# AirPods 4: Initial Impressions and Reviews
With Apple set to launch the **AirPods 4** later this week, early feedback is flooding in, providing an in-depth examination of the new features, design enhancements, and performance of these eagerly awaited open-ear earbuds. Starting at **$179**, the AirPods 4 aim to introduce several **Pro-level features** to Apple’s more budget-friendly earbud range, including **Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)**. Here’s a summary of what critics are saying about the latest member of the AirPods lineup.
## Design and Fit
At first sight, the **AirPods 4** may appear quite alike to their forerunner, the **AirPods 3**, but reviewers are quick to emphasize subtle yet impactful design improvements. As noted by **TechRadar**, the upgraded model provides a **better fit** thanks to a more streamlined aesthetic. This adjustment is particularly appreciated by users who found the previous model’s fit less secure during activities such as workouts or extended listening.
> “When they’re in the ear, at first glance the Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation might not look much different from the third-generation AirPods. However, the design has been streamlined for a better fit, while the internal hardware has been upgraded.” — *TechRadar*
## Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
A standout feature of the AirPods 4 is the inclusion of **Active Noise Cancellation** (ANC), which was previously exclusive to the **AirPods Pro** series. However, due to the **open-ear design** of these earbuds, reviewers mention that the ANC performance is somewhat compromised compared to the **AirPods Pro 2**. **The Verge** points out that while ANC performs well during music playback, it cannot fully eliminate surrounding noise when no audio is being played.
> “You’re always going to hear a fair amount of ambient sound if you’re not listening to something, but once the music starts, that’s where the ANC proves its worth. I’ve found that I can keep the volume at around 50 percent and barely notice any distractions.” — *The Verge*
Despite these constraints, the ANC feature represents a considerable improvement for users wanting to enjoy music or podcasts in noisy settings without turning the volume up to harmful levels.
## Missing Features: Volume Control
While the AirPods 4 introduce numerous Pro-level features, they miss some of the more sophisticated functionalities available in the **AirPods Pro 2**. A significant absence is **onboard volume control**. In contrast to the AirPods Pro 2, which permit users to adjust the volume by sliding their finger on the stem, the AirPods 4 compel users to depend on **Siri**, their iPhone, or the **Apple Watch** for volume adjustments. **Engadget** highlights that this can be somewhat inconvenient, particularly for those accustomed to more straightforward controls.
> “What you won’t find here are onboard volume controls. On the AirPods Pro 2, you can slide your finger on the stem to adjust the level. That function is absent on the AirPods 4.” — *Engadget*
## Battery Life
In terms of **battery life**, the AirPods 4 do not match their predecessor. As reported by **Forbes**, the AirPods 4 house a **smaller battery** than the AirPods 3, providing **five hours of listening time** on one charge, as opposed to six hours with the previous version. When ANC is activated, the battery life diminishes even further to **four hours**. This could be a drawback for users who depend on their earbuds for prolonged periods without frequent recharging.
> “The 3rd generation of AirPods had better battery life: six hours between charges, but the new models only have five. This drops to four hours if you have noise-cancelling on.” — *Forbes*
## Overall Verdict
Despite some minor downsides, the **AirPods 4** appear to be a commendable upgrade for users seeking a more budget-friendly alternative to the **AirPods Pro**. With features like **Active Noise Cancellation**, a **better fit**, and **enhanced sound quality**, they present an attractive package at a lower price point. Nevertheless, the absence of onboard volume controls and slightly diminished battery life may cause some users to hesitate.
### Pros:
– **Active Noise Cancellation** at a lower price
– **Improved fit** over prior models
– **Pro-level features** trickling down to entry-level earbuds
### Cons:
– **No onboard volume control**
– **Reduced battery life** in comparison to AirPods 3
– ANC capabilities are limited due to the **open-ear design**
## Video Reviews
For those who prefer a more visual perspective on the AirPods 4, several tech reviewers have already released hands-on videos.
