AirPods 4: A true delight, with or without noise cancellation [Review]

Apple returns to the fray with the AirPods 4, A refresh that, far from being a simple facelift, aims to further refine the successful formula that has made these headphones the industry standard. And if Apple knows how to do anything, it's listen to its community and refine its flagship product so that it fits like a glove into its ecosystem. Today, I'm telling you, in great detail and without mincing words, how these AirPods 4 perform after several weeks of intensive use. Do they really live up to the hype? Let's find out.

Design and materials: minimalism still reigns supreme

Apple doesn't usually take too many risks when it comes to design, and with the AirPods 4 it's opted for the maxim of "if it works, don't fiddle with it." At first glance, they seem like a subtle evolution from the AirPods 3, but it only takes a couple of days of use to notice the improvements: the fit is more comfortable, they stay put even during long sessions or when you go out for a run, and the weight of each earbud (4,3 grams) is so light that you forget you're wearing them.

The charging case finally joins the USB-C party. A move forced by the European Union, yes, but one that all of us who carry a single cable in our backpacks appreciate. Both the earphones and the case are IP54 certified, which means they're resistant to dust, sweat, and splashes. They're not for diving, but they'll withstand daily use without breaking a sweat.

Sound Quality: Apple Raises the Bar

Here, Apple has taken a step forward. AirPods 4 feature a new acoustic driver and a high-dynamic-range amplifier, which, in practice, translates into a more rounded and balanced sound. The bass has more punch, the voices sound clear, and the treble doesn't squeal even at high volumes. The difference compared to previous generations is noticeable, especially if you're one of those who uses Spotify or Apple Music on a daily basis.

The crown jewel is adaptive audio: AirPods 4 automatically adjust the low and mid frequencies based on how you wear them. That is, each ear receives its own unique sound “tailor-made” without you having to adjust anything in the settings. For purists, this may be a double-edged sword, but the reality is that the experience is noticeably richer and more personalized.

And if you're looking for an immersive experience, Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking is still there, but improved. The effect of "being in the middle of the stage" or in a movie is real, although I admit the differences compared to the previous generation aren't as dramatic as Apple promises.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): now for everyone

Finally, Active Noise Cancellation is no longer the exclusive property of AirPods Pro. In AirPods 4, Apple has implemented an optional ANC that, thanks to the H2 chip and improved microphones, manages to isolate you quite well from annoying noises such as engines or background conversations. Personally, I'm not a fan of total cancellation, but I recognize that for traveling or working in noisy environments it's a plus.

Additionally, Apple introduces new adaptive modes:

• Adaptive Audio: combines ANC and Transparency mode depending on the environment, without you having to do anything.

• Transparency Mode: lets ambient sound through, ideal for not missing what's happening around you.

• Conversation Detection: automatically lowers the volume when it detects that you are talking to someone.

These modes turn AirPods 4 into all-rounders: they can isolate you in the office or let you walk around the city without disconnecting from the world.

Touch controls: improved, but with the same mania

Apple has fine-tuned the touch controls: you can now manage playback, answer calls, or summon Siri with gestures on the touch sensor. The response is immediate and, after a couple of days, the gestures come naturally. But we still can't adjust the volume directly from the headphones. We have to rely on Siri or our phone, a limitation I don't fully understand in 2025.

Connectivity and integration: the ecosystem, your best weapon

Whether you have an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, AirPods 4 are simply unbeatable. The H2 chip and Bluetooth 5.3 ensure a fast and stable connection, and the Auto Switching feature works like a charm. In my case, switching from iPhone to MacBook or Apple TV is a matter of seconds, without interruptions or complications.

An interesting new feature is the automatic volume adjustment based on ambient noise and your previous preferences. If you're someone who constantly changes environments, you'll appreciate this.

Autonomy: more hours, less worries

Battery life has never been a problem with AirPods, and this generation confirms it:

• Without ANC, They offer up to 30 hours of total use (6 hours per single charge).

• With ANC on, The battery life drops to about 20 hours (5 hours per charge), but by deactivating the function you get back to 30 hours.

Plus, with just five minutes of charging in the case, you get an extra hour of playback. Perfect for those last-minute glitches before leaving the house.

Comparison with other Apple models

As you can see, the AirPods 4 fill that gap between the AirPods 3 and the Pro 2, offering the best of both worlds at a mid-range price. If you're looking for ANC but don't want to spend what the Pro models cost, here's your option.

My opinion, are they worth it?

The AirPods 4 are, quite simply, the most balanced earbuds Apple has released to date. They're not the cheapest, but they're not the most expensive either, and in return you get a well-rounded product: good sound, plenty of battery life, improved durability, and integration with the Apple ecosystem that continues to be the envy of the competition.

Is there room for improvement? Of course. Direct volume control is still a challenge, and while the ANC is welcome, it doesn't quite reach the level of the Pros. But if you're an Apple user looking for versatile, comfortable headphones with that "plug and play" feel, the AirPods 4 are a safe bet.

Ultimately, Apple doesn't reinvent the wheel, But it does polish it to the extreme. The AirPods 4 are the logical evolution of a series that continues to set the pace in the world of wireless audio. If you try them, you'll likely never want to go back.