Apple AirPods 4

Matthew Lopes from RTINGS highlights the Apple AirPods 4 as a thoughtfully designed open-back earbud that uniquely combines active noise cancellation (ANC) with a comfortable, non-in-ear fit. Praising their lightweight build, solid ANC performance for open-back buds, and excellent frequency response consistency, the review emphasizes their suitability for sports, travel, and office use, especially for users who dislike sealed earbuds. However, the reviewer notes several limitations, including a relatively short 4.5-hour battery life, lack of volume controls, and a microphone that struggles in loud environments. The AirPods 4’s noise isolation is better than typical open-back designs but still falls short of the AirPods Pro 2. The review also details useful Apple-specific features like Adaptive Audio and Personalized Spatial Audio, while pointing out the absence of MagSafe charging and wired connectivity. Overall, the review conveys a balanced, moderately positive sentiment, appreciating the AirPods 4’s niche appeal but acknowledging trade-offs inherent in their design.

What Hi‑Fi? highlights the Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation as a versatile, well-rounded pair of earbuds that successfully blend an open, tip-less design with effective ANC—a rare feat in this category. Praising their lightweight, comfortable fit and seamless integration with iOS devices, the review emphasizes the improved sound quality, which approaches the flagship AirPods Pro 2’s clarity and detail, though with some compromises in bass weight and dynamic subtlety. The ANC impressively targets low-frequency noise, making everyday environments more pleasant without fully isolating the user. However, the review notes that the fit may not suit all ear shapes, and the battery life falls short compared to competitors, especially when ANC is active. Despite these drawbacks, the AirPods 4 offer a compelling mid-range option that delivers many flagship features at a lower price point, making them a strong recommendation for Apple users who prefer an open design and balanced performance.

David Carnoy from CNET highlights the Apple AirPods 4 as a thoughtful evolution in Apple’s true wireless earbuds lineup, especially catering to users who prefer an open-ear design without silicone tips. He praises the improved fit, sound quality, and the integration of the powerful H2 chip, which enhances performance and enables new features like personalized spatial audio and Siri gesture controls. The standout innovation is the introduction of active noise canceling (ANC) in an open-earbud format—a rare and impressive feat that effectively reduces ambient noise, particularly low frequencies, without the typical ear-sealing design. While the ANC isn’t as strong as the AirPods Pro 2 or leading competitors, it’s a meaningful step forward for comfort-focused users. Carnoy notes some minor fit variability and a slight battery life regression compared to previous models but finds the AirPods 4 ANC worth the premium for those seeking noise cancelation without in-ear tips. Overall, the review conveys a positive, enthusiastic tone with balanced insights into both strengths and limitations.

Chris Welch from The Verge highlights the Apple AirPods 4 as a notable improvement over previous regular AirPods, especially praising the introduction of active noise cancellation (ANC) in the higher-end model. While the open-ear design limits the ANC’s effectiveness compared to the AirPods Pro, Welch finds it surprisingly useful in reducing low-frequency ambient noise, allowing for safer listening volumes. He appreciates the enhanced sound quality, better bass, and improved instrument separation, though he notes the fit still requires some adjustment and lacks the secure feel of the Pro model. The addition of head gesture controls and voice isolation for calls are welcomed features, though volume control on the earbuds remains absent. Welch critiques the base model’s lack of wireless charging and the overall limited repairability. Ultimately, he recommends the pricier ANC version for most users, emphasizing its balance of comfort, sound, and noise reduction as Apple’s best open-style AirPods yet, while acknowledging it won’t satisfy those seeking full noise isolation.

