First Apple AirPods 4 reviews: USB-C, "sometimes useful" ANC and shorter battery life

While the new AirPods 4 have yet to be reviewed by our publication, we invite you to explore the initial feedback from foreign websites and bloggers.

Reviews have tested two versions of the AirPods 4 – both deliver the same sound quality, feature an H2 chip, and are protected against dust and water according to IP54 standards. The base model is priced at $129, while the premium version costs $179 and includes several key updates, with the standout feature being active noise cancellation (ANC). A detailed review from The Verge can be found via the provided link, and below we present the main conclusions.

Apple AirPods 4 with ANC ($179)

Specifications:

Pros:

• Noise cancellation often impressively effective for an open design;
• Enhanced sound quality;
• Wireless charging and built-in speaker in the case.

Cons:

• No proper multipoint control;
• Volume control is less convenient than on AirPods Pro;
• ANC may not be effective in all environments.

Apple AirPods 4 ($129)

Pros:

• Improved sound quality;
• Voice isolation can significantly enhance call clarity;
• Deep integration into the Apple ecosystem.

Cons:

• Lacks wireless charging;
• No built-in speaker in the case;
• No proper multipoint control.

The greatest value of ANC, according to reviewer Chris Welch from The Verge, is observed during music playback with the AirPods 4 (although they manage some low-frequency sounds even without it) — at 50% volume, you won't hear any external sounds. However, you cannot control the volume directly from the earbuds in the base version.

Next, we present several key quotes from reviewers from other publications:

• Jake Krol, TechRadar: “For a long time, I thought that the AirPods Pro offered a better transparency mode, where they intelligently let in environmental sounds and reduce decibels to protect your ears. But the AirPods 4 surpass the more expensive version: any sense of robotic sound or noise coming through the channel is almost eliminated. With the Conversation Awareness feature enabled, you can also engage in conversations with people quite naturally, sometimes even forgetting that you are wearing the earbuds. Your own voice will also sound a bit more natural and less processed.”
• Billy Steele, Engadget: “The AirPods 4 have more bass than the previous model. The improved frequency response is fully displayed with Dolby Atmos content (movies, music, and TV shows), but the AirPods 4 also have better sound potential with non-spatial melodies and videos.”
• Nicole Nguyen, The Wall Street Journal: “The real advantage of the new AirPods is active noise cancellation or ANC, meaning they use microphones and signal processors to suppress external sounds. When the mode is activated, AirPods can mask noises or conversations in an office or the rumble of a passing train.”
• David Carnoy, CNET: “One thing that is somewhat disappointing is that Apple has not managed to improve battery life, and it is actually a bit worse than on the AirPods 3. You can get up to 5 hours of battery life with noise cancellation off and 4 hours with it on. The case provides an additional 25 hours of use with ANC off and 16 hours with it on.”

Video Review by Marques Brownlee