Let’s face it: there are two types of people in this world. Either AirPods fit your ears, or they don’t. You might love silicone-tipped earbuds, or you might hate them. Some folks need noise cancellation, while others just don’t care. But Apple wants everyone’s money, so they’ve released two versions of the new AirPods this year.
In this AirPods 4 review, we’ll explore the differences between the two models and see if they are worth your investment.
The Two New Versions
At the keynote, it was a bit confusing. The base model, AirPods 4, costs $129. The AirPods 4 with noise cancellation is $179. But there’s more to it than just the price. After testing them for a few days, here’s my verdict on the differences and if they are worth it.
What’s New with AirPods 4?
The shape of these AirPods has changed again. They now have new curves and angles. The drivers point directly into your ear, which helps reduce sound reflections. The stem is shorter, but they still look like AirPods. They also come with IP54 dust and water resistance, a step up from the previous model’s IPX4. In-ear detection is still there, along with multiple microphones.
Do They Fit Better?
I had one big question: do these fit better? I’ve never had much luck with hard-tipped AirPods. The last version was the closest, but they still fell out when I jogged.
I tried the new AirPods. I twisted them into my ears, but they still felt loose. If you had issues with the previous models, you might face the same problems here. If they fit you before, they’ll probably fit you now.
Differences in Cases
Now, let’s talk about the cases. The new case is smaller and uses USB-C—thank goodness! However, the base version just comes with a USB-C case. The noise-canceling version has a speaker at the bottom. This speaker makes sounds when charging and helps you find the case if you lose it.
But there’s a downside: the case no longer has MagSafe. It’s slightly smaller than the last version, so it won’t stick to MagSafe chargers. You can still use any wireless charger, but it won’t align perfectly anymore.
The magnets holding the AirPods in the case feel more secure. Plus, you can charge them with an Apple Watch puck charger!
Hidden Features
A hidden feature is the new capacitive touch area. The old physical pairing button is gone. To pair the AirPods, double-tap the area under the pairing light. A triple-tap will reset the buds.
Active Noise Cancellation: How Good Is It?
Now, let’s get to the big question: how effective is the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)? Comparing it to the AirPods Pro 2, the ANC on these new AirPods is good but not as effective.
Because the hard tips don’t fit snugly, some noise still sneaks in. The ANC lowers background noise, making it easier to hear what you’re listening to, but it’s not completely silent. If the AirPods Pro are an 8 out of 10 for noise cancellation, these are around a 4 or 5. They’re useful in loud places, like trains or planes, but don’t expect much in a quiet room.
Transparency Mode
These new AirPods also come with a transparency mode, which is the best I’ve heard in any AirPods. It amplifies outside sounds while still allowing you to enjoy your music.
Battery Life and More
Battery life is a bit shorter with ANC on. You can expect about four hours of use, with a total of 20 hours when using the case. They also have ultra-low latency support for Vision Pro. The speaker in the case is a nice addition for finding lost AirPods.
Quick Note on AirPods Max
You might have heard about the AirPods Max refresh. Unfortunately, it’s mostly just a USB-C upgrade with no other improvements.
Conclusion: Are They Worth It?
So, the base AirPods cost $129, and the noise-canceling ones are $179. Now you know the differences. Personally, I prefer silicone ear tips because they fit better and improve noise cancellation. But many people will opt for the cheaper, hard-tipped option.
Other earbuds out there might have better fit, battery life, or sound quality. But these are still AirPods, meaning they work best with Apple devices, offering seamless switching across your gadgets.
Thanks for reading our AirPods 4 review!
