Apple has consistently led the pack in reinventing the way we listen to sound. With the introduction of Apple AirPods 4 featuring Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), the company has once again set a new standard.
AirPods have been the trendy wireless earphones used by many individuals over the past years due to low-latency connection with Apple products, sleek frame, and reliable performance. However, with the new AirPods 4, Apple has gone beyond simple refinements and added features that seem like a true step forward.
So the question arises–do the AirPods 4 measure up to the hype? Are they worth upgrading to for taxi drivers who use AirPods 2, 3, and even the Pro versions?
In this in-depth, we will explore it all: design and comfort, chipset, battery life, and overall value, so you can make an informed decision on whether new AirPods are worth upgrading to your ears.
Design and Comfort – Do They Feel Better in the Ear?
One of the first things you notice when unboxing the AirPods 4 is their refined yet familiar design. Apple has kept the iconic stem style that makes AirPods instantly recognizable, but subtle changes give these earbuds a sleeker and more ergonomic look. The stems are slightly shorter than before, and the earbuds themselves feel lighter, making them a perfect fit for extended wear.
Comfort has always been a talking point with AirPods, and the AirPods 4 address this directly. Apple has optimized the shape so they sit more naturally in the ear canal without causing discomfort, even during long listening sessions.
Unlike the AirPods Pro, these don’t rely heavily on silicone tips for isolation, which means they retain that “barely there” feel many users love. For those worried about slipping out during workouts, Apple has improved grip and fit security, so they stay put even when you’re on the move.
Regarding the build, the AirPods 4 are sweat and water-resistant, which adds to their versatility when their owners find themselves in a rainstorm or at the gym. The shiny finish remains the same, making them appear like premium Apple products, but the durability has been increased so that this can now handle day-to-day use.
Apple has found the right balance between functionality and a good image. The AirPods 4 feel lightweight, safe, and comfortable- three qualities essential in earbuds you may be using day in and day out. AirPods 4 could be the reason you still worry about design and comfort.
Sound Quality – How Good Do the AirPods 4 Sound?
When it comes to sound, the AirPods 4 are a major step forward from their predecessors. Apple has tuned them with a more balanced sound profile, ensuring that lows, mids, and highs all feel distinct and natural. Whether you’re listening to bass-heavy tracks, acoustic sessions, or even podcasts, the clarity is impressive.
The bass is less pronounced than the AirPods 3 but not too heavy-handed- it will not obscure vocals or drown instruments. The mids are crisp, which enables the voices and instruments to be featured.
The Highs are clean and not as sharp; therefore, there is no ear fatigue, even during long listening sessions. Apple has been keen on making a sound that is pleasant to all genres, rather than concentrating too much on one genre.
One of the outstanding features is dynamic head tracking in Spatial Audio. This significantly enhances the experience of movie watching or gaming, as the sound is in a 3D setting that surrounds you.
Add this to the Adaptive EQ, which automatically adjusts frequencies to your ear shape and the conditions in which you are listening, and you have a listening experience that feels uniquely personal.
For calls, the AirPods 4 deliver excellent microphone clarity, even in noisy surroundings. Apple has improved voice pickup using beamforming microphones and background noise reduction, ensuring callers hear you clearly without distracting background sounds.
In short, the AirPods 4 strike a balance between premium sound quality and accessibility, making them a great option whether you’re a casual listener or someone who values fine details in music.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) – Is It a Real Upgrade?
The most exciting upgrade in the AirPods 4 is the addition of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), a feature previously reserved for the Pro models. Apple’s decision to bring ANC to the standard AirPods line makes this release stand out.
But how well does it perform? Surprisingly well. The ANC on the AirPods 4 effectively blocks out everyday noises such as chatter, traffic, and the hum of appliances. While it may not completely silence very loud environments like the AirPods Pro 2 can, it still makes a noticeable difference, especially when commuting or working in noisy cafés.
The Transparency Mode is equally snappy. It takes only one tap to switch between a full noise-canceling scenario and a natural listening mode, making outside sounds seem more natural than artificial. This comes in quite handy during conversations with people in a hurry or when you need to be vigilant of your surroundings.
Apple has also added Adaptive Audio, which intelligently reduces noise cancellation based on your surroundings. For instance, when walking down a quiet street with ANC downregulated, it engages again when you step onto the road. This results in the AirPods 4 sounding smarter and more intuitive than ever before.
Overall, while ANC on the AirPods 4 may not match the depth of noise isolation found in premium over-ear headphones, it’s still a game-changing addition for standard AirPods users and makes everyday listening significantly better.
Battery Life and Charging – Can They Last All Day?
Battery life has been one of the deciding factors about wireless earbuds, and the AirPods 4 experience a massive boost on this front.
You will get an approximate battery life of around 6 hours of continuous playback when you use the ANC feature, which is more than what the AirPods Pro can give.
Turing ANC off, playback lasts up to almost 8 hours. In combination with the charging case, a maximum of 30-32 hours of listening time is achieved, allowing you to go days without interruption.
Charging is equally convenient. The AirPods 4 case supports MagSafe and Qi wireless charging, as well as USB-C fast charging. A quick 5-minute charge gives you about an hour of listening—perfect for those last-minute situations before heading out.
