Apple AirPods 4 Review: Best Wireless Earbuds?

Unveiling the Pros and Cons

After spending considerable time with the Apple AirPods 4, you're left wondering if these wireless earbuds indeed deserve the pedestal they're often placed on. Apple has maintained a consistent track record with its audio products, but the AirPods 4 presents an interesting mix of innovation and notable oversights. Let's delve in to see how they fare in reality.

"What makes this different?"

The AirPods 4 introduces a fresh design and cutting-edge features to the familiar aesthetic Apple users adore. The compact charging case—and yes, it’s even smaller than the previous generation—feels sleek and easy to pocket, echoing Apple's minimalist design ethos. With USB-C charging compatibility now a norm, Apple offers a more universal charging solution, but alas, doesn't separate itself from its pricey reputation.

The real drawcard? Apple's integration of spatial audio and noise cancellation. But don't get too excited—while these features sound luxurious, they don't come without their fair share of hiccups, especially when you’re outside the comforting bubble of Apple's ecosystem.

"Here's the catch…”

Despite its sophisticated offerings, the AirPods 4 stumbles in areas you'd least expect. The active noise cancellation (ANC) is a significant talking point. Although it softens low-frequency background hums like engine noise, it struggles with high-frequency interruptions, making it less effective in bustling environments. Moreover, if you're an Android user, the seamless experience might just slip through your fingers, as integration is heavily skewed toward Apple’s own devices.

Let's not pretend battery life is the AirPods 4’s forte. At best, you get about 4 hours with ANC activated, which, frankly, is underwhelming given its myriad of features that drain the battery quicker than you'd think. This limitation is particularly inconvenient when you're constantly flipping between modes and features.

"So, is it worth it?"

From a sound perspective, AirPods 4 performs solidly—for most, but not all. The midrange and treble are crisp and delightful, making most music genres a joy to indulge in. Yet, if you’re a bass enthusiast, the noticeable sub-bass roll-off might leave you craving deeper vibrations. Accompanied by the H2 chip, the device promises enhanced personalization through adaptive audio settings—a sweet perk, yet it doesn’t completely mask the evident audio gaps.

For those entrenched in the Apple ecosystem, switching effortlessly between devices, enjoying FaceTime's 48 kHz cinema-audio experience, and using Siri makes the AirPods 4 a sound investment. Yet, newcomers to Apple's fraternity may find these features less compelling, especially given the restrictive compatibility with Android devices.

"Where It Falls Short"

Given its hefty price tag, the AirPods 4 surprisingly feels like an unfulfilled promise on the ANC and battery fronts. ANC, while present, works only averagely, diminishing the listening experience in noisier settings. The absence of a more universally adaptive EQ system limits the sound customizability, a glaring omission that would have enriched its aural offerings.

Apple’s iconic seamless integration doesn’t translate well for Android users, who will find themselves missing out on many key functionalities—an aspect that isn't encouraging for potential cross-platform adopters.

"Thoughts on the Competition"

Comparisons with competitors draw mixed results. The AirPods 4 edges over many in terms of design finesse and intuitive Apple-centric features, yet in the ANC department, budget-friendly alternatives like the Earfun Air Pro 4 or ANC-focused Sennheiser Accentum Plus pose strong competition with either better sound isolation or similar quality at a lower cost.

"Who should skip this?"

If heavy bass and long-lasting battery life are atop your priority list, it might be worth looking elsewhere. ANC-heavy users and those outside the Apple ecosystem will find more bang for their buck in other brands tailored for these needs. While the technical prowess of the AirPods 4 is impressive, it doesn’t transcend into a flawless experience for the high cost you're bound to incur.

Conclusion

In summary, the Apple AirPods 4 are a commendable yet imperfect product where the potential is vast, but the execution leaves room for improvement. They achieve brilliance within Apple’s framework but face challenges stepping outside of it. For die-hard Apple fans, the seamless connectivity remains unrivaled, but pragmatic audiophiles and Android enthusiasts might want to weigh their options before investing.