AirPods 4 Review: Which Ones To Get?
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Promos
AirPods 4 now come in 2 versions: Regular and with Noise Cancellation. Are they any good? Get dbrand’s new Area 51 skins at dbrand.com MKBHD Merch: shop.mkbhd.com Tech I'm using right now: amazon.com Playlist of MKBHD Intro music: goo.gl Headphones provided by Apple for review. ~ twitter.com @MKBHD @MKBHD
AirPods 4 arrives in two flavors, base and with active noise cancellation, and the reviewer digs into what actually differentiates them beyond the price tag. He notes design tweaks to the buds, a shorter stem, IP54 dust and water resistance, and the move to USB-C for the case on both models, with the ANC variant also gaining a small speaker for chimes and a case that supports wireless charging. A key focus is fit in the ear, where the reviewer has had trouble with silicon-tipped AirPods in the past; with AirPods 4 he finds some improvements yet acknowledges that fit remains highly individual, especially during activity like running. The new case design means the base version uses USB-C only, while the ANC version adds a speaker and wireless charging, but MagSafe alignment is no longer supported due to a smaller case footprint. In performance terms, ANC is competitive but not on par with AirPods Pro, largely due to the non-foam tip creating air gaps; the reviewer emphasizes that transparency mode shines, delivering exceptionally natural ambient sound. Battery life with ANC is slightly down, rated around four hours per charge and about 20 hours total with the case, while features like the H2 chip underpin improved mic performance, better noise cancellation, and adaptive audio. The review also touches on the broader ecosystem benefits, the lack of a physical pairing button in favor of a hidden capacitive area, and practical notes like the area 51 dbrand skins as a stylish accessory. Finally, the verdict is pragmatic: if you value fit and crisp integration with the Apple ecosystem, AirPods 4 offer a balanced option, with AirPods Pro remaining a better fit for silicon-tip lovers and those chasing top-tier noise cancellation, all while weighing cost against potential upgrades. The video closes with price points, a quick recap of what differs between the two versions, and a nod to future product expectations for Apple’s headphone lineup. Observations about the AirPods Max refresh and the broader headphone market are kept brief, with a clear takeaway to pick based on fit, ANC needs, and ecosystem benefits rather than chasing premium specs alone.
Topics · technology · audio · headphones · product_reviews · apple_ecosystem
Questions answered
- What are the core differences between AirPods 4 base and AirPods 4 with noise cancellation?
- AirPods 4 base and AirPods 4 with noise cancellation share the same bud design and size, but the ANC version adds active noise cancellation, a small speaker in the case for chimes and finding, and wireless charging. The ANC model also has a slightly different case behavior, including the loss of MagSafe alignment due to a smaller case.
- How does the noise cancellation compare to AirPods Pro 2?
- According to the review, AirPods 4 ANC reduces background noise but is not as effective as AirPods Pro 2, largely because the hard tip may not seal perfectly in all ears, creating small air gaps that reduce cancellation efficacy.
- Is the AirPods 4 with ANC worth the extra cost over the base model?
- It depends on user priorities. If you value active noise cancellation and wireless charging, the ANC version offers meaningful benefits for noisy environments, but if you prioritize fit, price, and the strongest ANC, AirPods Pro may still be a better option.