AirPods 4 (Standard)

• Personalized Spatial Audio with Dynamic Head Tracking
• H2 chip
• Voice Isolation
• Hey Siri
• Find My app
• Up to 5 Hours of Listening Time on a Single Charge (30hrs with case)
• IP54 Dust, Sweat, and Water Resistant

Its key features include superior comfort and stability, a powerful H2 chip for improved call and sound quality, long battery life, dust, sweat and water resistant.

Top reasons to buy the AirPods 4 (Standard)

• Improved Audio Quality: The AirPods 4 feature enhanced drivers, offering more dynamic sound with better bass and midrange clarity. Music playback is balanced, making for an enjoyable listening experience
• Iconic Open Design: If you prefer a more open-ear listening experience without in-ear silicone tips, the AirPods 4 provide a comfortable, classic fit that is familiar yet refined.
• Updated Case and Charging Options: The redesigned case offers USB-C charging, ensuring compatibility with the latest Apple ecosystem, though wireless charging is not available on the base model.
• Siri Integration and Announce Notifications: With “Hey Siri” and the Announce Notifications feature, managing calls, reminders, and texts hands-free is easier, making them ideal for Apple users who are deeply integrated into the ecosystem.
• Battery Life: While Apple claims a five-hour playback time, real-world use suggests you may get up to seven hours per charge. The charging case provides additional juice, extending the total listening time significantly.

Design and Comfort

The AirPods 4 maintain the familiar, sleek aesthetic characteristic of Apple products. They’ve undergone subtle yet thoughtful design improvements, like a slightly more contoured shape that offers a more secure and comfortable fit for a wider range of ears. This ergonomic enhancement is crucial, as comfort often makes or breaks an earbud experience, especially for extended listening sessions. The AirPods 4’s minimalist design looks modern and lightweight, making them nearly unnoticeable once in your ears.

Sound Quality and Performance

Apple has made strides in enhancing audio quality with the AirPods 4, powered by their advanced H2 chip. The sound experience has noticeably improved, offering richer audio with more depth and better overall clarity. Songs across various genres come to life with balance, delivering satisfying mids, punchy bass, and crisp highs that feel natural and well-tuned.

For those who prioritize spatial audio, the AirPods 4 support personalized spatial audio, creating an immersive surround sound experience. When listening to compatible tracks or watching movies, the dynamic head tracking feature makes the audio feel as though it’s coming from all around, significantly elevating the experience. It is ideal for users invested in the Apple ecosystem, as it integrates seamlessly with devices like the iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Battery Life and Charging

One area where the AirPods 4 remain competitive is their battery life. The earbuds themselves deliver around six hours of listening time on a single charge, with the case extending total playback to about 30 hours. While this is more than adequate for day-to-day use, it’s worth noting that frequent long-haul travelers might feel the pinch. However, the fast-charging feature comes in handy, giving an hour of playtime with just five minutes of charging.

The case has transitioned to USB-C charging, reflecting Apple’s wider shift to the standard, which will be appreciated by those looking for fewer cables.

Connectivity and Ease of Use

Pairing AirPods 4 with Apple devices remains effortless; simply opening the case near an iPhone initiates a smooth connection process. The earbuds support Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring strong and stable connections even in crowded wireless environments. They also feature audio sharing, enabling you to connect two pairs of AirPods to one device simultaneously—a convenient addition for shared listening.

Users will also benefit from automatic device switching, an especially handy feature for those deeply entrenched in Apple’s ecosystem. For instance, moving from a Mac to an iPhone while taking a call is seamless and intuitive. There is, however, a limitation for those using non-Apple devices, as the AirPods 4 only support the AAC codec, which can result in lower audio quality compared to earbuds with broader codec compatibility.

Microphone Quality and Call Performance

The AirPods 4 come equipped with solid microphone technology, delivering clear audio for calls and video conferencing. The microphones do a reliable job of isolating your voice from background noise, making conversations sound clear on the receiving end. This is a crucial feature for users frequently on calls or engaging in remote work, where quality voice capture can make a significant difference.

Noise Handling

The AirPods 4 do feature a “Personalized Volume” function, which cleverly adjusts the volume based on your environment and listening habits. It is a subtle but thoughtful feature, enhancing the experience without requiring any user intervention.

Ecosystem Advantages

The AirPods 4 shine brightest when used within the Apple ecosystem. Features like Siri voice activation, seamless device switching, and integration with the Find My app significantly boost convenience. This makes them particularly compelling for Apple users, as they provide a level of integration that other earbuds, even high-end ones, struggle to match. Whether it’s asking Siri to send a text, controlling your smart home, or effortlessly switching from a FaceTime call on your iPad to music on your iPhone, the AirPods 4 excel in making your tech interactions smooth and efficient.

Conclusion

The Apple AirPods 4 (Standard) represent an appealing blend of simplicity, improved sound quality, and seamless ecosystem integration. The design refinements, spatial audio capabilities, and upgraded microphone performance are standout features, making them a solid choice for everyday use. If you want the best of what Apple offers, the AirPods 4 are a fantastic investment for daily listening and calls.