AirPods 4 Review: Are Apple’s New Earbuds Worth It?

Illustration of a smiling robot sitting on the floor between a couch and an oval coffee table, wearing AirPods Pro-style earbuds. The closed earbud case is on the table, and musical notes float around, showing the robot is enjoying music in a well-lit environment.

The AirPods 4 have arrived, bringing a host of improvements eagerly awaited by Apple fans. With a refined design, new audio features, and better integration with the Apple ecosystem, these earbuds aim to elevate the listening experience. But do they justify the investment? In this complete review, we’ll explore the highlights, pros, cons, and whether it’s really worth getting the AirPods 4 in 2025.

What’s New in the AirPods 4?

Apple has made significant upgrades with the AirPods 4, both in looks and features. The design has been slightly adjusted for better comfort and fit. The stem is shorter, and the finish is more refined, keeping the iconic AirPods style.

Key new features include:

Enhanced active noise cancellation, more effective in noisy environments.
Intelligent Transparency Mode, adapting ambient sound in real-time.
Improved bass and treble quality, offering a more balanced sound.
Up to 5 hours of battery life with fast MagSafe charging.
Support for the new Personalized Spatial Audio, tuned to your hearing profile.

With these updates, the AirPods 4 aim to stand out for both casual users and audiophiles seeking high-quality sound and advanced technology.

Sound Quality of the AirPods 4

One of the most anticipated upgrades was sound quality, and the AirPods 4 deliver richer, more detailed audio. The new drivers offer deeper bass without losing clarity in the highs.

Additionally, support for Lossless Audio over wireless (with iOS 18) enhances fidelity for those seeking premium sound. Testing across various music genres shows balance and power, especially with the Spatial Audio mode, which creates an impressive immersive effect.

Comfort and Design: What Changed?

The AirPods 4 have been redesigned with ergonomics in mind. They fit more securely, making them ideal for long periods of use, even during light exercise.

Another plus is the IPX5 resistance, protecting against sweat and splashes. The charging case has also been upgraded—more compact with an easily visible LED battery indicator.

In my opinion, the main highlight of this new model is precisely for those who don’t like in-ear earbuds (with silicone tips) and prefer a more simplified alternative — without giving up audio quality and modern features. For those looking for something more discreet, comfortable, and with excellent performance, this could be a great option.

Connectivity and iOS 18 Integration

As expected, the AirPods 4 excel in integration with the Apple ecosystem. The new H2 chip ensures instant, stable connections, allowing seamless switching between devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac).

Features like Find My AirPods, voice activation with “Hey Siri,” and fast pairing remain, now with even smoother performance.

Battery and Charging: Notable Improvements

Another improvement in the AirPods 4 is the battery life in relation to the size of the case, which is now smaller without compromising battery autonomy. The earbuds offer up to 4 hours of continuous use with ANC (active noise cancellation) enabled, and up to 5 hours with ANC disabled, plus up to 30 hours with the charging case and ANC turned off.

Charging via MagSafe is faster and now also supports the Apple Watch charger and Qi-certified chargers. This makes the AirPods 4 perfect for those who are always on the go and need convenience.

Comparison: AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro 2

Many wonder whether it’s better to invest in the AirPods 4 or the AirPods Pro 2. The main difference lies in noise cancellation and price. The AirPods 4 have effective ANC but slightly less powerful than the Pro 2.

In terms of sound, both are excellent, though the Pro 2 offers a more refined experience for audiophiles. For cost-benefit, the AirPods 4 strike a great balance for those wanting quality without overspending.

Colorful cartoon-style illustration of a smiling robot inside a well-lit store, standing in front of a table with various wireless earbuds. The robot looks thoughtful, with a finger on its chin, while observing the models displayed on the table and shelves in the background.

Are the AirPods 4 Worth Buying?

If you’re looking for earbuds with excellent iPhone integration, high-quality sound, and the latest features, the AirPods 4 are a great choice. They deliver a premium experience at a competitive price compared to other top-tier models.

With significant improvements in sound, comfort, and battery, the AirPods 4 stand out as one of the best options in 2025 for practicality, design, and performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the AirPods 4 have noise cancellation?
Yes, with improved ANC over the previous model, though slightly behind the AirPods Pro 2.
Are they water-resistant?
Yes, they have IPX5 certification, great for light workouts.
Do they work with Android?
Yes, but some iOS-exclusive features won’t be available.
What is the price of the AirPods 4?
Starting from $179 USD with Noise Cancellation, depending on the retailer.

PS: Personal opinion. Besides the price, the main difference really comes down to the design, since some people dislike in-ear earbuds and prefer simpler models — but still wish those simpler models had the same audio quality as the more advanced ones. In that sense, I believe the company made a significant improvement that will please a lot of people. Personally, I only feel comfortable with in-ear earbuds (with silicone tips), and I must admit the battery life didn’t impress me much either.

Fun fact: As an advertiser, I have to say — I loved the commercial!

Have you tried the new AirPods 4? Let us know your experience in the comments — and share this review with anyone considering buying Apple’s earbuds in 2025!

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