My review of AirPods 4 with ANC — featuring fit and ANC

[profmjh]

First impressions after half an hour of use.

Fit
This was my biggest worry. The old EarPods and the original AirPods locked into my ears and never fell out. The first AirPods Pro kept falling out. The APP2 were better because of the addition of an XS tip. The AP3 fell out almost immediately.

The AP4 feel pretty solidly locked in. They didn’t randomly fall out (unlike the AP3 did on my first — and only — use of them). I shook my head fairly vigorously: no problem. I ran (after my dog): no problem.

But: they are not super-comfortable. The original EP and AP seemed to just disappear and I never really was aware I had them in. I hate how the APP2 feel, which is why I bought the AP4. The AP4 are better, but I definitely know they’re there and I wonder how long I could wear them without wanting a rest.

ANC
Super-impressed. I tried them while using my Dyson vacuum cleaner and I could barely hear it. Walking along a busy road: could barely hear the traffic. The APP2 are probably better, but the AP4 are easily good enough for my primary use-cases — walking the dog (road noise) and vacuuming.

I will give them a few more days but at this stage I expect to keep them and sell my APP2. What I don’t know is the fate of my AirPods Max. I only use these for flying. Reviewers who have tested them on flights say the AP4 are pretty effective — and based on my experience so far, I believe them. But I have a question mark about long-term comfort during a transatlantic flight.

 

[city_17]

Interesting to see the difference in ANC performance. I think it has a huge amount to do with how they fit in your ear and if they create a natural seal. There was a lot of variation in the experiences of reviewers too I found.

For me if I run a vacuum cleaner they reduce the sound about 30-40% at best, whereas my Sony XM5s reduce sound for about 90% standing next to a vacuum cleaner.

 

[profmjh]

Interesting to see the difference in ANC performance. I think it has a huge amount to do with how they fit in your ear and if they create a natural seal. There was a lot of variation in the experiences of reviewers too I found.

For me if I run a vacuum cleaner they reduce the sound about 30-40% at best, whereas my Sony XM5s reduce sound for about 90% standing next to a vacuum cleaner.

Yes, I should have added YMMV.

 

[Pooneil]

UPS brought the AirPods 4. I really haven't tested the ANC as far as stopping noise but it sure punches the bass up and. conversely the Spatial Audio seems to raise the high midrange and treble. Without either of these engaged, they sound pretty much like my Airpods 3. Rockers will appreciate the increased weight in the low end and also the upper range emphasis in the treble. It isn't really excessive but it's there if you want it. This house is pretty quiet so the noise cancellation has not been put to the test. I thought that my Airpods 3 sounded pretty good but the Airpods 4 do sound much better. It is really subjective but there is quite a difference.

 

[Jackbequickly]

Got mine today and am shocked at how well ANC works considering the lack of a seal with the ear canal. Sound better than my 3s did. I could not be more happy with the lower frequencies and fit in my ear!

Awesome Apple!

 

[turbineseaplane]

The ANC ..

Good lord… black magic…

Works really really well for being an otherwise “open” design

 

[shooter45acp]

Also just received mine way better than I thought it would be without a tight seal..

 

[mrj101]

The only AirPods that ever fit me were the OGs. The new 4s fit extremely well. More comfortable for me than the originals.

 

[jonnyb098]

The only AirPods that ever fit me were the OGs. The new 4s fit extremely well. More comfortable for me than the originals.

Same here. But my right ear is different so the AP4 still feels a little annoying in my right ear. But way better than the Gen3. Wish they just did a couple sizes of the non-silicone buds.

 

[theonekcrow]

The ANC works pretty well at reducing or eliminating quieter noises and really tones down louder environments. Also love the fit compared to the ear tip ones in my APP 1. This is the upgrade I was holding out for and couldn’t be happier.

 

[Zwhaler]

ANC is super impressive and the fit is good for me. The tip-less fit creates enough of a seal for the ANC to work. And boy does it work. I think Apple nailed it with this one. The case lid does feel a little cheaper when closing than the OG Airpods for sure. Apple definitely saved some $ there. But overall I would recommend these over the Airpods Pro unless you specifically want the rubber tips. If you liked the original AirPods at all, and your ears fit the profile, these are fantastic. I give em a 9/10. The music quality is quite good as well. They sound like $150-$200 earbuds for sure with satisfactory bass, and the ANC quality is superb for not having rubber tips.

 

[ksaathoff]

They are less trebly than my airpods 2. They seem a bit dull and muted. I can't find a tone control to fix this.

 

[thv]

My case is messed up & was tired of the buds of second pros so I got the ANC version. They fit me comfortably, though I never had a big problem with the other airpods other than the 3s being a bit uncomfortable the first days. For me I think this kind of shape stays in a bit better than my pros. The ANC is decent & the sound quality doesn't feel like a huge step down from the pros at all

 

[zakarhino]

ANC is way better than expected. Transparency mode is ok, doesn't seem like it's a step up or down from APP2, I'll need to test it some more tomorrow morning but I was expecting more. Fit is great so far, probably the best fitting AirPods I've ever tried including APP2 and Max. Super light weight and small including the case. Zero ear irritation unlike APP2 and Max. These AirPods are the best in the "feels like I'm wearing nothing" category.

Sound quality is not too great. I expected this. It's perfectly acceptable for my use and I'll be keeping APP2. The lid of the case creaks and shifts around a bunch, I had this same problem with my batch 1 APP2 so I exchanged in store for a tighter lid. I'll probably do the same for these.