Tim Gideon from PCMag highlights the Apple AirPods 4 as an impressive entry-level option for open-ear wireless earbuds, delivering exceptional audio performance at a $129 price point. He praises their ability to reproduce deep sub-bass—a rare feat for open designs—alongside a balanced, sculpted sound signature enhanced by Apple’s Adaptive EQ. The earbuds feature a secure, lightweight fit and solid integration with iOS 18, including intuitive controls and useful Siri head gestures. However, Gideon notes some drawbacks: inconsistent fit can cause sound imbalance, the lack of noise cancellation and wireless charging in this model, and the absence of a user-adjustable EQ, which limits personalization. While the microphone performs well in quiet settings, it can garble voice in noisy environments. Overall, the AirPods 4 offer excellent value for those seeking quality open-ear audio without noise cancellation, though the $179 noise-cancelling AirPods 4 and $249 AirPods Pro 2 provide more comprehensive features and better sound isolation.

Chase Bernath and Christian Thomas from SoundGuys highlight the Apple AirPods 4 as a solid value proposition for Apple ecosystem users seeking lightweight, open-design earbuds without ear tips. They praise the improved fit and comfort from the redesigned shape, the upgraded H2 chip, USB-C charging, and good sound quality that holds up well across various music genres. However, the review conveys a cautiously positive tone, emphasizing that the one-size-fits-all design may not suit all ear shapes, making trying them on before purchase essential. The lack of active noise cancellation and ear tips means limited noise isolation, which may frustrate users in noisy environments. The AirPods 4 excel in seamless Apple device integration and call quality but fall short for audiophiles due to the absence of customizable EQ and some frequency imbalances. Overall, the AirPods 4 are recommended as an affordable, comfortable upgrade over previous models, with clear trade-offs around fit and noise control.

Matt Bolton from TechRadar highlights the Apple AirPods 4 as a solid choice for Apple users who prefer an open-ear design without in-ear tips. He praises their fun, dynamic sound and excellent spatial audio, especially for movies, alongside a secure, comfortable fit and a compact, well-designed case. However, Bolton tempers enthusiasm by noting the lack of active noise cancellation and the absence of standard Bluetooth multi-point pairing, which limits seamless switching to Apple devices only. He also points out that while the sound is balanced and enjoyable, it lacks fine detail and realism compared to similarly priced competitors like the Sony WF-C700N and Nothing Ear (a), which offer better sound fidelity, ANC, and cross-platform features. Unique insights include the effective pinch controls and the immersive spatial audio experience for movies, though the open-ear design allows external noise to interfere. Overall, Bolton views the AirPods 4 as a good but not outstanding value, best suited for those fully invested in Apple’s ecosystem or who dislike in-ear tips.

Samuel Gibbs from The Guardian highlights the Apple AirPods 4 as a refined evolution of Apple’s open-fit earbuds, delivering notable improvements in sound quality and introducing noise cancelling for the first time in this design. He praises the slightly smaller, more comfortable fit and the impressive noise cancellation on the pricier model, which effectively reduces ambient sounds without the need for silicone tips—an uncommon feat for open-fit earbuds. The review emphasizes enhanced call clarity, seamless Apple device integration, and useful new features like voice isolation and gesture controls. However, Gibbs points out limitations such as the lack of sound isolation, reduced functionality on non-Apple devices, no multipoint Bluetooth, and unrepairable batteries, which detract from long-term value. While the AirPods 4 are more expensive than many rivals and not ideal for running or Android users, their combination of open fit, improved audio depth, and Apple ecosystem perks make them a compelling choice for loyal Apple customers seeking a premium, comfortable wireless earbud experience.

Tammy Rogers from Tom’s Guide offers a measured and nuanced take on the Apple AirPods 4 after 10 months of use, blending appreciation with clear reservations. She praises the earbuds’ compact, pocket-friendly case, improved design comfort, and notably effective active noise canceling (ANC) for the price, highlighting features like Spatial Audio and reliable Find My support. The touch controls are favored for their tactile feedback, though limited in functionality. However, Rogers points out sonic shortcomings, including an overly emphasized midrange, weak bass impact, and harsh sibilance in high frequencies, which detract from the listening experience. Fit remains a concern, with the open design requiring frequent adjustment and occasionally disrupting ANC performance. Initial connectivity issues were resolved with software updates. Overall, while the AirPods 4 deliver solid value and convenience—especially for fans of Apple’s open-fit style—Rogers advises potential buyers to weigh these benefits against sound quality and fit limitations, suggesting competitors might offer better audio experiences.

