TLDR Review: AirPods 4
Pros
- •Excellent sound quality featuring deep bass, crisp highs, and balanced mids, enhanced by Adaptive EQ for a personalized listening experience.
- •Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem via the H2 chip, allowing quick pairing and effortless automatic device switching.
- •Impressive Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking delivers immersive, theateike sound that adapts to your head movements.
- •Lightweight and comfortable design with a secure, ergonomic fit that is significantly more comfortable for extended wear compared to AirPods Pro 2.
- •Battery life exceeds expectations, offering up to 6 hours of playback per charge and a total of around 24 to 30 hours with the US charging case.
- •Quick charging capability: a inute charge provides up to 1 hour of playback, ideal for users on the go.
- •Wireless charging and US charging case add convenience and fast power replenishment.
- •Transparency mode allows awareness of surroundings without removing earbuds, and Adaptive Audio modes feel natural and improved.
- •Sweat, dust, and water resistance (IP54) make them suitable for workouts and light outdoor use.
- •Effective noise cancellation, though less aggressive than AirPods Pro, still offers decent noise reduction for common environments.
Cons
- •Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is notably less effective than AirPods Pro 2, roughly 40% weaker, which may disappoint users needing strong noise isolation.
- •Lack of customizable silicone tips results in less noise isolation compared to iar sealed designs, leading to more ambient noise leakage.
- •ANC can occasionally behave unpredictably, reacting oddly to small or sudden noises like dishes clinking.
- •No volume control on the earbuds themselves, which some users find inconvenient and a missed feature.
- •Some users report reliability issues with charging, including pods failing to charge properly in the case, leading to multiple replacements and delays in support.
- •The repair and replacement process can be slow and frustrating, with warranty service sometimes taking weeks and limited local support.
- •Sound quality, while good overall, is seen as mediocre by some audiophiles who desire punchier bass or more refined detail at this price point.
- •Battery life, though solid, is slightly shorter than AirPods Pro 2 or some competitors when using active noise cancellation heavily.
- •Not fully waterproof — suitable for sweat and light water resistance but not for heavy rain or swimming.
- •For users prioritizing maximum noise isolation or studievel sound, these may not satisfy all needs.
Bottom Line
The Apple AirPods 4 deliver a polished, user-friendly experience with excellent sound quality, solid battery life, and improved comfort that makes them a strong contender for everyday Apple users wanting seamless wireless earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation and spatial audio. However, if you’re chasing best-in-class noise cancellation or a customizable fit, these might leave you wanting. Also, beware of reported charging reliability hiccups and potentially slow customer support. For those who want more robust ANC and customizable tips, the AirPods Pro 2 remains the superior option, but if comfort and integration are your priorities, the AirPods 4 hit a sweet spot.
How we researched this
About this review: We pulled together findings from professional reviews and hundreds of user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from 17 retailers to give you the short version.
Where to Buy
Download ShopSavvy App
Compare prices for anything in real-time, set price alerts, watch for deals by keyword, and much more
Install ShopSavvy Browser Extension
Compare and track prices automatically while you shop online at thousands of websites.
Footer 1
Get ShopSavvy
Subscribe for Updates
Get the latest news, and updates on ShopSavvy. You'll be glad you did!