPods Pro.

Overall, the AirPods 4’s ANC is a game-changer for open-ear headphones. It offers a level of noise reduction that I didn’t think was possible in this design, making it a viable option for those who prefer the comfort and situational awareness of open-ear headphones but still want some degree of noise cancellation.

In addition to ANC, AirPods 4 with ANC include several additional features that set them apart from the standard model. Wireless charging support provides added convenience, allowing you to charge the case on any Qi-compatible charger. The case’s built-in speaker is a handy addition for locating misplaced earbuds using the Find My app. Transparency mode lets you hear your surroundings without removing the earbuds, and Adaptive Audio intelligently combines ANC and Transparency based on your surroundings.

The standard AirPods 4 lack these features, which feels like a missed opportunity, especially considering the relatively small price difference between the two models. The lack of wireless charging, in particular, is a major drawback for a pair of earbuds in this price range.

Both models include other notable features like audio sharing, automatic switching between devices, hands-free “Hey Siri” commands, Apple TV integration, and more. New head gesture controls let you answer calls or dismiss notifications with a simple nod or head movement, providing a hands-free way to interact with your device.

Voice Isolation, a feature already available on the AirPods Pro, has also made its way to the AirPods 4. This technology uses machine learning algorithms to isolate your voice during calls, even in noisy environments. This is a valuable addition for anyone who frequently takes calls on their AirPods, ensuring clear communication even in difficult situations.

Battery life is a crucial factor for any wireless earbud, and the AirPods 4 deliver respectable performance, even if the ANC model is slightly less capable. With ANC enabled, the AirPods 4 offer up to four hours of listening time, while the standard model extends that to five hours. The charging case provides an additional 16 to 24 hours of battery life, depending on whether ANC is enabled.

While these numbers are decent, they are lower than some competitors on the market. If you’re a heavy user who relies on ANC frequently, you may find yourself using the charging case more often than you’d like. However, for most users, the battery life should be sufficient for everyday use.

The AirPods 4 represent a significant step forward for Apple’s open-ear headphones. The premium model’s improved audio quality, comfortable fit, and surprisingly effective ANC make them a tempting upgrade for anyone looking for a comfortable and versatile listening experience.

The standard AirPods 4, while offering decent sound and a comfortable fit, are somewhat disappointing compared to their ANC-equipped counterparts. The lack of wireless charging and other premium features makes them less appealing, especially considering the relatively small price difference.

If you’re considering upgrading your AirPods or looking for a new pair of open-back earbuds, the AirPods 4 with ANC are the clear winners. They offer a unique blend of comfort, situational awareness, and noise reduction that sets them apart from the competition. While they won’t completely replace your over-ear headphones for dedicated listening sessions, they’re a great choice for everyday use, especially for those who prefer the open-ear design.