October 29, 2024, 10:37 am | Read time: 7 minutes

At its keynote in September 2024, Apple unveiled new headphones alongside the iPhone 16 and the Apple Watch 10: the AirPods 4. TECHBOOK has tested the model with ANC and reveals whether it’s worth it.

Apple takes an important step with AirPods 4

AirPods 4 come in a proven design with a slightly adapted shape. Compared to their predecessor, the headphones are a little shorter and more compact and are now the latest entry-level model in Apple’s world of headphones. The fact that the US company is launching its in-ears on the market in two versions is a novelty, but it should actually suit many people. Priced at 149 euros, the more affordable AirPods 4 replace the 2nd generation, whereas the pricier ANC-equipped version supersedes the AirPods 3.

Active Noise Cancelling is also completely new for the standard AirPods. This feature was previously reserved for the Pro models. In our test, we have limited ourselves to the AirPods 4 with ANC, especially as this version has a few other features that the 149-euro model does not have.

New features for the charging case, too

For many, inductive charging is likely to be particularly important. Charging can be done through the Qi standard, Magsafe, or the compact Apple Watch charger. The cheaper version comes with a charging case that can only be charged using a USB-C cable. The AirPods 4 charging case with ANC also has a speaker. This makes it possible to ping your AirPods via the “Where is?” app. The standard AirPods 4 lack this feature, yet they share the same chip and battery, and the sound quality is identical.

Overall, the AirPods 4 charging case is around a third smaller than that of the Pro models. As with the 3rd generation, the headphones point inward when charging. Apple has also removed the pairing button on the back. Instead, a double tap on the front of the case is now enough to signal that you want to connect a new device to the AirPods.

Controlling AirPods 4 via the settings

In principle, controlling the AirPods works in exactly the same way as with the previous models. Most things can be controlled via the pressure sensor on the stem. One tap pauses playback, two skips forward or to the next track, and three skips back or to the beginning. You can also answer calls with a tap or alternatively by moving your head. Everything worked smoothly in the test. The only drawback: unlike the AirPods Pro, the AirPods 4 – with or without ANC – do not have the option of controlling the volume directly via the headphones. Instead, you have to control the volume via the playback device or, alternatively, via a paired Apple Watch.

A long single tap on the headphone stems changes the sound mode. The following order applies: Normal (or Off), Transparency, Adaptive, and Noise Cancellation. In transparency mode, external noises are let through; adaptive noise canceling is based on the surroundings, while ANC transmits as little noise as possible.

If you don’t want to press on your AirPods 4, you can also change the mode in the iPhone settings. If the smartphone is connected to the AirPods 4, the headphones appear directly at the top of the start overview. There, you can rename them, adjust the sound mode, call control, and much more. Incidentally, this only works via Apple devices. The AirPods can also be paired with hardware from other manufacturers. However, as the settings are part of Apple’s system and there is no separate app, there are no corresponding customization options.

Somewhat curiously, there are separate areas for the right and left headphones in the settings. However, if you change the setting for one, it is also applied to the other. Apple also requires the latest iOS version for the full range of functions at this point.

How the ANC of the AirPods 4 fared in the test

The main difference in a direct comparison of the two headphone models is and remains the Active Noise Cancelling. Before testing the AirPods 4 with ANC, we asked ourselves how well the technology really works. After all, Apple remains true to its open design. In contrast to the AirPods Pro, the headphones do not have a silicone attachment that additionally seals the ear and provides passive noise cancellation. There is also a fundamental difference between headphones with and without a cushion. Wearing comfort varies greatly from person to person, with headphones with an attachment being somewhat gentler on the ear – not to mention the fact that they improve noise canceling.

In the test, however, the AirPods 4 with ANC were a positive surprise. In terms of sound, the headphones are an improvement on their predecessor. And despite the lack of attachments, the noise canceling was also impressive. The AirPods don’t entirely block out noise. But thanks to the H2 chip, the headphones reliably filter out auditory background noise, in particular. The AirPods also performed well in an open-plan office. Voices from the immediate surroundings only came through with difficulty; only the keyboard could be heard quite clearly without music. The transparency mode and adaptive noise canceling were also impressive. We were also very satisfied with the microphone quality in the test.

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Test conclusion

Overall, the AirPods 4 with ANC performed very well in the test – contrary to initial expectations. Although the basic model cannot keep up with the AirPods Pro 2, the same applies to competitor products with silicone attachments. However, if you don’t like such attachments, the AirPods 4 are a good choice. Considering the inductive charging feature, the 50-euro price difference between the two models is justified. The AirPods Pro 2 are then around 80 euros more, at least at the RRP.