AirPods 4 Review: Which Ones To Get?

Summary

The video reviews Apple's new AirPods 4, highlighting two versions: a base model for $129 and a noise-canceling variant for $179. Both feature a redesigned shape for better fit and IP54 dust and water resistance. The noise-canceling version includes a smaller case with USB-C, wireless charging, and a speaker for locating lost AirPods, but lacks MagSafe. The ANC is effective but not as impressive as the AirPods Pro. Transparency mode is praised as one of the best. Battery life is slightly reduced with ANC. The video also touches on the lack of updates to the AirPods Max and the benefits of the H2 chip in the new AirPods.

Takeaways

• 🎧 Apple introduced two versions of AirPods 4: a base model for $129 and a noise-canceling model for $179.
• 🔄 The new AirPods 4 have a slightly redesigned shape with improved angles for better fit and sound directionality, but the stem is shorter.
• 💦 Both versions now have IP54 dust and water resistance, an upgrade from the previous IPX4 rating.
• 🔋 The noise-canceling version of AirPods 4 comes with a new case that supports USB-C charging, wireless charging, and has a speaker for finding and charging notifications.
• 📱 The case design has removed MagSafe compatibility due to its slightly smaller size, which is a downside for some users.
• 🔍 The physical pairing button from the previous model is replaced with a capacitive touch area on the case for initiating pairing mode and factory resets.
• 🎵 Active Noise Cancellation on the AirPods 4 is not as effective as on the AirPods Pro due to the hard-tip design allowing slight air gaps.
• 🔊 Transparency mode on the AirPods 4 is highly praised, possibly being the best among AirPods for letting in environmental sounds.
• 🕒 Battery life with ANC enabled is rated at 4 hours for listening and 20 hours total with the case, which is slightly less than the non-ANC version.
• 🎚 The H2 chip in the new AirPods 4 enhances features like noise cancellation, transparency mode, and allows head gestures for Siri interactions.
• 💰 For those who prefer a better fit and noise cancellation, the AirPods Pro are recommended, and they can be found for around $199 on Amazon.

Q & A

What are the two types of people in the world according to the video in terms of AirPods?

The video suggests there are two types of people: those who AirPods fit in their ears and those for whom AirPods don't fit well.

What are the two versions of the new AirPods mentioned in the video?

The video discusses two versions of the new AirPods: the base AirPods 4 for $129 and the AirPods 4 with noise cancellation for $179.

How has the shape of the AirPods buds been tweaked in the new version?

The new AirPods have a slightly different shape with new curves and angles, and the driver points more directly into the ear with less reflections. The stem is also a bit shorter.

What is the IP rating for the new AirPods and how does it compare to the previous version?

The new AirPods have an IP54 dust and water resistance rating, which is an upgrade from the IPX4 rating of the previous version.

Does the new shape of AirPods 4 improve fit for the reviewer?

The reviewer found the new shape of AirPods 4 to be slightly better but still not ideal for their ears, as they would slowly fall out even when just sitting.

What are the differences between the case of the base AirPods 4 and the noise-canceling version?

The case for the noise-canceling version is smaller, has a USB type C port, a small speaker for charging and locating sounds, and supports wireless charging, but lacks MagSafe functionality.

What is the hidden feature of the new AirPods case that replaces the pairing button?

The hidden feature is a capacitive touch area under the pairing light on the front of the case, which allows for initiating pairing mode with a double tap and factory resetting with a triple tap.

How does the reviewer rate the Active Noise Cancellation of the new AirPods compared to AirPods Pro?

The reviewer finds the Active Noise Cancellation on the new AirPods to be impressive but not as effective as the AirPods Pro, due to the hard tip not fitting perfectly in the ear.

What is the reviewer's opinion on the transparency mode of the new AirPods?

The reviewer considers the transparency mode on the new AirPods to be possibly the best they've ever heard on any AirPods.

How does the battery life of the new AirPods with ANC compare to the base model?

The battery life of the new AirPods with ANC is slightly worse, rated for four hours of listening time with a total of 20 hours with the case.

What is the reviewer's personal preference regarding earbud tips and why?

The reviewer prefers silicon ear tips for a better fit and improved noise cancellation, which is why they lean towards AirPods Pro.