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The Apple AirPods 4 bring Apple’s H2 chip, Personalized Spatial Audio, Voice Isolation, Adaptive EQ, USB-C charging, and IP54 dust, sweat, and water resistance to Apple’s familiar open-ear wireless earbud design. This review covers the standard AirPods 4 model with USB-C Charging Case, not the higher-priced Active Noise Cancellation version.
AirPods 4 at a Glance
- Apple H2 headphone chip
- Open-ear wireless earbud design
- Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
- Adaptive EQ and Voice Isolation
- Bluetooth 5.3
- IP54 dust, sweat, and water resistance
- Up to 5 hours of listening time per charge
- Up to 30 hours of listening time with the USB-C Charging Case
- Force-sensor controls and Siri support
Sound and H2 Chip
Apple’s H2 chip powers the AirPods 4 audio features and helps deliver an upgraded listening experience within an open-ear design. Adaptive EQ adjusts sound based on how the earbuds sit in your ears, while Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking can create a more immersive presentation for compatible content.
Comfort and Open-Ear Design
AirPods 4 do not use silicone ear tips. That makes them appealing to listeners who prefer a lighter open fit and dislike the sealed feeling of in-ear earbuds. Fit is personal, however, so people who need a tight seal or maximum passive isolation may prefer an in-ear alternative.
Call Quality and Voice Isolation
Voice Isolation is designed to prioritize your voice during calls and reduce distracting background sound. Dual beamforming microphones and Apple’s computational audio features make the AirPods 4 well suited to calls, voice messages, and Siri use within the Apple ecosystem.
Battery Life and USB-C Charging
Apple rates the standard AirPods 4 for up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge and up to 30 hours total with the USB-C Charging Case. Five minutes in the case can provide around one additional hour of listening time, which is useful when you need a quick recharge.
IP54 Resistance
The AirPods 4 and charging case are rated IP54 for dust, sweat, and water resistance. That makes them better suited to workouts and everyday exposure to moisture, although water resistance should not be confused with waterproofing.
Important: This Model Does Not Have Active Noise Cancellation
Apple sells two AirPods 4 versions. The standard model covered here does not include Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, Adaptive Audio, or Conversation Awareness. Those features are included with the separate AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation model.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- H2 chip
- Comfortable open-ear option for many listeners
- Personalized Spatial Audio
- Voice Isolation for calls
- USB-C charging
- IP54 resistance
- Strong integration with Apple devices
Cons
- No Active Noise Cancellation on this model
- Open design provides less isolation than sealed earbuds
- Some features work best within the Apple ecosystem
- Up to 5 hours per charge is modest compared with some alternatives
Who Should Buy AirPods 4?
AirPods 4 make the most sense for iPhone and other Apple-device users who prefer an open-ear fit and want easy pairing, Siri integration, Spatial Audio, and a compact USB-C charging case. If blocking outside noise is a priority, consider the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation or a sealed in-ear model instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these AirPods 4 have noise cancellation?
No. This standard AirPods 4 model does not include Active Noise Cancellation. Apple sells a separate AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation version.
How long does the AirPods 4 battery last?
Apple rates them for up to 5 hours of listening on one charge and up to 30 hours total with the USB-C Charging Case.
Are AirPods 4 water resistant?
They carry an IP54 rating for dust, sweat, and water resistance. They are not designed to be submerged in water.
Do AirPods 4 use USB-C?
Yes. The standard model includes a USB-C Charging Case.
Final Verdict
The standard Apple AirPods 4 are a compelling choice for Apple users who value an open fit, simple connectivity, useful H2-powered features, and USB-C charging. The biggest tradeoff is the lack of Active Noise Cancellation, so buyers should choose the ANC version instead if reducing environmental noise is important.