I have always liked earbuds that feel simple.
No big ear tips.
No heavy case.
No long setup.
That is where the Apple AirPods 4 stand out.
The AirPods 4 are made for people who want small, light earbuds with easy Apple features. They use the H2 chip and support Adaptive EQ and Personalized Spatial Audio. The standard model does not have Active Noise Cancellation.
The fit is also different from many newer earbuds. There are no silicone tips. This gives a more open feel in the ear.
After looking closely at the design, features, battery life, sound, and common user feedback, I think the AirPods 4 are a strong pick for many iPhone users.
But they are not perfect.
The one-size fit may not work for every ear. The standard model also lacks ANC. So, you should know what you want before you buy.
If you want simple wireless earbuds that work very well with Apple devices, these deserve a close look.
Apple AirPods 4 Review
Quick Overview
| Feature | Apple AirPods 4 |
|---|---|
| Brand | Apple |
| Model | AirPods 4 |
| Product ASIN | B0DGHMNQ5Z |
| Release | 2024 |
| Chip | Apple H2 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Fit | Open-ear style |
| Ear Tips | No silicone tips |
| Noise Cancellation | No ANC on standard model |
| Spatial Audio | Yes |
| Adaptive EQ | Yes |
| Water/Dust Rating | IP54 |
| Earbud Weight | About 4.3 g each |
| Battery | Up to 5 hours |
| Battery With Case | Up to 30 hours |
| Charging | USB-C |
| Fast Charge | About 1 hour from 5 minutes |
| Color | White |
The AirPods 4 have a custom Apple driver and a high-dynamic-range amplifier. They also include voice isolation, motion sensors, force sensors, and an in-ear sensor.
That gives these small earbuds more smart features than their simple look suggests.
Design and Build Quality
The AirPods 4 keep the classic white Apple look.
The case is small and easy to carry. It can fit in a pocket without taking much space.
The earbuds are also very light. Each one weighs about 4.3 grams. The charging case brings the total weight to about 32.3 grams.
I like this style because it does not feel bulky.
There are also no silicone ear tips.
That can be a big plus if you do not like the sealed feeling of in-ear earbuds.
The standard AirPods 4 also have an IP54 rating. This means they have protection from dust and can handle sweat and splashes better than earbuds with no water rating.
Still, I would not treat them like swimming earbuds.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is one of the biggest reasons to consider the AirPods 4.
The shallow design does not push a silicone tip deep into the ear. This can make them feel more natural during long use.
I also like this design for quick listening.
You can put them in, listen for a while, and take them out without dealing with ear tips.
But there is one big issue.
One shape cannot fit every ear.
Some people may get a very secure fit. Others may find that the earbuds move during walking or exercise.
This is one area where personal fit matters more than specs.
If standard AirPods have fit your ears well before, the AirPods 4 are an easy choice.
If you often struggle with loose earbuds, I would be more careful.
Sound Quality
The AirPods 4 sound clean and balanced.
They use a custom high-excursion driver and Adaptive EQ. Apple designed them to adjust the sound based on how the earbuds fit in your ears.
For daily listening, I think this makes sense.
Vocals sound clear.
Podcasts are easy to follow.
Movies and shows have good detail.
Music also has enough bass for normal listening.
But these are not bass-heavy earbuds.
If you want a strong bass hit that feels deep and powerful, you may prefer sealed in-ear earbuds.
The open design also lets in more outside sound.
That can be useful when walking around town. But it is not ideal when you want to block out a noisy room.
Independent testing also found the standard AirPods 4 to have a balanced sound profile, while noting their lack of noise isolation.
Spatial Audio
Spatial Audio is one of the more fun AirPods features.
The AirPods 4 support Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking.
I find this feature most useful for movies and supported content.
The sound can feel wider and more natural.
It is not something I would use for every song, though.
For normal music, I usually prefer a simple stereo presentation.
Still, if you watch a lot of movies on an iPhone or iPad, Spatial Audio adds something extra.
Call Quality
The AirPods 4 are also built for calls.
