Apple AirPods 4 with ANC Review

Apple AirPods 4 Review

Voice & Call Noise Isolation 7.8/10

Apple’s call hardware combines two beamforming mics with an accelerometer that senses jaw movement, and on iOS 18 or later it powers Voice Isolation.

You can mute and unmute with a press of the stem in supported apps.

The accelerometer detects when you are speaking, which helps the earbuds focus on your voice rather than nearby conversations in an open-plan office.

• Mics/Bud 3
• Mics 6
• Bone Sensor No

ANC & Transparency 8.2/10

Apple includes Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency, Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness. An inward-facing microphone measures the sound reaching your ear and adjusts the cancellation.

With no tip to seal the ear canal, ANC reduces steady hums such as air conditioning and road noise rather than blocking the world. It helps in a cafe or on a bus but cannot match sealed models on a plane.

Conversation Awareness lowers media when you start speaking, which is useful in an office when a colleague stops by your desk.

• Ambient Yes

Battery & Case Charging 6.5/10

Apple rates AirPods 4 with ANC at up to 4 hours with noise cancelling or 5 hours with it off, while the case lifts the totals to 20 hours with ANC or 30 hours without it.

A morning of meetings is comfortably covered, but a full day of calls will need a top-up at lunch. A quick five-minute top-up during a coffee break buys roughly sixty minutes of playback.

The USB-C case charges wirelessly on Qi pads and Apple Watch chargers, and its speaker helps locate it with Find My.

• Battery Up to 4 hours (ANC on)
• With Case Up to 20 hours
• Wireless Chg Yes
• Fast Charge 5 minutes for about 1 hour

Fit, Stability & Portability 8.8/10

Each bud weighs 4.3 g and measures 30.2 x 18.3 x 18.1 mm. They are dust, sweat and water resistant to IP54, as is the case.

The open-fit shape sits in the outer ear without pressure, which makes long meeting days easier for people who find tips tiring. Fit depends on ear shape, and there are no tip sizes to adjust it.

A force sensor on each stem handles controls, so you squeeze rather than tap, and that avoids accidental touches when adjusting the buds.

• Bud Weight 4.3 g per bud
• Tips None
• IP Rating IP54 (buds and case)
• Wings No

Connectivity & UC Integration 5.4/10

AirPods 4 use Bluetooth 5.3 and the H2 chip. They pair instantly with Apple devices and switch automatically between an iPhone, iPad and Mac signed in to the same Apple Account.

Automatic switching is excellent for hybrid work, moving a call from a phone to a Mac without repairing. On Android and Windows they work as basic Bluetooth earbuds, without the full feature set.

There is no traditional multipoint for non-Apple devices, so mixed-platform users may prefer the Jabra Evolve2 Buds for work.

• Dongle No
• Multi-pt Automatic switching across…
• BT 5.3

Sound & Audio Quality 6.6/10

Each bud uses a custom high-excursion Apple driver with a high dynamic range amplifier and Adaptive EQ. Personalised Spatial Audio with head tracking works on supported content.

The tuning is balanced and clear, with good vocal detail for podcasts and meetings. Bass is lighter than sealed earbuds because the open shell lets some low end escape.

The AirPods Pro 3 use an in-ear fit with ear tips instead, for more passive isolation.

• Codecs AAC
• EQ Adaptive EQ

Full Specifications

Product Details