Assessment of 4th-Generation AirPods: Budget-Friendly Earbuds with Premium Features
Apple has once again expanded the possibilities of wireless earbuds with the introduction of the 4th-generation AirPods. These latest earbuds are available in two models: a standard version retailing at $129 (on sale) and a more advanced version featuring Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), wireless charging, and an integrated speaker for $179 (on sale). Both models provide a remarkable blend of audio performance, design attributes, and intelligent features that establish them as strong contenders in the crowded wireless earbuds market.
Design & Comfort: More Compact, Stylish, and Comfortable
A major highlight of the 4th-gen AirPods is their design. Apple has crafted these to be the most compact AirPods yet, featuring an ultra-small case that’s convenient for transportation. The case’s diminutive size might make you forget it’s in your pocket—until you go for a jog, when its lightweight nature may result in some unnecessary pocket movement.
Notable design enhancements include a speaker grille located on the bottom of the case, which is crucial for utilizing Apple’s Find My service. Given their small size, you’ll likely find yourself using this feature at some point. The speaker is impressively loud, aiding in swiftly locating your misplaced earbuds, even if they are hidden underneath couch cushions.
Apple has opted to eliminate the rear-facing physical button from the case in favor of a touch-sensitive button concealed beneath the plastic exterior. The status light on the case is now also discreetly hidden, contributing to a sleeker, minimalist appearance.
Although the earbuds themselves are slightly more challenging to retrieve from the case due to the lid’s closeness to the back of the earbud, the overall design remains modern and attractive. The earbuds find a middle ground between the AirPods 3rd-gen and AirPods Pro, foregoing silicone ear tips but featuring a flattened snorkel for a snug fit. That said, the fit may not be ideal for everyone. While many users appreciate the open-ear style, those with differing ear shapes might experience them slipping out during high-energy activities.
Controls: Force Stems and Head Movements
The 4th-gen AirPods utilize Force Stems for controlling media playback, such as playing or pausing music, adjusting ANC, or ending calls. This enhancement over tap controls is welcomed, as it’s less prone to accidental activation. However, the absence of volume control on the stems is a downside, particularly since the AirPods Pro allows users to swipe their fingers up or down the stems for volume adjustments. Consequently, you’ll need to rely on your phone, Apple Watch, or Siri for volume changes.
In terms of Siri integration, these earbuds also support head movements for device control. You can nod to accept a call or shake your head to decline it, facilitating hands-free call management. This innovative feature is particularly helpful for those who prefer not to focus on their phone during workouts or other activities.
Battery Performance: A Mixed Experience
Battery life in the new 4th-gen AirPods presents a bit of a compromise. With ANC activated, the earbuds provide roughly 4 hours of listening time, which extends to 5 hours when ANC is off. This falls short of the AirPods 3rd-gen, which deliver 6 hours of listening time. However, the charging case boosts your total usage to 20 hours with ANC and 30 hours without.
The ANC model accommodates wireless charging, adding flexibility to charging options. While you can still use a MagSafe charger, the earbuds no longer magnetically attach to a vertical charging stand, requiring users to utilize a flat charging pad—something that might take some acclimatization for those accustomed to charging their AirPods in a car or on a desk.
Sound Quality & Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
In terms of audio quality, Apple has excelled with the 4th-gen AirPods. These earbuds promise the best audio experience in any open-ear design Apple has produced. The H2 chip and precisely-tuned drivers yield clear, balanced sound quality, particularly commendable for an open-ear design. The bass is robust, although it may lose some intensity when tracks become more intricate, as observed with songs like “Tighten Up” by The Black Keys.
While the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) isn’t quite as effective as the AirPods Pro, it remains efficient. Background noise is audible with ANC on, but it significantly reduces most surrounding sounds, including conversations and lower-level street noise. While it won’t entirely isolate you from the world unlike the AirPods Pro, it competently serves its purpose for an open-ear design.
For users of Apple Music, the earbuds provide support for Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos. The H2 chip also enables low-latency audio and lossless audio on Apple Vision Pro, making these a forward-thinking choice for users entrenched in Apple’s ecosystem.
Integration with Apple Ecosystem: Smooth and Intelligent
A primary reason to choose AirPods is their flawless integration with the Apple ecosystem. Similar to their predecessors, the 4th-gen AirPods pair instantly with your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch upon opening the case. They also allow automatic switching between devices, enabling a smooth transition from enjoying music on your Mac to answering a call on your iPhone.
The ANC model offers numerous additional software features, such as adaptive audio, which modulates the level of noise cancellation based on your surroundings, and Transparency mode, which permits external sounds when necessary. Conversation Awareness is another feature that automatically lowers the audio volume when you start talking, making it simpler to have conversations without needing to pause or adjust your audio settings manually.
Should You Consider the 4th-Gen AirPods?
In the end, the 4th-generation AirPods present an attractive array of audio quality, comfort, and Apple-centric smart features. At $179, the ANC variant is a worthy investment over the fundamental $129 model, providing a richer feature set that includes wireless charging and Find My capabilities.
However, considering that the AirPods Pro 2 often sells for around $189, potential buyers might want to evaluate the Pro model if they seek stronger ANC, enhanced audio quality, and volume control. For those who favor an open-ear style and are willing to compromise on some noise isolation, the 4th-gen AirPods serve as an excellent alternative.
Conclusion
The 4th-gen AirPods represent a significant upgrade from earlier versions, especially for users who enjoy the open-ear format. They deliver a commendable mix of audio quality, smart features, and comfort, making them a perfect selection for users looking to take advantage of Apple’s effortless ecosystem without opting for the AirPods Pro. While they may not be the ideal choice for audiophiles or those prioritizing noise cancellation, they certainly rank among the finest wireless earbuds within their price category.
FAQs Regarding the 4th-Gen AirPods
1. How does the sound quality of the 4th-gen AirPods stack up against the AirPods Pro?
The 4th-gen AirPods deliver excellent sound, particularly for an open-ear style, but they do not quite measure up to the AirPods Pro. The AirPods Pro provide a more immersive listening experience thanks to their in-ear design, which yields superior bass and noise isolation.
2. Which model should I purchase: the standard or ANC-equipped version?
If you desire Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), wireless charging, and extra features like Find My with a built-in speaker, the ANC model at $179 is a worthy upgrade. Otherwise, the standard model at $129 remains a reliable option for daily usage.
3. Are the 4th-gen AirPods suitable for exercise?
While the open-ear design is comfortable for most users, some might notice the earbuds coming loose during intense workouts. If a secure fit is essential, you might prefer the AirPods Pro, as they come with silicone ear tips for enhanced grip.
4. How does the battery life compare to other wireless earbuds?
The 4th-gen AirPods provide approximately 4-5 hours of listening time, depending on whether ANC is activated. This is slightly below average compared to other wireless earbuds but should meet the needs of most users, especially since the charging case extends total usage to 20-30 hours.
5. Are the 4th-gen AirPods compatible with non-Apple devices?
Yes, the 4th-gen AirPods can connect to non-Apple devices through Bluetooth, but you won’t experience the same smooth integration or access to features like Spatial Audio or automatic switching between devices.
For further details on Apple AirPods, visit Lonelybrand’s Apple headphones timeline.
