Apple AirPods 4 Review

Apple AirPods 4 Review: The New Default Redefined

For years, Apple’s standard AirPods have been the undisputed champions of convenience, the default choice for millions of iPhone users. They weren’t the best-sounding or most feature-rich earbuds, but they simply worked. With the AirPods 4, Apple isn’t just iterating; it’s redefining that default. By borrowing key features from its Pro lineup while retaining the effortless, universal fit, Apple has crafted a product that feels less like an entry-point and more like a deliberate, powerful compromise. This is the mature middle child of the AirPods family, and it might just be the one most people should buy.

Design and Comfort: A Pro-Lite Approach

The first thing you’ll notice about the AirPods 4 is the updated design. The long, dangling stems of their predecessors are gone, replaced by a shorter, more sculpted look reminiscent of the AirPods Pro. This is a significant ergonomic upgrade. They feel more balanced and secure in the ear, less prone to getting snagged on a collar or mask. Despite the new shape, Apple has masterfully retained the “universal” one-size-fits-most fit. There are no silicone tips to worry about, making them supremely comfortable for extended listening sessions and for those who dislike the plugged-up feeling of in-ear monitors.

The build quality is exactly what you’d expect from Apple: flawless. The seams are invisible, the plastic feels dense and premium, and the satisfying magnetic snap of the case remains a tactile delight. Speaking of the case, it now comes standard with MagSafe and Qi charging, and finally makes the jump to USB-C. More importantly, it inherits the U1 chip and a small speaker from the Pro model, making it dramatically easier to locate using the Find My app. The lack of silicone tips, however, means passive noise isolation is minimal. In a noisy coffee shop or on public transit, you will be turning the volume up significantly.

Performance and Audio: Closing the Gap

This is where the AirPods 4 truly shine. Powered by Apple’s new H3 chip, connectivity is faster and more stable than ever, and switching between your iPhone, iPad, and Mac is virtually instantaneous. The audio experience has also received a substantial overhaul. While they don’t have the custom drivers of the AirPods Pro 2, the sound signature is noticeably richer and more detailed than the AirPods 3. Bass is tighter and more present without becoming muddy, and the midrange clarity brings new life to vocals and podcasts.

The headline feature here is the inclusion of Personalized Spatial Audio. While it lacks the full dynamic head tracking of the Pro models, the ability to create a custom sound profile tuned to your ears makes for a more immersive and expansive listening experience for music and movies. It successfully bridges the gap between basic stereo and the high-end audio features previously reserved for pricier models. Functionality also gets a boost with on-stem controls that now support a tap-and-hold gesture for volume adjustment, a long-overdue addition that removes a key point of friction.

The Value Proposition

At their price point, the AirPods 4 sit in a competitive but compelling position. They offer a tangible upgrade over the older AirPods 3, with better sound, a more modern design, and crucial quality-of-life additions like the Find My-enabled case and USB-C. For many, these upgrades easily justify the price increase. However, they still lack the two signature features of the Pro line: Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency Mode.

This is the central compromise. If you don’t need to silence the world around you and prioritize all-day comfort and spatial audio, the AirPods 4 are a near-perfect product. They deliver about 80% of the Pro experience for significantly less money. For the average user who primarily listens in their home, office, or during a workout, these earbuds strike an outstanding balance of features, performance, and price within the Apple ecosystem.

Final Verdict

The Apple AirPods 4 are a masterful refinement of a beloved formula. They successfully elevate the standard AirPods experience from “good enough” to genuinely great. By integrating Pro-level design cues, a Find My-enabled case, and a markedly improved audio profile with Personalized Spatial Audio, Apple has created the new go-to option for the vast majority of its customers.

These are for the iPhone user who wants a premium, comfortable, and deeply integrated audio experience but finds Active Noise Cancellation to be an unnecessary luxury. If you value seamless connectivity and a comfortable, open-ear fit above all else, the AirPods 4 are not just an easy choice—they’re the right one.

Where to Buy:

Check it out on Amazon