David Phelan from Forbes highlights the Apple AirPods 4 as a solid and appealing upgrade in Apple’s in-ear lineup, praising their redesigned, comfortable fit and the introduction of features like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) in the higher-end model without a price increase. He emphasizes the improved processor, USB-C charging, and useful additions such as Find My case speaker and MagSafe compatibility. The sound quality is described as rich and intimate, with Spatial Audio enhancing media experiences. However, Phelan notes some trade-offs, including slightly reduced battery life compared to the previous generation and the inherent limitations of open-earbuds for noise isolation, which means ANC doesn’t quite match the AirPods Pro 2’s performance. Calls can sometimes sound over-processed, and while the entry-level model offers excellent value, he suggests that discounted AirPods Pro 2 remain a better choice for those seeking top-tier audio and features. Overall, the review conveys measured enthusiasm, recognizing meaningful improvements while acknowledging some compromises.

Amazon reviewers praise the Apple AirPods 4 for their impressive sound quality, highlighting rich bass and clear audio across various music genres. Many users applaud the earbuds’ comfortable fit, especially those who struggle with in-ear silicone tips, noting that these AirPods stay securely in place for hours without discomfort. The active noise cancellation impresses listeners by effectively reducing ambient noises like trains and airplanes, even though it doesn’t create a full seal like in-ear models. Reviewers also appreciate the compact charging case with contactless charging and seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem, which simplifies setup and daily use. Some users emphasize the earbuds’ versatility, enjoying them for calls, commuting, and casual listening, while others find the battery life solid for extended wear, though a few report inconsistent charging performance. Fit opinions vary, with several customers finding the size ideal and stable, whereas others mention the earbuds can feel bulky or prone to falling out during vigorous activity. Despite the premium price, many consider the AirPods 4 a worthwhile investment for those seeking a balance of comfort, sound fidelity, and effective noise control without the in-ear silicone design.

Users on Target express mixed feelings about the Apple AirPods 4, with many praising their comfort, sound quality, and active noise cancellation (ANC) despite the open-ear design. Several reviewers highlight the earbuds’ lightweight feel and wireless charging compatibility, including the convenient ability to charge with Apple Watch chargers. Fitness enthusiasts appreciate that the AirPods 4 stay in place during runs and workouts better than previous models without silicone tips, making them a preferred choice over AirPods Pro for some. However, a significant portion of users criticize the new design for being bulkier and less secure in the ear compared to earlier generations, especially the 2nd generation AirPods. Many report that the larger, “short and fat” shape causes discomfort, frequent slipping, and poor fit for small or medium ears, leading to frustration during movement or exercise. Sound quality receives divided opinions: while some find it clear and improved over the 3rd generation, others describe it as tinny, static-filled, or dull, with complaints about low volume and microphone issues during calls. Target customers also frequently mention the absence of a charging cable in the package, which they view as an unwelcome cost-saving measure by Apple. Several reviewers warn about inconsistent product conditions from Target, including reports of used or defective units, broken seals, and poor packaging that risks damage during shipping. Battery life draws mixed reactions, with some users noting shorter endurance than older models, especially when ANC is active. In summary, Target shoppers find the Apple AirPods 4 to be a stylish and technologically advanced option with notable ANC improvements and wireless charging versatility, but many struggle with fit and sound quality issues. The lack of included charging accessories and concerns about product authenticity and durability also temper enthusiasm. Buyers who prioritize comfort and secure fit often prefer earlier AirPods generations or the AirPods Pro, while those seeking silicone-free ANC earbuds tend to recommend the AirPods 4 despite their flaws.