One area Apple deserves credit for is battery health optimization. With features like “Optimized Battery Charging,” the AirPods 4 learn your usage patterns to avoid overcharging, ultimately extending battery lifespan.
For travelers or heavy users, this means the AirPods 4 can easily keep up with your daily routine without leaving you stranded with dead earbuds. Whether you’re on long flights, back-to-back work calls, or just marathon music sessions, the combination of endurance and fast charging makes them a reliable companion.
Simply put, the AirPods 4 are designed to last through your busiest days, and Apple has paid attention to user demands when it comes to battery performance.
Features and Connectivity – Are They Smarter Than Before?
Apple’s strength has always been its ability to blend hardware and software seamlessly, and the AirPods 4 are no exception. These earbuds bring a suite of smart features that make them more than just a pair of wireless earphones.
One of the standout additions is Adaptive Audio, which combines ANC and Transparency Mode into a single intelligent feature. Depending on your environment, the AirPods automatically adjust how much outside noise to let in. For example, they’ll block out background chatter at a café but ease up when you’re walking outdoors to keep you aware of traffic.
Connectivity is lightning fast, thanks to the H2 chip, which ensures quicker pairing and more stable connections. Switching between devices within the Apple ecosystem—like moving from an iPhone call to watching something on your MacBook—is virtually instant. For iOS users, features like Audio Sharing (listening to the same content with two sets of AirPods) and Find My support make everyday use even more convenient.
Touch controls have also been refined. With simple swipes or presses on the stem, you can adjust volume, play/pause, skip tracks, or switch between ANC and Transparency Mode. And of course, hands-free “Hey Siri” support means you can control music, send messages, or check notifications without lifting a finger.
In short, the AirPods 4 aren’t just wireless earbuds—they’re intelligent companions designed to fit seamlessly into your daily life, making them smarter and more useful than most rivals in the same category.
Price and Value – Are They Worth the Money?
Apple products have always carried a premium price tag, and the AirPods 4 are no different. Positioned below the AirPods Pro but above the AirPods 3, they sit in an interesting middle ground. The question is—do they justify the cost?
For many users, the answer is yes. The AirPods 4 bring Pro-level features like ANC and Adaptive Audio without reaching the Pro’s higher price point. This makes them a strong option for those who want advanced technology without spending top dollar.
Compared to competitors in the same price range, Apple’s offering feels more polished, especially when you factor in ecosystem benefits like instant pairing, iCloud syncing, and software updates.
That said, if you already own the AirPods Pro 2, the jump to AirPods 4 may not be necessary unless you specifically want a lighter design and longer battery life. On the other hand, if you’re upgrading from AirPods 2 or 3, the value is undeniable—you’re getting better sound, noise cancellation, longer playtime, and smarter features all in one.
Ultimately, the AirPods 4 sit at the sweet spot between affordability and premium quality. They may not be the cheapest earbuds on the market, but for those invested in the Apple ecosystem, they deliver tremendous value for the price.
Final Verdict – Should You Buy the Apple AirPods 4 ANC?
After looking at every aspect—the design, sound quality, ANC performance, battery life, and features—it’s clear that the AirPods 4 are a well-rounded upgrade that delivers on Apple’s promise of making everyday listening better.
They offer a stylish, lightweight design, excellent comfort, and sound that feels rich and balanced for almost any genre of music. The addition of Active Noise Cancellation and Adaptive Audio truly sets them apart, giving users more control over their listening environment.
Pair that with solid battery life, fast charging, and smart connectivity features, and you get a pair of earbuds that feel built for both work and play.
Of course, they’re not perfect. Audiophiles may still prefer over-ear headphones for absolute sound precision, and some users might hesitate at the price. But for the vast majority, the AirPods 4 strike the right balance between performance, convenience, and value.
So, should you buy them? If you’re an Apple user looking for earbuds that can handle music, calls, workouts, and travel with ease, the AirPods 4 ANC are worth considering. They may not replace the Pro series for everyone, but they’re the most compelling standard AirPods to date.
FAQs
1. Do the AirPods 4 have better sound than the AirPods 3?
Yes. The AirPods 4 deliver a richer and more balanced sound compared to the AirPods 3. Bass is deeper, mids and highs are clearer, and the addition of Adaptive EQ and Spatial Audio makes the overall listening experience feel more premium.
2. How good is the noise cancellation on AirPods 4?
The ANC on the AirPods 4 is a big upgrade for standard AirPods users. It blocks out most everyday noises, such as chatter, traffic, or appliances. While not as powerful as the AirPods Pro 2, it’s still a game-changing feature for this price range.
3. How long does the battery last on AirPods 4 with ANC?
With ANC turned on, the AirPods 4 give you about 6 hours of continuous playback. With ANC off, it extends to nearly 8 hours. The charging case provides up to 30–32 hours of total listening time.
4. Can I use AirPods 4 with Android devices?
Yes, AirPods 4 work with Android phones via Bluetooth. However, you won’t get the full Apple ecosystem features like instant pairing, Siri integration, or seamless device switching. They’ll function as regular wireless earbuds on Android.
5. Should I buy AirPods 4 if I already own AirPods Pro?
If you already own the AirPods Pro 2, upgrading to AirPods 4 isn’t necessary since the Pro still has stronger ANC and additional features. But if you’re coming from AirPods 2 or 3, the AirPods 4 are a significant upgrade in every way.