Earfun has consistently raised the bar for sub-$100 wireless earbuds, and their latest offering, the Earfun Air Pro 4, is no exception. Priced at just $90, these earbuds boast a feature set and sound quality that rival, and in some cases surpass, competitors from industry giants like Sony, Apple, and Bose, many of which cost three times as much.
The Air Pro 4 builds upon the success of its predecessor, the Air Pro 3, addressing some of the minor shortcomings while adding a plethora of new features. From wireless charging and IPX5 water resistance to active noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency modes, these earbuds are packed with features. The Air Pro 4 also incorporates several cutting-edge audio technologies, including Bluetooth Multipoint, Google Fast Pair, and Sony’s LDAC hi-res codec. Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound, which includes aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless codecs, further enhances the listening experience, ensuring high-quality audio transmission.
The design of the Air Pro 4 is familiar to users of Earfun’s previous stem-based Air Pro models. The comfortable, ergonomic shape provides a secure fit for most users, and the generous selection of five silicone eartip sizes ensures a comfortable and snug fit for a variety of ear shapes. With IPX5 water resistance, you can confidently wear the Air Pro 4 during workouts or in the rain without worrying about damage.
The included charging case is compact and offers wireless charging capabilities. While not as pocketable as the AirPods Pro case, it provides easy access to the earbuds. Indicator lights on the case clearly display the charging level. The Earfun app offers a comprehensive range of customization options, including 30 EQ presets, a 10-band equalizer, and a personalized sound feature.
The Air Pro 4’s ANC performance is significantly improved over the Air Pro 3, offering effective noise cancellation and a dedicated wind noise mode. Transparency mode allows you to hear your surroundings without removing the earbuds, but your voice can sound somewhat muffled, a common issue with Qualcomm ANC technology.
The Air Pro 4’s sound quality is impressive, delivering clear, detailed audio with a well-defined soundstage and balanced bass response. The support for hi-res audio codecs like LDAC and aptX Adaptive enhances the overall listening experience, providing greater detail and nuance. While the Air Pro 4 doesn’t prioritize bass, it provides a satisfying listening experience for most music genres.
Call quality is average when using an iPhone, but it significantly improves when using a compatible Snapdragon Sound phone. However, switching between ANC and transparency mid-call requires using the Earfun app.
The Air Pro 4 supports Bluetooth Multipoint, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously. However, disabling LDAC is necessary to use this feature. Auracast support is another highlight, promising a future of shared audio experiences. While enabling Auracast on the Air Pro 4 involves a slightly complex process, it’s worth the effort for those who want to experience this innovative technology.
The Air Pro 4’s touch controls are highly responsive, and the addition of wear sensors automatically pauses music when you remove an earbud. The Earfun app allows you to customize four gestures per earbud, offering precise control over your listening experience.
Battery life is another strong point of the Air Pro 4. With ANC enabled, you get up to 7.5 hours of playtime, and with ANC disabled, you can enjoy up to 11 hours. The total playtime with ANC disabled is a remarkable 52 hours. However, using LDAC and adaptive ANC together can reduce the playtime to six hours per charge.
Overall, the Earfun Air Pro 4 represents an outstanding value proposition. With its impressive sound quality, comprehensive feature set, and comfortable fit, it stands out as one of the best budget wireless earbuds on the market. While there’s some room for improvement in Auracast functionality and call quality with iPhones, these minor drawbacks don’t detract from the Air Pro 4’s overall excellence.