The most disappointing thing by far is that there's no volume control on the stem like there is on APP2. I didn't read that in the tech specs before ordering. It's not a deal breaker but definitely knocks these down a peg.

 

[someone33]

I'm surprised some aren't finding the sound quality to be great on the AirPods 4, I'm finding the sound quality to be even better than the Pro 2's in some ways. The bass isn't quite as good as the Pro 2's but it's close and a HUGE step up over the AirPods 3 bass.

I'm finding the vocals to sound more natural on the 4's compared to the Pro 2's. And of course the sound stage is a lot more wide and open with the 4's due to their design. Overall, I prefer the audio quality of the 4's over the Pro 2's so will only use the Pro 2's when the extra isolation is necessary.

 

[Pooneil]

They are less trebly than my airpods 2. They seem a bit dull and muted. I can't find a tone control to fix this.

If you engage the Spatial Audio it does boost the top end a bit. The way that all of Apple's current audio products are made now doesn't allow for equalization. In the days of the iPod the user could use equalization but they were only presets and there was no user customization and none of the presets were really usable.

 

[rbf1138]

If you engage the Spatial Audio it does boost the top end a bit. The way that all of Apple's current audio products are made now doesn't allow for equalization. In the days of the iPod the user could use equalization but they were only presets and there was no user customization and none of the presets were really usable.

Some apps, like Spotify, do offer equalizers.

 

[Pooneil]

Some apps, like Spotify, do offer equalizers.

Yes, but with Apple and the way the music is processed I think that equalization is not compatible.

 

[AJTC]

I always have the Music app’s EQ set to Rock. I know it’s not the best but I’ve had it set to that for my AirPods 1, 3, 4 and Pros 1 and 2. It’d be nice to be able to adjust it more. Is there any downside to using those presets?

I’m enjoying these 4’s with ANC so much. They sound better than the APP2 to me.

I don’t know if I just have too high expectations for the ANC but I’d class it around 50% compared to the 80% of the Pros. A lot of people seem blown away by it but maybe my ear shape just doesn’t allow them to do more ANC.

I’ve noticed the battery life isn’t great with ANC on all the time either. I think my AirPods 3 just still do so well with battery performance 2 years later.

 

[turbineseaplane]

The most disappointing thing by far is that there's no volume control on the stem like there is on APP2. I didn't read that in the tech specs before ordering. It's not a deal breaker but definitely knocks these down a peg.

I agree on the lack of volume slider stem

The ANC model should have this at the price point it lives at

I also personally still miss the tap gestures from the AirPods 2

It’s a lot more hassle to have to grab and squeeze or God forbid engage Siri for simple track skips on a walk…especially if cold out

 

[scrane]

They are less trebly than my airpods 2. They seem a bit dull and muted. I can't find a tone control to fix this.

I'm afraid I agree. I think the fit for the new buds is not good for me, the shape being more angular than the 3's. They don't hang in my ear as well. After all the hype, anc was a disappointment. The sound for me is flat, the 2's being more musical to my ears. This might all be due to the bad fit to my ears.
I'll be sending the 4's back. I hope everyone else has better luck than I've had.

 

[Pooneil]

I always have the Music app’s EQ set to Rock. I know it’s not the best but I’ve had it set to that for my AirPods 1, 3, 4 and Pros 1 and 2. It’d be nice to be able to adjust it more. Is there any downside to using those presets?

I’m enjoying these 4’s with ANC so much. They sound better than the APP2 to me.

I don’t know if I just have too high expectations for the ANC but I’d class it around 50% compared to the 80% of the Pros. A lot of people seem blown away by it but maybe my ear shape just doesn’t allow them to do more ANC.

I’ve noticed the battery life isn’t great with ANC on all the time either. I think my AirPods 3 just still do so well with battery performance 2 years later.

I would assume that if the EQ options are on iPhone it’s okay to use them. I was comparing my AirPods 4 and AirPods 3 and the treble is more recessed on the 4s compered to the 3s. On balance I prefer the AirPods 4. The AirPods 3 sound tizzy in the treble on several albums.

 

[klasma]

I'm surprised some aren't finding the sound quality to be great on the AirPods 4, I'm finding the sound quality to be even better than the Pro 2's in some ways. The bass isn't quite as good as the Pro 2's but it's close and a HUGE step up over the AirPods 3 bass.

Ear shape will affect the perceived sound quality.

 

[Pooneil]

Ear shape will affect the perceived sound quality.

Right. For what it’s worth, Apple did a bunch of research to determine the optimal shape (or so they say).

 

[Tyler O'Bannon]

I have had APP2.5 (USB-C model Sep ‘23) for 7 months. Used them a lot.

I got AP4 yesterday.

Speaking to the quality of the ANC, it’s just as good as APP2.5. The only difference is the seal of the Pro’s. AP4 block out a lot of sound. Pro’s just completely isolate you from it.

Sound is closer to APP2.5 than AP3.

They sounds great, Pro’s just sound even better.

If you are watching a movie in Spatial Audio, the Pro’s are just by and large the most voluminous, surround sound experience.

But AP4 are closer to that than AP3.

Pretty much all things you’d expect.

I’ve only had AP4 for an afternoon though so it will be fine over the next few months to get a feel for exactly how they are.