The 2024 model of Apple AirPods 4 are the ear tip-less, one-size-fits-most successor to the Apple AirPods (3rd generation). Once the hub of a single pair of earbuds for all, the Apple headphones range has expanded to include tiers of AirPods depending on your specific needs and budget. Arguably, these are the 'entry-level' AirPods, situated in the tier below the Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancelling (ANC). The manufacturer has injected plenty of Apple ecosystem exclusives, like the H2 chip for seamless device iCloud device switching, Adaptive EQ, and Personalized Spatial Audio. So, let's see what's changed, what's the same, and if they're the right buds for you.
Our Verdict
The Apple AirPods 4 are good for sports and fitness. Their IP54 rating repels dust and water splashes, and their open-back design helps you stay aware during runs outdoors. Although their lack of ear tips can fit people differently, if they suit your ears' shape, they feel comfortable and are stable for most dynamic movements. Your mileage can vary on this, though, because there are reports of them falling out of some people's ears. Still, their lightweight, portable design means they'll fit in your shorts' pocket, and their battery life outlasts most people's exercise routine. Plus, they provide a good amount of low-end to keep you running on the beat. Sadly, they lack direct volume controls, so you'll either need to use your device or enable the Personalized Volume feature that adapts the volume based on your surroundings.
IP54 rating.
Call controls on the buds.
Doesn't leak a lot of audio.
Open-back design doesn't isolate out noise.
No volume controls.
The Apple AirPods 4 are middling for commutes and traveling. Because they lack noise isolation, you'll hear everything in your environment. They lack volume controls, so you need to use your device or enable the Personalized Volume feature to compensate for environmental noise. If they fit your ear shape, they're decently comfortable and lightweight. Their continuous battery life is good for trips to and from work, but they won't necessarily last for intercontinental flights without a recharge. On the upside, they don't leak much noise that'll disturb folks seated next to you on your travels. Their IP54 rating means you don't need to baby them either.
IP54 rating.
Call controls on the buds.
Doesn't leak a lot of audio.
Open-back design doesn't isolate out noise.
No volume controls.
Microphone noise handling is only okay.
Limited adjustments for changing the sound.
The Apple AirPods 4 are middling for office use. Their lack of noise isolation makes them more suitable for collaborative offices rather than for work in spaces where you want to focus and block out noise. Fortunately, they don't leak much of your audio. They feel decently comfortable and lightweight with good stability, although this can vary depending on your ear shape. Their continuous battery life won't get you through an entire day, though, but they'll fully charge in half an hour. If you take many calls, their mic is okay, though it's no substitute for a dedicated headset. Depending on your office's computer, you might be able to take advantage of their H2 chip for device switching, but it's limited to Apple devices on the same iCloud account.
IP54 rating.
Call controls on the buds.
Doesn't leak a lot of audio.
Open-back design doesn't isolate out noise.
No volume controls.
Microphone noise handling is only okay.
Limited adjustments for changing the sound.
The Apple AirPods 4 are Bluetooth-only earbuds, so they can only connect to devices with Bluetooth, which limits their connectivity for wireless gaming. Their latency is high enough that you'll most likely notice sync issues, which is annoying in fast-paced games. However, the latency may differ with products in the Apple ecosystem.
The Apple AirPods 4 are Bluetooth-only and can't be used wired for gaming.
The Apple AirPods 4 have decent audio reproduction accuracy. Their always-on Adaptive EQ dynamically adjusts their frequency response, so you'll perceive a similar balance of bass and treble no matter how loud their output is set. If they fit your ears and you place the buds correctly, your audio sounds consistent between wears. They closely adhere to their own warm sound profile and have remarkably well-matched left and right drivers, so objects are correctly placed in the stereo field. That said, their treble is rather de-emphasized, so depending on your tastes, the details of vocals and cymbals can sound dull. They have a few Apple-specific features like Personalized Spatial Audio (with or without head tracking), but volume controls are lacking, and there are only three EQ presets found in a separate Accessibility settings menu.
