After three years without any update, Apple has decided, with the new iPhone 16, to revive the product in its catalog that has inspired the most in terms of design and iconicity in the current audio market: its AirPods headphones. Its fourth update comes with a new design and a key addition: the option to buy a model with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC).
When we saw their announcement at ABC in the last keynote, since they are not closed-type headphones, we felt that the sound quality of the ANC could not be compared to that offered by the Pro version after a week of use , without reaching its level, we can confirm that the result is round and very surprising.
Comfort vs. Isolation
In case you didn’t know, the AirPods 4 come in two different models: one with noise cancellation and a basic one without it. On the outside they are the same, but there are differences on the inside that justify the 50 euro difference. Besides the lack of ANC, the base model doesn’t allow for wireless charging.
The head of the headset is different from previous generations. In our opinion, the new design is more convenient
Apple has slightly redesigned the shape of this fourth generation compared to the third generation. They still have the same reduced temple (compared to the first and second generation) and a slightly different ‘head’. The feeling when you wear them is that they are very comfortable. You can wear them for three or four hours and you won’t notice them, and that’s a win when it comes to comfort.
Like the charging case, this model is much smaller than the previous generation or the Pro, which allows – with the same charging capacity – to carry them anywhere, whether in a pair of trousers, a jacket or a bag.
From left to right are the first generation AirPods, AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2. Size-wise, the new AirPods 4 are smaller
Apple does this so they don’t need to be inserted into a duct to achieve great sound or great noise cancellation. We can say that they do this in a non-invasive manner and that’s why they are loved by all those who don’t like plugging in headphones. However, they don’t have the support that the pros offer, and we can’t see them staying in place when exercising or doing very quick head gestures.
Regarding noise cancellation, it is important to note here that this model seems to be designed to create a music-friendly environment and these headphones act as earplugs that help isolate ourselves from noise. The second-generation AirPods Pro perform better.
While Apple’s Pro headphones have silicone eartips that create acoustic isolation in the ear canal, the AirPods 4 lack them. However, they are able to create a quiet environment so that you can enjoy music with full clarity.
Are they worth it?
AirPods 4 start at 149 euros in their basic version and 199 with ANC, and although they cost 50 euros more, the model with noise cancellation offers a much superior experience than the AirPods 4 without ANC. If you are planning to restore your old headphones or if you are bothered by those with pads, this model is very interesting for its price and sound and battery quality (5 hours for the headphones and about 30 for the charging case) .
However, for those who really need to isolate themselves from the world, the best option is still the AirPods Pro 2, and the price difference is 80 euros. You decide whether it’s music, noise, comfort or price.
