Apple AirPods 4 Review: Comfortable Open-Fit Earbuds With H2 Chip
The Apple AirPods 4 are wireless open-fit earbuds designed for users who want easy Apple integration, improved sound, Personalized Spatial Audio, and a compact USB-C charging case.
Powered by Apple’s H2 chip, AirPods 4 improve audio quality, voice calls, Siri interactions, and overall efficiency compared with older standard AirPods.
Apple AirPods 4 Specs
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | Open-Fit Wireless Earbuds |
| Chip | Apple H2 |
| Noise Cancellation | No |
| Spatial Audio | Personalized Spatial Audio |
| Head Tracking | Yes |
| Adaptive EQ | Yes |
| Voice Isolation | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Water Resistance | IP54 |
| Battery | Up to 5 Hours |
| Battery With Case | Up to 30 Hours |
| Charging | USB-C |
| Weight | 4.3g per Earbud |
Apple rates the earbuds and charging case IP54 for dust, sweat, and water resistance.
Sound Quality
AirPods 4 use an Apple-designed high-excursion driver, custom high-dynamic-range amplifier, and Adaptive EQ.
They also support Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, creating a more immersive experience for compatible music, movies, and TV shows.
For open-fit earbuds, the sound is clear and balanced with improved bass compared with older generations.
H2 Chip
The Apple H2 chip powers many of the AirPods 4’s smart features.
These include:
- Voice Isolation
- Personalized Spatial Audio
- Adaptive EQ
- Siri interactions
- Improved wireless audio
- Low-latency gaming audio
Apple also supports hands-free Siri interactions where compatible devices can recognize head gestures for answering or dismissing certain notifications and calls.
Voice Isolation
AirPods 4 support Voice Isolation to help reduce background noise during calls.
This makes conversations clearer in noisy environments such as:
- Streets
- Coffee shops
- Public transportation
- Offices
It is especially useful for FaceTime and regular phone calls.
Personalized Spatial Audio
Personalized Spatial Audio uses dynamic head tracking to create a more immersive listening experience.
It works particularly well with:
- Apple Music
- Movies
- Apple TV+
- Compatible games
The effect makes audio feel more spacious than traditional stereo earbuds.
Comfort & Fit
Apple redesigned AirPods 4 using extensive ear-shape data to improve comfort and stability.
Unlike AirPods Pro, there are no silicone ear tips.
That makes AirPods 4 a good option for people who dislike the sealed feeling of in-ear earbuds.
However, open-fit earbuds also block much less outside noise.
No Active Noise Cancellation
This specific AirPods 4 model does not include Active Noise Cancellation.
Apple sells a separate version called AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, which also adds Transparency Mode, Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, and wireless charging for the case.
If noise cancellation is important, make sure you purchase the ANC version rather than this standard model.
Battery Life
Apple rates standard AirPods 4 for:
Up to 5 hours of listening on one charge
Up to 30 hours of total listening with the USB-C charging case
A quick 5-minute charge provides around 1 hour of listening time.
USB-C Charging Case
The standard AirPods 4 include a compact USB-C charging case.
Unlike the more expensive ANC version, the standard charging case does not include Qi or Apple Watch wireless charging support.
IP54 Protection
Both the earbuds and charging case carry an IP54 rating.
That provides protection against:
- Sweat
- Dust
- Light rain
- Workout moisture
They are suitable for gym and everyday outdoor use, but they are not waterproof.
Pros
✓ Comfortable open-fit design
✓ Apple H2 chip
✓ Good sound quality
✓ Personalized Spatial Audio
✓ Voice Isolation
✓ Adaptive EQ
✓ IP54 protection
✓ Compact USB-C case
✓ Up to 30 hours total battery life
✓ Excellent Apple ecosystem integration
Cons
✗ No Active Noise Cancellation
✗ No Transparency Mode
✗ Standard case does not support wireless charging
✗ Open design provides little passive noise isolation
✗ Best experience requires Apple devices
✗ Android users lose many ecosystem features
Apple AirPods 4 Rating
Sound Quality: 9.0/10
Comfort: 9.3/10
Battery: 8.7/10
Call Quality: 9.0/10
Features: 8.8/10
Value: 8.9/10
Overall: 8.9/10
Verdict
The Apple AirPods 4 are excellent everyday wireless earbuds for users who prefer an open-fit design.
Their H2 chip, improved audio quality, Personalized Spatial Audio, Voice Isolation, IP54 protection, and compact USB-C case make them a major improvement over older standard AirPods.
The biggest limitation is the absence of Active Noise Cancellation.
If you want comfortable Apple earbuds without silicone tips and do not need ANC, the standard AirPods 4 offer a strong combination of convenience, sound quality, and Apple ecosystem features.
