AirPods 4 review: Apple just gave you a very tough choice to make

Apple was ridiculed all the way back in 2016 when it launched its first-ever AirPods. Some less-than-impressed gadget fans suggested they looked more like toothbrush heads than wireless buds with the internet quickly becoming flooded with images of people mimicking the design by shoving those teeth-cleaning accessories in their ears.

It was a tough start to life but the AirPods have gone on to become a monumental success story. You won't walk down your local high street without seeing someone with those - now iconic - white stems protruding out of their head and things have just got even better for anyone who loves these audio products.

Two new models are now on sale including a full refresh to the entry-level £129 version and a pair that now gets clever Active Noise Cancelling (ANC).

Both of these mini music makers look identical but there are some significant differences and it's going make buying the latest AirPods 4 a little more complicated.

Express.co.uk has been trying out these all-new earbuds and no matter which ones you opt for you're going to be impressed by just how good they sound. Apple has tweaked things inside the compact casing with the buds now getting a new acoustic architecture and the impressive H2 chip which offers features such as Personalised Spatial Audio with head tracking for more immersive sound.

The result is some pretty epic audio that is rich in detail and packed full of bass. No matter what your taste in music it's hard not to be wowed by what Apple's audio experts have achieved and they are easily as good as many of the more expensive models on the market.

That Spatial Audio technology also makes it appear as if the sound is hitting your ears from all directions - it’s a great addition to these cheaper AirPods and it works just as well when watching movies or tuning into a boxset

Along with the sound getting better, the design has also been completely updated with the AirPods 4 - and their case - now much smaller than before. This not only makes things lighter but also supremely comfortable and we've had no issues wearing them for hours on end. In fact, at times, we've forgotten they are plugged into our ears.

Talking of using them for lengthy periods, we’ve easily matched Apple's five-hour battery life claim plus there's a total of 30 hours without needing to visit a plug thanks to the little white case which is 10 percent smaller than before. That battery puck also gets a USB-C socket so those with the latest iPhones (which also feature USB-C) can pack one cable rather than needing a Lightning lead in their bag as well.

Like all AirPods they connect seamlessly to the iPhone - all you have to do is open the case and follow the simple instructions on the screen. It’s so easy even the biggest technophobe will have the music playing in a matter of seconds.

There are also improved Siri responses which let you shake your head to say yes or no to answering calls or accepting texts and there are Force sensors in the stem which you squeeze to change tracks or pause your tunes. These touch functions can be switched via the AirPods settings on your iPhone.

Finally, there's good news if you spend hours on the phone with new Voice Isolation minimising background noise so you can be heard more clearly.

It's a very nice and much-needed update from Apple (the entry-level AirPods haven’t been rebooted since 2019) but there is a big decision to make before you tap the buy button.

The base AirPods 4 cost £129 which is the same affordable price as their predecessors.

However, as we mentioned earlier, there's also the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancelling which are £50 more but get a number of upgrades you won't find on the cheaper buds.

Despite an identical appearance, you get that sound-blocking tech which works surprisingly well considering their open-ear design that, unlike the AirPods Pro, doesn’t have silicon tips on the end.

Switch that ANC on and you really won’t hear much of the world around you.

To stop things being totally isolating, there’s a clever Transparency mode which lets some sound into your ears (vital for not missing your flight being called) along with Conversation Awareness which drops the volume when you talk - perfect for ordering that morning coffee.

There’s also Adaptive Audio, which automatically adjusts the levels of Transparency and Active Noise Cancellation for you in response to your environment. It’s all clever stuff.

Along with that ANC technology, the more expensive buds get a case that can be charged wirelessly and it also features an in-built alarm which can be activated, via the Find My app, should you lose it.

The only downside of using these ANC AirPods 4 is that battery life is slightly reduced when this feature is switched on.

There’s very little not to like about the new AirPods but they are still only suitable for those with iPhones and there’s no physical way to turn down the volume without reaching for your smartphone. You can ask Siri to lower or raise things but that’s not something we’d want to do on the packed train during our morning commute.

AirPods 4 Final Verdict

The AirPods continue to rule the roost when it comes to wireless buds and the Gen 4 now make Apple’s music makers even better. They sound sublime, are supremely comfy to wear and get that new design which makes things a lot more compact.

Battery life is good, they get that H2 chip and smart features including those clever Siri head gestures which work surprisingly well.

We guess the biggest problem with the new AirPods is which ones you should buy. In our honest opinion, it’s worth spending the extra £50 as the bonus features are well worth the money.

The ANC makes your music more enjoyable especially when you are sitting in a busy cafe or bustling train station plus there’s the bonus of features such as Conversation Awareness. Wireless charging for the case is something we use a lot and the Find My alarm is a must if you’re prone to mislaying your buds.

Whichever AirPods you choose you won’t be disappointed and this is a solid-sounding update from Apple.

Just spend that little bit more if you want the ultimate upgrade.