AirPods 4 Review: Rebuilt for Comfort, Powered by Intelligence
Apple’s fourth-generation AirPods mark a significant step forward in the evolution of wireless earbuds. With an emphasis on comfort, personalized sound, and smart features, the AirPods 4 aren’t just a minor update — they represent a refined approach to what it means to own and use true wireless earbuds in 2025.
In this review, we’ll break down each of the core features that make the AirPods 4 stand out, from the redesigned ergonomic fit to the integration of Apple’s advanced H2 chip, intelligent voice features, and long-lasting battery life.
Redesigned for All-Day Comfort
One of the most immediately noticeable changes with the AirPods 4 is their new design. Apple has refined the shape and shortened the stem, offering a sleeker, more stable fit. This isn’t just about aesthetics — the new contour is engineered specifically for comfort during extended listening sessions.
Whether you’re wearing them on a long commute, a full workday of video calls, or during a workout, the improved ergonomics help reduce pressure on the ear. The AirPods 4 stay securely in place, providing a more comfortable and reliable fit for a wider variety of ear shapes and sizes.
Quick-press controls are conveniently located and easy to use, offering seamless transitions between playing music, answering calls, or activating features with a simple tap.
Immersive Personalized Spatial Audio
Apple continues to lead in audio innovation with Personalized Spatial Audio. This technology goes beyond stereo or even surround sound, placing sound in a 360-degree space around the listener. Dynamic head tracking adjusts the sound in real-time based on the position of your head, creating a deeply immersive audio experience.
Whether you’re watching a movie, playing a mobile game, or listening to your favorite playlist, this feature adds a theater-like depth and realism to audio. The personalization aspect means the audio profile is tailored to your unique ear shape, enhancing clarity, directionality, and overall richness of the sound.
Enhanced Sound and Call Performance
Sound quality has always been a hallmark of the AirPods line, and the AirPods 4 elevate it even further with the Apple-designed H2 chip. This custom silicon enables advanced computational audio, delivering deeper bass, cleaner highs, and an overall more balanced sound signature.
Where the AirPods 4 truly shine is in their call performance. With voice isolation, the earbuds intelligently reduce background noise and amplify the user’s voice, making it easier for the person on the other end of the call to hear you — even in loud environments like city streets or crowded cafés.
This is particularly beneficial for professionals and frequent callers, as it improves communication clarity without the need for external microphones or noise-canceling headsets.
Smarter with Siri: Hands-Free and Head-Aware
The AirPods 4 bring an even more intuitive interaction with Siri, Apple’s voice assistant. Saying “Siri” or “Hey Siri” is still the gateway to playing music, checking messages, or making calls. However, new to this generation is Siri Interactions — a feature that allows users to respond non-verbally.
Now, a simple nod signals “yes” and a head shake signals “no,” adding a layer of subtle control that feels futuristic and remarkably useful. For times when speaking isn’t ideal — such as while running, in meetings, or in public — these gestures offer discreet and effective communication with your device.
Pairing the AirPods 4 with Apple devices is just as effortless as previous generations: place them near your iPhone, tap “Connect,” and you’re ready to go. Sharing audio is just as simple, with two sets of AirPods easily synced to the same device.
Thanks to an optical in-ear sensor, the AirPods 4 also know when you’re wearing them, automatically pausing music when you remove one or both earbuds and resuming playback when reinserted.
Battery That Keeps Up With Your Day
Battery life is another crucial element for wireless earbuds, and AirPods 4 deliver a solid performance in this area. You can expect up to 5 hours of continuous listening time on a single charge, which covers most daily use cases from morning commutes to evening workouts.
With the charging case, the total listening time extends to up to 30 hours, making them perfect for travel or multi-day use without needing to hunt for an outlet. Whether you’re binge-watching a series or spending the day in back-to-back video meetings, the AirPods 4 are built to keep going.
Redesigned USB-C Charging Case: Smaller and Smarter
The charging case has also undergone a redesign. Now over 10% smaller in volume than the previous generation, it’s more pocket-friendly and convenient to carry. Apple has also transitioned to USB-C, aligning with recent changes across its ecosystem for a more universal and efficient charging experience.
The case feels robust and elegant, in typical Apple fashion, and includes support for Find My tracking. So if you misplace your earbuds or case, you can locate them quickly using your iPhone.
Built for Life: Dust, Sweat, and Water Resistant
Durability is a must for today’s wireless earbuds, and Apple has responded with an IP54 rating for both the AirPods 4 and their charging case. This means they are resistant to dust, sweat, and water, making them suitable for workouts, light rain, and everyday use without worry.
You can take them to the gym, wear them while jogging, or get caught in the rain without concern. This level of resistance adds peace of mind for those who live active lifestyles or just want earbuds that can handle real-world conditions.
Final Thoughts: The Smartest AirPods Yet
With AirPods 4, Apple proves once again that it’s not content with the status quo. These earbuds offer a more comfortable fit, smarter Siri features, personalized spatial sound, and improved call clarity, all wrapped in a sleek, durable, and compact design.
They’re ideal for users who want earbuds that feel as natural and intelligent as the rest of the Apple ecosystem. While they build on the foundation of previous generations, it’s the thoughtful upgrades — like nod-based interactions and improved noise filtering — that make this model feel genuinely next-gen.
If you’re an iPhone user looking for a seamless, premium audio experience — one that adapts to your head, your ears, and your life — AirPods 4 are not just a good option; they may be the best wireless earbuds Apple has released so far.
Price: $129.00 - $89.00
