Apple has evolved its earbuds that are not from the Pro line. The AirPods 3 were launched in October 2021, now, 3 years later, the Cupertino company launched the AirPods 4. Is it worth upgrading?
If you have the 3rd generation AirPods, then you might be thinking about renewing your bet. If it's worth it, if what comes brings something new. Well, bring bring. Mainly the version with Active Noise Cancellation. But let's get to the facts.
The price of modernity
Firstly, as we mentioned, the AirPods 4 are available in two models, the AirPods 4 and the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). The basic model is priced at Apple at 149 euros, while the top-of-the-range model costs 199 euros.
If you remember correctly, when launched in 2021, the AirPods 3 cost 199 euros. Therefore, if you have some, there won't be a strong reason to spend money again, especially around 149 euros, to stay practically the same as what you have.
However, the "richer" version of this model may be what you are looking for.
Noise cancellation
The main reason to consider purchasing the AirPods 4 is the new Active Noise Cancellation feature. Previously, to get ANC you had to make the leap to the AirPods Pro, with their in-ear design with a silicone tip. But now, with AirPods 4, you can get surprisingly effective Active Noise Cancellation.
The ANC is powerful enough to significantly reduce, if not completely silence, most outside noise.
The intensity of Noise cancellation is not as good as the AirPods Probut it's a huge leap forward compared to what was previously available in the basic AirPods lineup - i.e. nothing!
If you have use cases where you want to eliminate distractions and outside noise, the AirPods 4 make a very compelling case.
Best fit
The AirPods 4 have a new design for the buds themselves. The part that goes into the ear has a thinner shape with a more angular fit, compared to the rather large and bulky design of the AirPods 3.
This means that they seem to adapt better to most people. The new design of the AirPods 3 was met with some backlash, as some people had difficulty keeping them in their ears. AirPods 4 are much more comfortable.
Fit is ultimately a personal matter, but as we tested, the fit of the AirPods 4 is secure and comfortable. If you've already used AirPods 1 or AirPods 2, AirPods 4 are closer to that feeling than the controversial 3.
Dust resistance and redesigned case
The AirPods 3 are said to be sweat and water resistant. But Apple makes a bigger statement with the AirPods 4. AirPods 4 have an official IP54 ratingoffering resistance to dust, sweat and water. This makes them formally resistant to water droplets escaping, like walking down the street in the rain.
Additionally, the AirPods 4 have a redesigned case. The case is physically smaller than the AirPods 3 case, making it even easier to slip into your pocket. It also seems a little more premiumwith a hidden status indicator on the front that cannot be seen unless it is illuminated.
Functionally, the case now includes a USB-C port for convenient charging and a built-in speaker so it can beep if you lose it.
Latest chip and best sound quality
AirPods 3 are powered by the H1 chip. You AirPods 4 are powered by the latest H2 chip. This chip supports the latest AirPods features, such as the ability to summon the voice assistant using the simpler wake word “Siri”, instead of “Hey Siri”.
The H2 chip also enables features such as Custom Volume, which intelligently adjusts sound levels based on the environment, and Voice Isolation for better microphone quality.
The technology in the H2 also helps deliver even better sound quality, combined with improved drivers inside the AirPods. While it's a subtle improvement, AirPods 4 deliver better bass and clarity compared to AirPods 3.
Two regressions to take into account
Although the AirPods 4 are, for the most part, better in every aspect compared to the AirPods 3, there are some drawbacks to be aware of.
Firstly, the new smaller case is so small that it no longer attaches to MagSafe chargers. You can place it on a MagSafe charging base and it will charge wirelessly, but it won't attach magnetically. This means it will fall off the vertical charging stands. The case is simply too small to magnetize to the MagSafe magnet ring.
Secondly, perhaps the biggest problem is the fact that the battery life of the AirPods 4 is slightly worse than that of the AirPods 3. AirPods 4 have 5 hours of listening time on a single chargewith Active Noise Cancellation turned off. With Active Noise Cancellation enabled, you can only expect about 4 hours of battery life.
Compared to the AirPods 3, this is one to two hours worse as the AirPods 3 managed to achieve 6 hours of continuous listening. However, both AirPods 3 and AirPods 4 offer the same listening time (around 30 hours) when allowing the earbuds to be recharged using the charging case.
Source: pplware.sapo.pt
