Our Honest Assessment
Apple's AirPods 4 represent the most refined version of the standard AirPods to date. The H2 chip brings meaningful improvements over its predecessor — particularly in noise cancellation quality and spatial audio accuracy. For everyday use, these earbuds are genuinely excellent: they connect instantly to Apple devices, the fit is comfortable for most ear shapes, and the sound quality is a clear step above similarly priced competitors.
That said, it's worth being honest about the limitations. The active noise cancellation, while genuinely useful, doesn't match what you'd get from the AirPods Pro or Sony's top models. The open-ear design means some ambient sound will always come through, which is a deliberate design choice but worth knowing before you buy. The fit also won't suit every ear shape — if previous AirPods have never stayed in your ears comfortably, the AirPods 4 are unlikely to be different.
What We Like — and What We Don't
✓ Strengths
- Instant, effortless pairing with all Apple devices
- Improved sound quality over previous generation
- Comfortable and lightweight for all-day wear
- USB-C charging case — finally a universal cable
- Spatial Audio works genuinely well for music and video
- Good transparency mode for aware listening
✗ Limitations
- ANC is decent but not class-leading at this price
- Open-ear design lets in more noise than in-ear alternatives
- Won't fit every ear shape — no silicone tips
- Works best exclusively within the Apple ecosystem
- No ear tip options to customise the fit
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Chip | Apple H2 |
| ANC | Active Noise Cancellation |
| Battery (earbuds) | Up to 5 hours (ANC on) |
| Battery (with case) | Up to 30 hours total |
| Charging | USB-C |
| Water Resistance | IP54 (earbuds and case) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Compatibility | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch |
Performance Scores
Who Should Buy This?
The AirPods 4 are the ideal choice for iPhone users who want reliable, comfortable everyday earbuds without thinking too much about it. If seamless Apple integration, decent ANC, and all-day comfort are your priorities — and you don't need the most powerful noise cancellation available — these deliver excellent value.
If you're an Android user, most of the premium features won't work as intended — look at Sony or Samsung options instead. If you need serious noise cancellation for a loud commute or open office, consider the AirPods Pro 3 or Sony WH-1000XM6. And if previous AirPods have never stayed in your ears, these won't either.
Pulsewave Verdict
The Apple AirPods 4 are a genuinely strong pair of everyday earbuds — not the absolute best at anything, but excellent at everything that matters for daily use. The H2 chip delivers real improvements, the comfort is excellent, and for iPhone users the ecosystem integration is genuinely hard to match. At this guide price, they represent fair value for what you get. Recommended with confidence for Apple users seeking a reliable all-rounder.
* Affiliate link · Amazon Associates · Guide price: From ~$129 · Always check Amazon for today's live price