September 16th 2024.
The Apple AirPods have become an iconic part of the tech world. The sleek and simple design, with the long stick-like earbuds, was a major departure from the traditional wired earbuds we were used to seeing. It was almost comical how it seemed like the cable had been snipped off from the previous white Apple Earbuds that were everywhere.
While they weren't the first wireless headphones on the market, the AirPods quickly became the go-to choice for iPhone users when Apple removed the headphone jack from their phones just a year later. And now, after seven years since their initial release, Apple has continued to improve upon their "classic" AirPods, introducing a higher-spec version known as the AirPods Pro.
This year, they have once again raised the bar with the release of the AirPods 4. This latest update brings a software upgrade to the current AirPods Pro 2 range, as well as a new entry-level option simply called AirPods 4. The packaging remains familiar, but with a focus on the environment, Apple has switched to using fiber-based wrapping and paper throughout.
For my review, I was sent two sets of AirPods because Apple not only launched the AirPods 4, but also a new addition to their lineup - the AirPods 4 with ANC (Active Noise Cancellation). This is a big step forward for the base range, as ANC was previously only available in the more expensive $399 AirPods Pro series.
My main criticism of the previous generation, the AirPods 3rd Generation, was the price. At $279 upon release, they seemed a bit overpriced compared to other strong competitors in the market. But as always, people seem willing to pay for anything with the Apple brand. However, this time, Apple has shocked us by launching the new entry-level AirPods 4 at a much more reasonable price of just $219.
That's $60 cheaper than the last generation, and even the new AirPods 4 with ANC will only cost $299 - a $100 cheaper than the Pro version. Now, it's worth noting that the Noise Cancellation on the AirPods 4 with ANC is not on par with the AirPods Pro 2, but for a headphone without a silicone tip to passively seal the ear canal, it still performs above average. In my testing, I found that instead of the sound of an airplane sounding like it's right next to you, it's more like it's happening in a different room. Of course, with music playing and ANC on, it's a pretty focused experience.
One of the benefits of these new AirPods 4 is that they also come with features like conversation awareness, which allows you to hear someone talking to you while music is playing. And thanks to the upgraded H2 chip, you can also control Siri using head gestures. But the standout feature of these new AirPods 4 is the Voice Isolation. This uses the built-in microphone to isolate your voice during calls, so the person on the other end won't hear any background noise while you're talking. It works remarkably well and is a great addition to the AirPods.
The charging case is also much smaller, the smallest Apple has ever made, but it's still narrow like the original AirPods case, instead of being as wide as the AirPods Pro case. However, one downside is the battery life. While you still get a total of 30 hours with the case, the AirPods themselves only last for five hours, down from six in the previous generation. And while that may not seem like a significant difference, other brands on the market offer seven hours or more. It may not be a deal-breaker for most, but it's worth noting.
Personally, this open-ear or non-silicone-tip style headphone is just not for me. I can't seem to get it to stay in my ear or feel secure, but there are plenty of other options on the market, even at a lower price point, that offer silicone tips or other fit adjustment options. However, the price is definitely the selling point here. For an entry-level option, the AirPods 4 are a fantastic choice, especially if you have multiple Apple devices. The instant switching of audio between Apple devices is a game-changer and makes it hard to recommend any other headphones for Apple users.
Having said that, the headphone market is highly competitive, with brands like JBL, Sony, and Shokz vying for your attention. So, it's always a good idea to shop around and compare before making a decision. Overall, the AirPods 4 are the best entry-level option Apple has released so far, and they are definitely worth considering for any iPhone user. Don't forget to follow us on WhatsApp to stay updated on the latest breaking news, celebrity updates, and sports news. No comments, no algorithms, and your private details are always safe with us.
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