As you know, the latest AirPods 4 have several features missing from the AirPods 3. After several weeks of testing, we will review all the design changes to determine if the transition is worth it. Small spoiler: the answer is yes!
AirPods 4 (ANC): our opinion on the new features
With the release of AirPods 4, Apple takes a new step by offering two distinct versions. Now we have the AirPods 4 at €149which perfectly replace the AirPods 3, and the AirPods 4 with active noise reduction (or ANC for Active Noise Reduction) has €199an innovative model offering noise reduction similar to AirPods Pro 2. It’s a significant addition for non-in-ear headphones.
After a long use, let’s take stock of the AirPods 4 (ANC). Headphones with immense qualities and obviously some flaws. What about autonomy? Does active noise reduction rival that of AirPods Pro 2? The mode Transparency does it actually improve the daily experience? Here are the questions we will answer now.
The design
The AirPods 4 case is smaller and more compact (+10%) than that of the AirPods 3. This is convenient for storing in a pocket or bag, but it makes removing the earbuds slightly more difficult. With the reduced space, grabbing the earbuds from the top is more difficult and can feel like they will slip out of your hands. It’s a habit to get into.
The pairing button has been removed from the rear and replaced by an integrated and invisible system on the front of the case. While this change adds a nice aesthetic touch, it can make the process a little more complex for new users.
Here is the new procedure for pairing AirPods with a non-Apple device or resetting them:
- Open the case then double-tap the front of the case when the status light is on. (step 1 is enough for pairing)
- Double-tap again when the status light flashes white.
- Double-tap a third time when the status light flashes faster.
Active noise reduction (ANC)
The biggest innovation of AirPods 4 is undoubtedly their active noise reduction initially reserved for AirPods Pro 2. This feature significantly improves the user experience in noisy environments, allowing you to rediscover the pleasure of listening without distractions.
For AirPods Pro users, this feature is familiar, but for those upgrading from AirPods 3 to AirPods 4 (ANC), it’s revolutionary. Apple has clearly succeeded where others have failed. Since it is difficult to convey this feeling, we recommend going to an Apple Store to test the AirPods 4. If you have never used Apple headphones with active noise reduction, the difference will surprise you from the first try.
Be careful, people sensitive to ringing in the ears and muffled noises, such as in an airplane, may find active noise reduction unpleasant. This is why it is important to try them on in store before buying them. For us, that’s a big yes. The transition from AirPods 3 to AirPods 4 (ANC) can be justified solely by this new feature.
Autonomy
After the initial wonder around active noise reduction (ANC), it’s time to get back to reality regarding autonomy. Although ANC is an impressive technology, it uses a lot of power. The difference is clearly perceptible, even if the autonomy remains generally satisfactory.
Apple claims that the AirPods 4 ANC offer up to 30 hours of listening time with the case fully charged. Using a single charge of the earbuds and turning off ANC, the battery life reaches up to 5 hours. However, with ANC enabled, battery life drops to around 4 hours.
In practice, you have to recharge the AirPods and their case much more frequently with this version. This is particularly noticeable on a daily basis, especially when using headphones frequently. To save battery, it is recommended to turn off ANC when in a quiet environment.
Still, we recommend turning on ANC as much as possible, since it’s one of the main reasons you chose these headphones. Just make sure you always have battery power in the case to charge the earbuds when needed.
The iPhone battery widget is extremely handy for monitoring AirPods charging. Since the release of iOS 18, it displays the battery level of the earphones in real time when they are in the case. You no longer need to open the case to check and know the percentage of each earphone.
Audio
It’s hard to say whether the audio quality of AirPods 4 is better than AirPods 3. As always when new, AirPods deliver balanced bass, clear vocals, and accurate sound. The H2 chip is at the heart of the headphones. However, sound quality may deteriorate after one to two years of use. Fortunately, active noise reduction (ANC) helps mitigate this loss of audio quality over time.
AirPods 4 benefit from several audio modes thanks to ANC: Transparency, AdaptiveAnd Noise reduction. All work perfectly. Apple also added a mode Conversation detection which lowers the sound volume or temporarily turns off noise reduction when you speak. The transition is well managed but may not suit everyone. In this case, simply hold one of the headphones to deactivate the ANC, or deactivate the functionality via the notification center by long-pressing the volume tile.
Another new feature is the ability to answer calls hands-free. Siri asks you if you want to answer when you receive a call on your iPhone. You can answer or reject the call by nodding your head, guided by a small noise in the earphones. Another advantage validated on these AirPods 4.
Speaking of calls, consider enabling voice isolation. This feature reduces surrounding noise so that the other person hears only your voice. This is an essential and little-known option that is not always enabled by default and is located at the top of the Control Center during a call with AirPods or AirPods Max.
Other new features
- The AirPods 4 Charging Case (ANC) now has a built-in speaker that works with Apple’s Find My network. This allows you to ring AirPods with your iPhone in the event of loss. By default, Apple has also activated a beep every time the case is plugged in or closed after putting the earbuds back inside. This option can be deactivated in the AirPods settings menu found in the iPhone settings. As for me, I deactivated it.
- As for USB-C, there is nothing special to report. This may be restrictive for users who have not yet adopted the iPhone 15 or iPhone 16, but it is only a detail. We look forward to the moment when the Lightning is definitively abandoned.
Buy AirPods 4
Despite a small downside on battery life, the AirPods 4 represent a notable advancement in Apple’s range with enriched sound quality and effective noise cancellation for those who don’t like eartips.
So it’s time to order:
Otherwise, on theApple Store at the normal price.
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