Apple AirPods 4th Gen Review

The Apple AirPods 4th Generation are better than ever but still struggle to compare to other top options on the market. We at least advise upgrading to the version that offers active noise cancellation.

Perfrmance Comparison

Sound Quality

Our panel of audio experts spent countless hours wearing the Apple AirPods 4th Gen, diving into a diverse playlist and meticulously recording their experience. We found that their sound quality marks a noticeable improvement over previous generations. The addition of more audible low-end frequencies gives the audio a richer, more rounded feel compared to earlier models.

These AirPods are the first we've tested with present and fairly robust bass frequencies. While it won't satisfy true enthusiasts of bass-heavy genres like EDM and hip-hop, they do have some depth, rounding out the sound profile nicely. The mid-tones are also fuller, with clean and realistic vocals and instruments, creating a balanced mix overall.

In “If You Wanna Stay a While” by Brian Dunne, the earbuds capture the warmth and richness of Dunne's vocals, which are never obscured in the mix. There's plenty of separation between instruments as well. A break at 3:40 showcases each one's unique timbre. The harmonica, bass, percussion, acoustic guitar, organ, and piano are all discernable while blending into a harmonious whole.

The harmonica sounds vibrant and brassy rather than piercing, while the guitar carries a warm, twangy lead. The bass provides a subtle foundation, adding depth without overpowering the bright mids. The overall sound profile is hearty and satisfying, reminiscent of a cozy, well-blended autumn stew.

The highs come through with precision and clarity, even amidst background noises, without becoming lost or muddled. While a touch more sparkle, particularly in high-pitched female vocals, could elevate the sound, the treble tones are still pleasing and accurate. They avoid the sharpness that can lead to listener fatigue.

Tracks with bright instrumentation, like “You've Got To Have Freedom” by Pharoah Sanders showcase the highs' natural, crisp quality from 0:01 to 0:39, even amidst the jazzy, dynamic horns.

We did have to turn up the volume on occasion to hear the high notes, and they can lose impact at moderate volumes, sounding a bit thin. So, while the highs are well-defined and naturally reproduced, there's still room for added brilliance to match the vibrancy of the mids.

The mid-range captures a nice blend of detail, depth, and richness, delivering a sound that feels well-rounded, both natural and colorful. They're beautifully showcased in a song like “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen, where every tone in the complicated piece is distinct and well-defined. Vocals are accurate and forward in the mix, providing a pleasing fulcrum that balances both depth and nuance. While the low-mids could benefit from a bit more power, the overall quality of this range is excellent.

Tracks like “WAP” by Cardi B (featuring Megan Thee Stallion) showcase the improvement. The song's hefty synth beats finally make an impact in the intro and remain clear beneath the vocals. That's a huge step up from previous models, where those tones barely registered. While the bass is clear and accurate, it is relatively thin, lacking the warmth and richness found in higher-rated options.

For instance, in “The Motto” by Drake and Lil Wayne, the shift into a bolder, heavier rhythm at 0:19 doesn't hit, highlighting the lack of robust low-end frequencies. This is even more pronounced when you turn the volume up. While they won't satisfy hardcore bass enthusiasts, these buds still represent a welcome improvement in low-end clarity and presence.

These earbuds get reasonably loud and retain much of their sound quality at higher levels, though the music does feel even thinner in the bass and treble ranges when you crank it. We do find ourselves turning these up more often in loud environments to account for the lack of active noise cancellation.

Soundstage

Soundstage describes the sense of space earbuds are able to conjure. For instance, when you hear a piano in a song, does it sound like it's being played in your living room or a concert hall? The best earbuds excel at separating instruments in a more expansive space, allowing each room to resonate independently. This depth and clarity create an immersive listening experience.

Compared to previous generations of AirPods, these give each instrument and voice enough space on the stage for their sound to stand on its own in the mix. Songs feel more alive as a result.

This is particularly noticeable in tracks like “Tom Sawyer” by Rush. In the opening (from 0:01 to 0:35) the synth bass sets the scene for a sharp and precise drum beat to lay the rhythmic foundation for the song. It's easier to pinpoint each sound in space and time, making the music sound more structured and refined.

Still, they fall far short of delivering an immersive audio experience. This is partially because they don't seal your ear to surrounding sounds or actively cancel them. If anything is going on in the background, you're going to be pulled out of your music.

Frequency Response

To objectively assess sound quality, we used our Brüel & Kjaer Type 5128 Head Simulator paired with SoundCheck software to map the earbuds' frequency response. Then we compared these findings to our preferred GearLab House Curve, or the ideal sound profile for earbuds.

Though the 4th generation of the Apple Airpods doesn't match our house curve much better than previous versions, it is smoother, which often translates to better sound quality overall. And, though the bass frequencies are still well below the levels we would prefer, they sound more prominent in the mix to our ears. The elevated mids work well, and while the treble range could use a boost, they're still present and recognizable in the mix.

User Experience

To evaluate the user experience of these AirPods, we had the GearLab team test their fit and comfort in ears of all shapes and sizes. We also wore them during a range of activities to test their security and rated the app for its user-friendliness and customization options. We found that the user experience is slightly better than it was in previous models but still leaves room for improvement.

Comfort

One of the most noticeable improvements in this generation of AirPods is how much more comfortable they are than earlier versions. The shorter arms and reduced bulk allow them to sit more securely in the ear.

