Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, with Active Noise Cancellation (Renewed)
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AI Verdict
These are open-ear, 0.141-ounce wireless earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation and 5 hours of battery life, designed for Apple users who dislike silicone ear tips.
The open-ear design with a refined contour is a strong fit for users who dislike silicone tips and prioritize comfort over a sealed fit. However, the fit is highly dependent on individual ear anatomy, leading to mixed experiences with security and long-term comfort.
If you need a guaranteed secure fit and superior noise isolation, look for earbuds with multiple silicone ear tip sizes and an in-ear design.
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Pros
- Active Noise Cancellation works surprisingly well for an open-ear design, reducing mid to high frequencies by over 50% in lab tests.
- Adaptive Audio seamlessly blends ANC and Transparency mode, adjusting sound blocking based on surroundings.
- Voice Isolation significantly improves call quality by reducing background noise in loud conditions.
- Redesigned for comfort with a refined contour and shorter stem, fitting many ears better than previous AirPods.
- The charging case is compact, includes a speaker for finding, and supports MagSafe and wireless charging via USB-C.
- Sound quality is clean, detailed, and offers improved treble and bass extension compared to older non-Pro AirPods.
Cons
- Battery life is limited to 5 hours without ANC and 4 hours with ANC, which is below average for the category.
- ANC performance is not as effective as sealed-design earbuds like AirPods Pro 2, especially for low-frequency noise like airplane engines.
- Fit is highly subjective; some users experience discomfort after 30 minutes to 2 hours or find they don't stay securely in place during movement.
- Lack of on-ear volume swipe controls is a frequent user complaint, requiring phone interaction for volume adjustments.
- Sound quality, while improved, can struggle with instrument separation in complex music tracks.
Dimension Scores
Sound is clean, detailed, and offers improved treble and bass extension compared to previous non-Pro AirPods, with Adaptive EQ compensating for fit.
ANC is surprisingly effective for an open-ear design, reducing mid to high frequencies by over 50%, though not as strong as sealed-tip earbuds for low frequencies.
The redesigned contour and shorter stem are very comfortable for many who dislike silicone tips, but fit is highly subjective and can lead to discomfort or instability for some.
With 5 hours without ANC and 4 hours with ANC, the on-earbud battery life is below average for current wireless earbuds.
Best For
- Daily commutes in noisy city environments where you still need some situational awareness.
- Users who find in-ear silicone tips uncomfortable or experience pressure with sealed earbuds.
- Apple ecosystem users prioritizing seamless device switching and Siri integration.
- Taking calls in varied environments, thanks to Voice Isolation technology.
Not Recommended For
- Frequent airplane travelers who need maximum low-frequency noise cancellation.
- Audiophiles seeking the highest fidelity sound reproduction and deep, skull-rattling bass.
- Individuals who require consistent, secure fit for intense workouts or running without needing to readjust.
Watch Out For
- ANC effectiveness is directly tied to individual ear fit; if they don't sit snugly, ANC won't work as well.
- The 4-hour battery life with ANC on means you'll need to recharge them in the case frequently during long listening sessions.
- Some users report discomfort or pain after wearing them for more than 30 minutes to 2 hours, despite the redesigned shape.
- You can't adjust volume directly on the earbuds, which is annoying if you're used to that feature on other models.
- Bass response, while improved, may still be perceived as lacking by those who prefer a very bass-heavy sound profile.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 601557981882 |
| ASIN | B0DLY219Q7 |
| Brand | Apple |
| Color | White |
| Style | With Active Noise Cancellation |
| Units | 1.0 Count |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. |
| Impedance | 35 Ohms |
| Model Name | Apple AirPods 4 |
| Form Factor | In Ear |
| Item Weight | 0.141 ounces |
| Battery Life | 5 Hours |
| Control Type | Siri |
| Manufacturer | Apple |
| Cable Feature | Without Cable |
| Ear Placement | In Ear |
| Noise Control | None |
| Control Method | Touch, Voice |
| Controller Type | Button, Siri |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Item model number | AirPods 4 With Acive Noise Cancellation |
| Compatible Devices | Cellphones, Desktops, Laptops, Music Production Equipment, Tablets |
| Product Dimensions | 8.19 x 8.19 x 3.33 inches |
| Included Components | (USB-C Charge Cable sold separately), AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, Charging Case (USB-C) with speaker, Documentation |
| Water Resistance Level | Water Resistant |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Connectivity Technology | Wireless |
| Specific Uses For Product | Fitness, Gaming, Travel |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Everyday Use |
| Wireless Communication Technology | Bluetooth |
What Buyers Say
The biggest surprise with these AirPods 4 is how well the Active Noise Cancellation works, even without silicone tips, making city commutes much more bearable. Users consistently praise the redesigned comfort for those who can't stand in-ear pressure, though fit remains a personal gamble. Sound quality is a noticeable step up from previous non-Pro models, offering a clearer and more balanced audio experience. However, the 4-hour battery life with ANC on is a real buzzkill, and the lack of on-ear volume controls is a constant annoyance.