The Apple AirPods 4 have bad noise isolation, since they don't form a seal with your ear. As a result, you'll hear everything from the roar of a passing bus engine to the keystrokes of a nearby coworker.
The Apple AirPods 4 have a mediocre microphone. It makes your voice sound a bit boxy and thin, and the mic's noise handling struggles to reject loud background noise that overwhelms your voice. However, it prioritizes your voice well when there are other people speaking in the room.
The Apple AirPods 4 have an excellent frequency response consistency. Once you get a good fit, they'll sound the same across wears.
Performance Usages
Changelog
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Updated Nov 27, 2025:
This review has been updated to Test Bench 2.0, which adds the following tests: Stereo Mismatch, Group Delay, Cumulative Spectral Decay, PRTF, Harmonic Distortion, and Electrical Aspects. We've added new performance usages and updated the text throughout the Sound tests.
- Updated Nov 25, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 2.1, which features minor updates to our sound tests.
- Updated Nov 20, 2024: Review published.
- Updated Nov 12, 2024: Early access published.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Apple AirPods 4 only come in the brand's signature 'White'; you can see our unit's label. They share some similarities with the Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, but there are still differences that make them distinct products that don't perform the same. If you encounter another variant of these headphones, please let us know in the comments, and we'll update our review.
Popular Headphones Comparisons
Apple split its base true wireless range with Apple AirPods 4 and the Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, and the (unsurprising) main difference between them is the noise isolation performance. Even the previous Apple AirPods (3rd generation) aren't extremely different from the AirPods 4 besides gaining a better IP rating on the AirPods 4 and notably bassier sound. The Apple AirPods Pro 2 have ANC and an in-ear design, unlike the standard AirPods 4 that boast a looser, unsealed fit and lack isolation. However, they both have the H2 chip for seamlessly switching from one iCloud device to another.
Still, if you're wondering whether you should get the AirPods 4 if you don't have an iPhone, it's worth noting that these rely on their heavy iOS/iPadOS/macOS integration and constant updates to get the most out of them. Otherwise, you might as well consider the best wireless Bluetooth earbuds or the best AirPods alternatives as worthy options. Check out the best wireless earbuds for iPhone if you're uncertain about whether these are the right 'Pods to pair with your iOS device.
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are better than the Apple AirPods 4 for most people. Thanks to the class-leading noise cancelling onboard the AirPods Pro 3, they're more versatile for use in noisy spaces without prompting you to raise the volume level, which can happen with the AirPods 4. The AirPods Pro 3's ear tips also provide a more secure fit than the one-size-fits-most design of the AirPods 4. That said, the AirPods 4 share a lot of similar features exclusive to the Apple ecosystem, like seamless device switching, pressure-sensitive controls on the stems, spatial audio, and 'Find My' tracking.
The Apple AirPods Pro are an older model than the Apple AirPods 4 and each have slightly different strengths. If you want noise cancelling and an isolating fit, the AirPods Pro provide a more predictable in-ear fit compared to the loose and open-backed fit of the AirPods 4. The AirPods 4 have a better mic with more powerful noise handling for calls and the newer H2 chip, but they don't isolate you from the environment.
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are better for most people than the Apple AirPods 4 mainly due their more predictable fit and the flexibility of active noise cancellation. On the other hand, if you prefer the environmental awareness of the open-back AirPods 4 and their looser fit, you may prefer that to the transparency mode on the AirPods Pro 2. Both have the H2 chip for switching between iCloud-registered Apple devices and Spatial Audio. However, the AirPods Pro 2 can also charge wirelessly, while the AirPods 4 only charge via USB-C.
The Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation are more flexible in more situations than the Apple AirPods 4. They're the same generation of earbuds; besides noise cancelling tech, there are slight differences, such as the AirPods 4 with ANC having a speaker on the case for the Find My Network, and the case can charge wirelessly. You get more listening modes, such as Conversation Awareness and Adaptive Audio, too. On the other hand, the standard AirPods 4 lack these features but otherwise perform similarly regarding sound, connectivity, and iOS integration. For most people, it'll come down to whether ANC is desirable or not.
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