Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation Review: Enhanced Features Across the Board
Kerala News
The AirPods 4 made an unexpected debut alongside the iPhone 16 series, catching many by surprise. Now featuring active noise cancellation (ANC) and enhanced audio hardware, these earbuds are likely to appeal to users who prefer the open-ear design.
When Apple introduced the iPhone 16 last month, the AirPods 4’s appearance was a standout moment. Their surprise addition of ANC—a feature previously exclusive to the AirPods Pro—generated significant buzz. Notably, this ANC works even with the AirPods 4’s open-ear design, which lacks the silicone tips that typically create a sealed fit for optimal noise cancellation. Despite this design, the ANC in the AirPods 4 performs remarkably well, even exceeding initial expectations.
ANC isn’t the only improvement in the AirPods 4. The sound quality has also been upgraded, with certain features now mirroring those of the Pro line.
Before diving into the ANC capabilities of the AirPods 4, it’s worth noting the differences between the standard version and the ANC-equipped model. The regular AirPods 4 are priced at Rs 12,900, while the ANC version costs Rs 17,900. This premium model not only includes ANC but also comes with a wireless charging case compatible with the Apple Watch charger and features a tiny speaker for sound alerts. Both versions share the same H2 chip from the Pro line and include a USB-C port in the case.
Design and Fit
Personally, I’m not the biggest fan of open-ear earbuds, which lack the silicone tips that create a snug, sealed fit. Open designs sit more lightly in the ear, which some may find less secure than the silicone-tipped AirPods Pro. However, many prefer open earbuds as they reduce ear pressure, are less likely to cause sweating, and are often easier to keep clean.
For those who favor open-design buds, the AirPods 4 should be a great fit. While they don’t fit as securely in my ears as the AirPods Pro, they stayed in place even during vigorous head movements.
The AirPods 4 are available in Apple’s signature glossy white finish, which, though prone to minor scratches, exudes a premium feel. The charging case is smaller than previous models and also includes a USB-C port. The pricier ANC model’s case comes with a small speaker for alerts and supports wireless charging.
Loaded with sensors, the AirPods 4 can detect when they’re in your ears, pausing music when removed and resuming when replaced. They also support head tracking, which is essential for spatial audio and handy features like shaking your head to reject a call.
AirPods 4 Sound Quality and ANC
The standout feature of the AirPods 4 is the inclusion of Apple’s H2 chip, the same advanced chip found in the AirPods Pro, giving the AirPods 4 a significant audio upgrade. This is evident in the sound, which is richer and has a deeper bass—I could easily notice the enhanced low-end in tracks by Eminem. The mids and highs are also more defined, as I observed while listening to the accordion-heavy Amélie soundtrack.
Despite their compact size, the AirPods 4 deliver a sound profile that’s likely to appeal to most listeners. From classics like “Bohemian Rhapsody” to current Bollywood hits like “Tauba Tauba,” they handle a wide range of music impressively.
The active noise cancellation (ANC) on the AirPods 4 also makes a noticeable difference. Although the open design prevents them from blocking out noise as effectively as the AirPods Pro 2 or other ANC-focused earbuds, the AirPods 4 still reduce ambient chatter quite well. In a busy office, for example, the ANC combined with music can muffle surrounding sounds enough to keep distractions at bay.
Much like the AirPods Pro, the AirPods 4 come with several smart features. There’s a transparency mode that intelligently recognizes when you’re speaking; if you turn to a colleague, the AirPods 4 automatically lowers the volume so you can have a conversation, then raises it again when you’re done. For calls, they feature dual beam-forming microphones to minimize background noise, and they support Spatial Audio. While the Spatial Audio isn’t as immersive as in the AirPods Pro 2, it still adds a layer of depth to your listening experience.
Overall, the AirPods 4 deliver about 90% of the performance you’d get with the AirPods Pro 2, but at a more accessible price.
With the ANC version’s case, the AirPods 4 offer around 20 hours of battery life, with roughly 2 hours of continuous playback, which aligned with my own experience. The non-ANC model has a longer battery life, delivering about 30 hours with the case.
Are the AirPods 4 Worth It?
When I started testing the AirPods 4, my expectations weren’t high, mainly because I’ve never been a fan of the standard AirPods. But these, especially the ANC version, turned out to be a pleasant surprise thanks to their sound quality, enhanced by ANC.
While the AirPods Pro 2’s silicone-tipped design offers a more secure fit and stronger ANC, the AirPods 4 provide excellent sound in a slightly more affordable package for those who don’t mind the open-ear design. That said, the AirPods Pro 2 is now somewhat older and can often be found at discounted prices. If you can find it near Rs 20,000, it’s certainly a stronger option than the AirPods 4 with ANC.
