As someone who’s been using AirPods since the very first generation, I was both excited and curious when Apple released the AirPods 4. I’ve owned the original AirPods, AirPods Pro (1st gen), and even tried the AirPods 3, so I have a pretty solid sense of how Apple’s wireless earbuds have evolved.

After using the Apple AirPods 4 for several weeks — during workouts, video calls, commutes, and everyday listening — I can confidently say these are the best non-Pro AirPods Apple has ever made. They combine comfort, sound quality, and smart features in a way that finally feels refined and complete.

This review covers everything: design, comfort, audio performance, connectivity, battery life, and how they compare to earlier models — all from a real user’s perspective.

🔄 Design and Comfort: Rebuilt for Real All-Day Wear

Right out of the box, I noticed the redesigned contour of the AirPods 4. They look sleeker and more balanced, with a shorter stem that feels modern and less noticeable when worn. The fit is genuinely more comfortable than previous generations — even after hours of use.

Apple has clearly refined the ergonomics. These earbuds stay secure during walks, workouts, and phone calls, without ever feeling like they’re pressing too deep or slipping out. I wore them for a full workday (around 7 hours of mixed use) and experienced zero ear fatigue — something I can’t say about most wireless earbuds.

For anyone wondering about stability during workouts, I tested them on runs and at the gym. Thanks to the refined shape and light weight, they stayed put. The IP54 dust, sweat, and water resistance rating also gives peace of mind when using them outdoors or during intense sessions.

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🎵 Sound Quality: Crisp, Detailed, and Immersive

Now let’s talk about the most important part — sound. The Apple H2 chip really delivers here. The AirPods 4 have a noticeably richer and cleaner sound than the AirPods 3. The bass is tight and controlled (not boomy), the mids are well-balanced for vocals and podcasts, and the highs are clear without being harsh.

What truly elevates the listening experience is Personalized Spatial Audio. Once you set it up using your iPhone’s camera (a quick process that maps your ears), the difference is remarkable. Music feels three-dimensional, like it’s surrounding you rather than coming straight from the earbuds. Watching a movie or playing a game with dynamic head tracking feels cinematic — sound moves naturally as you turn your head, just like in a real theater.

It’s not just a gimmick. Spatial Audio genuinely enhances immersion for everyday use, especially when streaming from Apple Music, Netflix, or Apple TV+.

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🗣️ Call Quality and Voice Isolation: Crystal Clear in Noisy Environments

Apple made major improvements to microphone performance on the AirPods 4. I frequently take work calls outdoors and in coffee shops, and these earbuds consistently deliver clear, professional-quality audio.

The new voice isolation technology powered by the H2 chip filters out background noise far better than before. Even when standing near traffic, my voice remains sharp and easy to understand. People on the other end have commented on how “clean” I sound compared to standard Bluetooth earbuds.

In short: whether you’re on a Zoom call or talking hands-free while walking, the AirPods 4 make a big difference in clarity.

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🧠 Smart Features: The Signature Apple Magic

What still sets AirPods apart from other wireless earbuds is the effortless Apple integration. Setup is instant — just bring the AirPods 4 charging case near your iPhone and tap “Connect.” They automatically sync with all my Apple devices through iCloud, so switching between my MacBook, iPad, and iPhone happens seamlessly.

The new Siri Interactions are surprisingly intuitive. You can simply nod your head to say “yes” or shake it to say “no” when Siri asks a question — no need to touch your AirPods or take out your phone. It’s a small touch that makes voice control feel more natural.

“Hey Siri” responsiveness is fast, and commands like playing a playlist, checking battery status, or reading a message work flawlessly. The in-ear detection sensor also pauses music when you remove an AirPod and resumes instantly when you put it back.

I also appreciate the Find My integration, which lets you track each earbud and the charging case individually. I tested it once when I misplaced one AirPod under the couch — the precise sound alert led me right to it.

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🔋 Battery Life: Solid for Everyday Use

Battery performance is another area where Apple improved. The AirPods 4 offer up to 5 hours of listening time per charge, and when combined with the USB-C charging case, you get around 30 hours total.

In real-world use, I averaged about 4.5 hours per session with Spatial Audio enabled — which is quite good. The charging case itself is smaller and lighter than the previous generation (Apple says about 10% smaller by volume), making it more pocket-friendly.

The move to USB-C is also a welcome update — I can now charge my iPhone, MacBook, and AirPods 4 all with the same cable. The case charges fast; a quick 5-minute charge gives me over an hour of listening time.

I’ve gone three full days without needing to plug in the case, even with moderate daily use.

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🧱 Durability and Build Quality

Build quality is classic Apple: premium and minimal. The glossy white finish is familiar, but the AirPods 4 feel slightly sturdier than older models. The hinge on the charging case is smooth and firm, and the magnets that hold the earbuds inside are strong enough to prevent accidental drops.

The IP54 dust, sweat, and water resistance means they can easily handle rain or sweat — just don’t submerge them. I’ve used them while jogging and walking in light rain with zero issues.

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📱 Connectivity and Performance

Thanks to the H2 chip and Bluetooth 5.3, connectivity is instant and stable. I’ve never experienced dropouts, lag, or desynchronization between audio and video. Whether I’m streaming from my iPhone or watching videos on my MacBook, the sound stays perfectly in sync.

There’s virtually no latency when playing games either — even rhythm-based mobile games perform smoothly.

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💰 Are AirPods 4 Worth It?

If you already own the AirPods 3, the AirPods 4 are a meaningful upgrade — especially if you care about sound quality, comfort, and battery life. The audio improvements, USB-C case, and Personalized Spatial Audio make these earbuds feel more premium than ever.

For anyone new to the AirPods lineup, this is hands down the best place to start. You get most of the high-end features from the Pro models (minus active noise cancellation) but at a lower price point and in a lighter, more universal design.

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🏁 Final Verdict: Apple’s Best Non-Pro AirPods Yet

After weeks of daily use, I can confidently say the Apple AirPods 4 deliver the perfect balance between comfort, audio quality, and smart features.

✅ Pros:

• Super comfortable redesigned fit for all-day wear
• Excellent sound and microphone quality
• Personalized Spatial Audio is genuinely immersive
• USB-C charging case with strong battery life
• Dust, sweat, and water resistance (IP54)
• Instant setup and seamless Apple ecosystem integration

⚠️ Cons:

• No active noise cancellation (reserved for AirPods Pro)
• White finish still attracts minor smudges

Overall, the AirPods 4 wireless earbuds feel like the most polished version of the classic AirPods design — simple, powerful, and reliable. They don’t try to reinvent the wheel; they just make every detail better.

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