“Okay, so the ANC is actually kinda magic for not having those rubber tips, but seriously, Apple, 4 hours of battery with ANC? And no volume control on the buds? My old cheap ones did that! Still, they feel way better than jamming something in my ear all day.”
Common Praise
- ANC effectively mutes city noise and conversations without feeling completely isolated.
- The open-ear design is exceptionally comfortable for long listening sessions for many users.
- Voice Isolation makes phone calls crystal clear, even in noisy environments.
- Seamless pairing and switching between Apple devices is a consistent highlight.
- Improved sound quality with clearer audio and better bass than previous non-Pro AirPods.
- The charging case is tiny and pocketable, with a speaker for finding.
Common Complaints
- Battery life of 4 hours with ANC is too short for extended use without charging.
- Lack of on-ear volume controls is a frequent complaint, forcing users to use their phone.
- ANC isn't strong enough for very loud, low-frequency noises like airplane engines.
- Fit is inconsistent; some users experience them falling out or causing discomfort after a short time.
- Bass response, while improved, still doesn't satisfy users who prefer a very deep, impactful bass.
Ownership Tips
- The 'magical' Apple ecosystem integration, like instant pairing and device switching, really does make a difference in daily use.
- You'll find yourself reaching for the charging case more often than with other earbuds due to the 4-hour ANC battery life.
- The comfort level is a make-or-break; if they fit your ears well, you'll forget they're there, but if not, they'll be a constant irritation.
- Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness are genuinely useful features that you'll quickly rely on for seamless listening in varied environments.
- The sound quality holds up surprisingly well over time, especially for podcasts and vocal-heavy music.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the battery last on a single charge?
You'll get about 5 hours of listening time without Active Noise Cancellation, and that drops to 4 hours if ANC is turned on.
Does the Active Noise Cancellation really work without silicone tips?
Yes, it's surprisingly effective for an open-ear design, especially for mid to high frequencies in daily environments like city streets or cafes. It won't block out airplane engine rumble as well as sealed earbuds.
Are these comfortable for long periods?
Many users find them very comfortable for extended wear, particularly if they dislike the pressure of in-ear tips. However, comfort is subjective, and some report discomfort after a couple of hours.
Can I control the volume directly on the earbuds?
No, these AirPods 4 use quick-press controls for music and calls, but they lack on-ear volume swipe controls. You'll need to adjust volume from your connected device.
How does the sound quality compare to older AirPods?
Reviewers note a significant improvement over AirPods 3, with cleaner sound, better treble, and more bass extension. It's considered close to AirPods Pro 2 in quiet environments.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at wireless earbuds, especially renewed ones, you need to think about how they actually sit in your ears and how long they'll last away from the charger. For these AirPods 4, the big deal is the open-ear design with Active Noise Cancellation, which is a rare combo. This means they won't seal off your ear canal, which is great for comfort but changes how ANC works. Also, check the battery life for the earbuds themselves, not just with the charging case, because that's your actual listening time before a pit stop.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
This feature actively reduces background noise. For these AirPods, it's unique because it works without sealing your ear canal, meaning you get some noise reduction without feeling completely isolated, which is different from traditional ANC earbuds.
Battery Life (5 Hours)
This tells you how long the earbuds will play audio on a single charge. 5 hours is on the lower end, so if you have long commutes or work sessions, you'll be putting them back in the case frequently to top them up.
Type: In Ear (Open Design)
This refers to how the earbud sits in your ear. An 'open design' means it rests in your ear without forming a seal, unlike earbuds with silicone tips that go into your ear canal. This impacts comfort, sound leakage, and how effective ANC can be.
Weight: 0.141 ounces
This is how much each earbud weighs. Lighter earbuds generally contribute to better long-term comfort, as you're less likely to feel their presence or experience ear fatigue.
Alternatives
If these don't fit your needs, look for earbuds with a sealed in-ear design and multiple ear tip sizes for superior noise isolation and bass, or models with 6+ hours of battery life per charge for longer listening.
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