Regardless of ear size, none of our testers experienced any pressure points, which is impressive given that these buds don't come with multiple ear tip sizes for a customized fit. While they're certainly more comfortable than previous AirPods, we still find that many other earbuds offer a better fit, especially those that provide a variety of ear tip options for a personalized fit.

Stability

These earbuds never feel that secure in the ears, partially because they lack an ear tip that would help provide an in-ear seal. Their smooth, hard plastic exterior makes them difficult to grip with your hands and makes it easier for them to slide out of your ears. And, though they're shorter than older versions, the stems still have the tendency to snag on clothing or hair.

Customization

We appreciate how easy it is to navigate the Apple AirPods settings, but it lacks common customization features. You can verify a good fit (sort of), check battery levels, and activate its two advanced features — Adaptive EQ and Spatial Audio. But the fit check doesn't work that well since your only option is to reposition them slightly in your ears. In contrast, earbuds with multiple ear tips allow for a much more personalized fit.

The Adaptive EQ and Spatial Audio also offer only modest enhancements to your sonic experience. Other earbuds with similar features deliver near-mindblowing shifts in the placement and movement of the music, making these subtle gains less impressive.

Android users face even more limitations since the AirPods can't access Apple-exclusive features on nonApple devices. The pods revert to basic Bluetooth earbuds on non-Apple devices. The AirPods no longer arrive with a charging cable either. Since they now charge via USB-C cords, this could be an issue if all you have are the older Lightning cables lying around.

Connectivity

To test for connectivity issues, we tracked pairing problems and use issues, like delays in video playback and feature availability. And, we should mention, these earbuds don't play well with Androids. To fully access all the features, you'll need to use them with an Apple device.

To add some rigor to our real-world tests, we analyze all 1-star Amazon reviews to see how often people reported connectivity issues for each and every product. Then, we calculated the percentage of complaints relative to total reviews. Since the AirPods 4 are relatively new, we haven't found negative reviews, but we'll continue to monitor and update you as more feedback arrives.

Noise Cancellation

The Apple AirPods 4th Gen don't feature active noise cancellation (ANC), but we still evaluate their ability to minimize external noise using our Bruel & Kjaer 5128-B head and chest simulator and SoundCheck software. You can hear the results of our test in the video below.

Since these earbuds sit outside the ear canal and lack silicone or foam tips, they don't seal your ear canal. As a result, they aren't able to block as much noise from entering your eardrum and scored lower in our passive noise isolation test. A significant amount of background noise filters through across frequencies.

Because of their open-ear design, these earbuds essentially have a built-in transparency mode, meaning you'll always be able to hear the sounds happening around while wearing them. From a safety standpoint, this can be a good thing.

The chart above shows the results of SoundCheck's analysis. This generation of the Apple Airpods is able to passively block up to 20 decibels of volume in the treble frequency range. It's not much, but it does help take the edge off a chaotic environment.

Battery Life

To test the Apple AirPods 4th Gen battery, along with every other earbud we've tested, we set the volume to 75% and let them play until they stopped. They outperformed Apple's 5-hour claim, lasting 5 hours and 40 minutes.

While their battery life is shorter than many of the other models we've evaluated, it should meet the needs of most users. Since the case holds another 5 full recharges, you'll have around 28 hours of total playtime before needing an outlet, and a quick 5-minute charge provides an extra hour of listening time. As long as you store the buds in their case between listens, they should be ready to go when you need them.

Call Quality

To assess the call quality of these AirPods, we tested how well their microphone can separate a male and female voice from background noise on a subway platform, in an office, and in a quiet room. We used the Brüel & Kjaer 5128-B head and torso simulator and SoundCheck software to measure the performance. You can listen to the results in the videos and audio clip below.

In our baseline test, conducted in a quiet room, both the man's and the woman's voices sounded somewhat grainy. They also suffer inconsistent volume across the call. Still, they are clear enough to easily understand.

In the office test, both the man's and woman's voices remain clear, though there is some distortion, and the volume fluctuates slightly. The background noise is faint, but it doesn't overwhelm their speech.

In the subway test, both the man's and woman's voices come through clearly and remain easy to understand. While the background noise is still audible, it stays distinct and doesn't interfere with the clarity of their speech. It's an impressive performance in the most challenging of circumstances.

Should You Buy the Apple AirPods 4th Gen?

The Apple AirPods 4th Gen are pretty low in the rankings of tested earbuds. Though they sound okay, they don't do anything particularly well. And, while they're much more comfy than their predecessors, they lack the stability of options with interchangeable ear tips. If you're dedicated to the Apple ecosystem and this is all you can afford, they offer pretty good sound quality, and some people prefer their airy feel. But, for nearly the same price, or even a little less, there are better options.

What Other Earbuds Should You Consider?

If you're determined to have Apple earbuds, consider investing in theApple AirPods Pro 2. While pricier, they offer significantly improved performance in every aspect we tested. If they're too expensive, consider the version of the Apple AirPods 4th Gen with active noise cancellation (ANC). With the noise cancellation on, they offer a richer, more immersive sound for just a little more. If you're an Android user or are willing to look beyond Apple's ecosystem, consider the Google Pixel Buds Pro or Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2. They're more of an investment but offer a noticeable upgrade across the board.