The Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) are a brand new proposition from Apple, taking a significant step forward from the previous entry-level AirPods. While they aren’t quite at the level of the AirPods Pro (still rocking their second-generation status from 2022), they offer a compelling alternative for users who prioritize comfort and open-ear design. But how do they measure up to the competition, particularly the AirPods Pro, and are they worth considering if you’re not an iPhone user? Let’s dive in.
The most obvious and critical distinction between standard AirPods and AirPods Pro is the absence of silicone or foam eartips in the standard AirPods, creating what Apple calls an “open-ear design.” This open design eliminates the worry of finding the right eartip fit, a common pain point for many. While this might seem like a win for comfort, it also presents challenges for achieving good audio quality and maintaining a secure fit.
Apple acknowledges these challenges and has employed advanced modeling tools like photogrammetry and 3D laser topography to create a shape that supposedly fits the widest range of ear shapes. They’ve also redesigned the acoustic architecture, from the speaker driver to its positioning, aiming for a more direct sound delivery and minimizing internal reflections to improve sound quality. The AirPods 4 also benefit from the powerful Apple H2 chip, unlocking a plethora of features like personalized spatial audio, dynamic head tracking, voice isolation, and Siri interactions. These enhancements elevate the audio experience and make for a more seamless and intuitive user interface.
Let’s talk about the AirPods 4 with ANC in more detail. While they share some similarities with the AirPods Pro, including the new USB-C charging case, wireless charging, and a built-in Find My speaker, there are key distinctions. The AirPods 4 with ANC lack the eartip for a secure fit, and they don’t feature the swipe gesture for volume control. The AirPods Pro also boast hearing aid features that are yet to be implemented in the AirPods 4. However, the AirPods 4 with ANC offer a compelling combination of features that make them worthy of attention.
While the open-ear design ensures that the experience will vary from user to user, Apple has clearly put effort into maximizing comfort. They are a significant improvement over the previous generation, but some users may still encounter discomfort after extended periods of wear.
One of the most impressive aspects of the AirPods 4 with ANC is the active noise cancellation. Despite the lack of an eartip for passive noise isolation, the ANC effectively quiets down external noise, making it ideal for environments like airplanes, noisy workplaces, or crowded coffee shops. However, users may experience some sound pressure, likely due to the AirPods 4 having to crank up the noise-canceling sound to compensate for the open-ear design.
While high frequencies can still sneak in, the noise cancellation effectively reduces the overall ambient noise levels. During my testing, I found that the AirPods 4 effectively reduced noise levels on my walk through a bustling business district and even managed to significantly reduce the sound of a massive wood chipper. The noise cancellation is not as effective as the AirPods Pro, which offer better high-frequency noise blocking and overall noise cancellation, but it is still impressive considering the open-ear design.
The audio fidelity of the AirPods 4 is also noteworthy. They deliver a significant improvement in sound quality over the previous generation, and the ANC further enhances the experience by eliminating unwanted background noise. While they may not satisfy the most discerning audiophiles, the AirPods 4 offer impressive sound quality with a powerful bass response, clear vocals, and a detailed soundscape. The sound signature is well-balanced, and the overall audio experience is quite enjoyable.
While the AirPods 4 with ANC shine with Apple devices, they still function with Android devices. However, you will lose access to many of the advanced features, including personalized spatial audio, dynamic head tracking, and voice isolation. For most Android users, other options might be more appealing.
Overall, the AirPods 4 with ANC represent a significant step forward for Apple’s open-ear audio offerings. They provide a compelling combination of comfort, powerful noise cancellation, and impressive sound quality. While they may not be the perfect solution for all users, they present a viable alternative to the AirPods Pro, especially for those who struggle with eartip fit or simply prefer an open-ear listening experience. If you’re looking for the best ANC in an open-ear design, the AirPods 4 with ANC are a strong contender, regardless of your device.