They have dual beamforming microphones and a speech-detecting accelerometer. Apple also includes Voice Isolation on the AirPods 4.
This helps make voice calls more useful in busy places.
For work calls, quick phone calls, and video chats, the AirPods 4 make a lot of sense.
The open design can also make it easier to stay aware of what is happening around you.
That is useful when you are talking while walking or working.
Controls
The AirPods 4 use simple press controls.
You can press once to play or pause music.
You can press once to answer a call.
You can press twice to skip forward.
You can press three times to go back.
You can also press and hold for Siri.
I like physical-style controls because they are easier to use than random touch gestures.
There is less chance of triggering something by accident.
Siri also works naturally with Apple devices.
Apple Ecosystem
This is where the AirPods 4 make the most sense.
If you use an iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or Mac, the AirPods 4 fit nicely into the Apple ecosystem.
Apple says the earbuds can switch between supported Apple devices and also work as Bluetooth headphones with non-Apple devices. However, some features are limited outside the Apple ecosystem.
That is important.
I would not buy these just because they are Bluetooth earbuds.
There are many good earbuds for Android and mixed-device users.
The AirPods 4 are more attractive when you already use Apple products.
Battery Life
Battery life is good for daily use.
Apple rates the standard AirPods 4 for up to 5 hours of listening on one charge.
The charging case can bring total listening time to up to 30 hours.
A quick 5-minute charge can provide about 1 hour of listening time.
For me, the case is the bigger benefit.
You do not need to charge the earbuds after every short listening session.
Just put them back in the case when you are done.
The case uses USB-C, which is also nice if your other devices use the same cable.
One thing to remember is that the standard AirPods 4 do not include a USB-C charging cable in the box.
Charging Case
The case is one of the best parts of the AirPods design.
It is small.
It is light.
It is easy to carry.
The standard version charges through USB-C.
The case also helps keep the earbuds protected when they are not being used.
I like this simple setup because there is very little to learn.
Open the case.
Put in the earbuds.
Listen.
Put them back when finished.
That is really the whole idea.
Water and Sweat Resistance
The AirPods 4 have an IP54 rating for dust, sweat, and water resistance.
This makes them better suited for everyday use than earbuds with no resistance rating.
They can be useful for walks, light workouts, and daily travel.
But IP54 does not mean waterproof.
I would still keep them away from swimming pools, showers, and heavy water exposure.
What I Like About Apple AirPods 4
The first thing I like is the light design.
These earbuds do not feel heavy.
The second thing is the Apple setup.
Pairing and using them with Apple devices is very simple.
The third thing is sound.
The sound is clear and balanced for everyday music, videos, and calls.
I also like the USB-C case.
The battery setup is practical too.
You get up to 5 hours from the earbuds and up to 30 hours with the case.
The open fit is another big plus if you dislike silicone tips.
What I Don’t Like About Apple AirPods 4
The biggest problem is the fit.
There are no different ear-tip sizes.
So, the earbuds may fit some people much better than others.
The standard model also has no Active Noise Cancellation.
That means outside noise can still be heard.
This is fine for people who like an open feel.
It is not ideal for airplanes, loud trains, or busy offices.
Battery life is also not class-leading.
Five hours is enough for many people, but some competing earbuds can last longer.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Very light and compact
- Comfortable open-ear design
- No silicone ear tips
- Clear and balanced sound
- Apple H2 chip
- Personalized Spatial Audio
- Adaptive EQ
- Good call features
- USB-C charging
- Up to 30 hours with the case
- IP54 dust, sweat, and water resistance
- Excellent fit with the Apple ecosystem
- Easy controls
Cons
- One-size fit may not suit every ear
- No ANC on the standard model
- Limited features outside Apple devices
- Outside noise is easy to hear
- Battery life could be longer
- Not the best choice for strong bass lovers
- USB-C charging cable is sold separately
Who Should Buy Apple AirPods 4?
I think the AirPods 4 are a good choice for iPhone users who want simple earbuds.
