Apple AirPods 4

Name: Apple AirPods 4
Brand: Apple
SKU: 28535

Manufacturer: Apple

The Apple AirPods 4 are a pair of true wireless earbuds designed with a compact earbud fit and no neckband or wingtips. Weighing just 8.6 g per earbud, they sit lightly and include a travel bag in the box. They support spatial audio with Dolby Atmos, bringing a dimensional sound experience to compatible content, and feature stereo speakers alongside a standard frequency range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz.

On the connectivity side, the AirPods 4 use Bluetooth 5.3 with AAC codec support and a maximum wireless range of 10 m, while a USB Type-C port handles wired charging. Battery life reaches 5 hours per charge, extending to 25 hours with the case, and fast charging is supported. The four-microphone array includes noise-canceling mic technology, making them usable as a headset. Additional features include in-ear detection for auto-pausing playback, a find-device function, mute control, voice prompts, and the ability to read notifications, all managed through an on-device control panel.

Pros

Includes in-ear detection that automatically pauses playback when the earbuds are removed
A four-microphone array with noise-canceling capability supports clearer voice calls
Spatial audio and Dolby Atmos support adds a dimensional quality to compatible content
Fast charging is supported, reducing downtime between uses
The charging case extends total battery life to 25 hours, well beyond the 5-hour earbud runtime
A find-device feature and notification reading add practical day-to-day utility

Cons

No active noise cancellation or passive noise isolation, leaving users exposed to ambient sound
Wireless charging is not supported, requiring a wired connection to charge the case
Bluetooth range is limited to 10 m, which may be restrictive in larger spaces
No ambient sound mode, meaning users cannot let in environmental audio without removing the earbuds
AAC is the only supported audio codec, with no LDAC, aptX, or LE Audio available

Who is this for?

The AirPods 4 are well suited to everyday Apple ecosystem users who want a wire-free listening experience with a lightweight, minimal design. The combination of spatial audio and Dolby Atmos makes them a natural fit for users who regularly consume streaming content or music that takes advantage of three-dimensional sound. The in-ear detection, notification reading, and headset functionality also make them practical for people who move between calls and media throughout the day, particularly those who appreciate hands-free convenience on the go. The included travel bag and 25-hour total battery life with the case further support users with an active, mobile lifestyle.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who need effective noise isolation or active noise cancellation — such as commuters, frequent flyers, or people working in loud environments — will find the AirPods 4 lacking, as neither ANC nor passive noise reduction is present. Those who prioritize high-resolution wireless audio will also be disappointed, since the earbuds support only the AAC codec with no LDAC, aptX, or LE Audio options available. Additionally, users who expect wireless charging or a wide Bluetooth range for large-space use will run into limitations, as charging requires a wired connection and the maximum Bluetooth range is capped at 10 m.

Design:

Fit	Earbud
Ingress Protection (IP) rating	IP54
water resistance	Sweat resistant
weight	8.6 g
has no wires or cables	✓
are neckband earbuds	✕
wingtips included	✕
has RGB lighting	✕
has stereo speakers	✓
has UV light	✕
Has a display	✕

The Apple AirPods 4 use a standard earbud fit and come without a neckband or wingtips, keeping the design minimal and wire-free as a true wireless pair. Each earbud weighs just 8.6 g and carries an IP54 ingress protection rating, making them resistant to sweat during use. They include stereo speakers but have no RGB lighting, UV light, or display of any kind.

Sound quality:

has active noise cancellation (ANC)	✕
has passive noise reduction	✕
lowest frequency	20 Hz
highest frequency	20000 Hz
supports spatial audio	✓
has Dolby Atmos	✓
has Dirac Virtuo	✕
has a neodymium magnet	✕

The AirPods 4 cover a standard frequency range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz and support both spatial audio and Dolby Atmos, adding a three-dimensional quality to compatible audio content. They do not include active noise cancellation, passive noise reduction, Dirac Virtuo processing, or a neodymium magnet driver.

Power:

Battery life	5 hours
Battery life of charging case	25 hours
charge time	1.5 hours
has wireless charging	✕
Has a solar power battery	✕
has a battery level indicator	✓
has a rechargeable battery	✓

The AirPods 4 are equipped with a rechargeable battery that delivers 5 hours of battery life per charge, with the charging case extending total playback to 25 hours. A full charge takes 1.5 hours, and a battery level indicator is included so users can monitor remaining power. The earbuds do not support wireless charging or solar charging, relying solely on wired power via the case.

Connectivity:

has fast pairing	✕
Has USB Type-C	✓
Bluetooth version	5.3
has LDAC	✕
has LDHC	✕
has Bluetooth LE Audio	✕
has aptX Adaptive	✕
has aptX Low Latency	✕
has aptX HD	✕
has aptX	✕
has aptX Lossless	✕
has aptX Voice	✕
has Auracast	✕
maximum Bluetooth range	10 m
supports Bluetooth pairing using NFC	✕
Can be used wirelessly	✓
has AAC	✓

The AirPods 4 connect wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.3 with a maximum range of 10 m and support the AAC codec for audio transmission. A USB Type-C port is available for wired charging, though NFC pairing and fast pairing are not supported. On the codec side, the earbuds do not include LDAC, LDHC, aptX in any of its variants, Bluetooth LE Audio, or Auracast.

Features:

has ambient sound mode	✕
has in/on-ear detection	✓
has find device feature	✓
Supports fast charging	✓
can read notifications	✓
has a mute function	✓
can be used as a headset	✓
control panel placed on a device	✓
Has voice prompts	✓
travel bag is included	✓
Has an in-line control panel	✕
Has a temperature sensor	✕
Has a built-in camera remote control function	✕

The AirPods 4 include a practical set of everyday features, starting with in-ear detection that automatically pauses playback when removed. They support fast charging, can function as a headset, and offer a mute function alongside voice prompts for audio feedback. Notifications can be read aloud, and a find-device feature helps locate the earbuds if misplaced. Controls are handled through an on-device control panel rather than an in-line cable control, and a travel bag is included in the box. A temperature sensor, ambient sound mode, and built-in camera remote are not part of the feature set.

Microphone:

number of microphones	4
has a noise-canceling microphone	✓

The AirPods 4 feature a 4-microphone array that includes noise-canceling microphone technology, helping to reduce unwanted background sound during calls and voice input.

Final Verdict

The Apple AirPods 4 present a clean, wire-free earbud option built around everyday usability rather than audiophile-grade or noise-blocking performance. Their strongest appeal lies in the combination of spatial audio with Dolby Atmos support and a practical feature set — covering in-ear detection, fast charging, notification reading, and a 25-hour total battery life with the case — that suits users who want capable, low-fuss earbuds for daily routines. That said, the absence of active noise cancellation and the limitation to AAC as the sole audio codec mean they are best directed at listeners whose priorities lean toward convenience and content consumption over sonic precision or isolation. For users already within the Apple ecosystem who value a lightweight design and versatile daily functionality, the AirPods 4 deliver a coherent and well-rounded experience within those boundaries.