They are also a good fit for people who dislike silicone ear tips.
If you mainly listen to music, podcasts, and videos, they offer a good mix of comfort and sound.
They also make sense for people who take many calls.
The Apple ecosystem is another big reason to choose them.
If you use several Apple devices, these earbuds become much more useful.
Who Should Skip Apple AirPods 4?
I would skip them if you need strong noise cancellation.
The standard AirPods 4 do not have ANC.
I would also skip them if you want deep bass.
The open design is not made for that type of sound.
And if you use Android as your main phone, you may want earbuds made with Android features in mind.
The AirPods 4 can work with non-Apple devices, but some features are limited.
Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds Reviews: What Users Say
User feedback often points to the same strengths.
People like the light feel.
They like the clean sound.
They also like the fast connection and simple Apple experience.
Some users report that the earbuds work well for long daily use and calls.
The fit is the main point to watch.
That makes sense because ear shape is different for everyone.
So, I would not choose these based on sound alone.
Comfort matters just as much.
Apple AirPods 4 vs. AirPods 4 With ANC
There are two versions of the AirPods 4.
The standard model is the simpler option.
The AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation add ANC, Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode, and Conversation Awareness.
The battery numbers are also different.
The standard model can reach up to 5 hours per charge and up to 30 hours with the case.
The ANC version can reach up to 4 hours with ANC turned on, or up to 5 hours with noise control off. Its case can provide up to 20 hours with ANC enabled or up to 30 hours with noise control off.
So, the choice is simple.
Want the lower-cost and simpler option? Choose AirPods 4.
Want ANC and more sound-control features? Choose AirPods 4 with ANC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Apple AirPods 4 worth buying?
Yes, especially for iPhone users.
They offer clear sound, a light design, useful Apple features, and a compact charging case.
The main thing to consider is the lack of ANC on the standard model.
Do AirPods 4 have noise cancellation?
The standard AirPods 4 do not have Active Noise Cancellation.
Apple sells a separate AirPods 4 version with ANC.
How long do AirPods 4 last?
The standard AirPods 4 offer up to 5 hours of listening on one charge.
The charging case raises total listening time to up to 30 hours.
Are AirPods 4 comfortable?
They can be very comfortable because they do not use silicone ear tips.
However, the fit depends on your ear shape.
Are AirPods 4 waterproof?
No.
They have an IP54 dust, sweat, and water-resistance rating.
They should not be treated as waterproof earbuds.
Do AirPods 4 work with Android?
Yes.
They can work as Bluetooth headphones with non-Apple devices.
However, some features are limited outside the Apple ecosystem.
Do AirPods 4 have Spatial Audio?
Yes.
They support Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking.
Do AirPods 4 use USB-C?
Yes.
The charging case uses a USB-C connector.
Are AirPods 4 good for phone calls?
Yes.
They include multiple microphones and Voice Isolation features designed to improve voice calls.
Do AirPods 4 have silicone tips?
No.
The standard AirPods 4 use an open-ear style without silicone ear tips.
Are AirPods 4 good for working out?
They can be useful for light workouts and daily activity.
Their IP54 rating adds protection from dust, sweat, and water exposure.
For intense workouts, fit is the key issue.
If they fit your ears well, they can work nicely.
Final Verdict
After looking at the full package, I think the Apple AirPods 4 are easy to recommend to the right person.
They are small.
They are light.
They sound good.
They are easy to use.
And they work especially well inside the Apple ecosystem.
The biggest reason to buy them is the simple open fit.
If you dislike silicone tips, these earbuds can be a great match.
The biggest reason to skip them is the lack of ANC.
If you often travel, work in loud places, or want strong isolation, the standard model may not be enough.
For everyday iPhone use, calls, music, podcasts, and videos, I think the AirPods 4 offer a very nice balance.
My overall take: Apple AirPods 4 are a strong everyday choice for Apple users who want light, comfortable earbuds without silicone tips.
The fit is personal, though.
That is the one thing I would check before making the final choice.