Looking for wireless earbuds for your iPhone, train journeys and phone calls? You’ll soon come across the Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. Apple integration, USB-C and a choice of listening modes make for an appealing package, but not every product listing tells the whole story.
So, keep an eye out for these three common pitfalls:
The AirPods 4 ANC support active noise cancellation, Adaptive Audio and Transparency mode. According to the product description, Conversation Awareness lowers the volume when you start speaking. This can be handy in a shop, at the office or during a quick conversation on public transport.
However, how well they work depends on the fit, your surroundings and the settings. No noise-cancelling feature can silence every sound completely. Cyclists and pedestrians should still pay close attention to traffic and other sounds around them.
If you don’t need ANC, you could also consider the standard Apple AirPods 4 with USB-C. The product information lists passive noise isolation for this model, but no active noise cancellation.
For the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, the product description states up to 5 hours of listening to music on a full charge and more than 30 hours in total with the charging case. The technical specifications also list a maximum battery life of 20 hours. As these figures don’t fully match, it’s worth checking the current product page and the version you’ve selected before paying.
For everyday use, these are the key things to consider:
According to the product information, the case can be charged via USB-C. The earbuds charge automatically when you put them back in the case. This makes the Apple charging case handy for commuting and travelling.
The AirPods 4 use Bluetooth 5.3 and are primarily designed for use with iPhone, iPad and other Apple devices. To pair them, hold the open case close to an iPhone and follow the on-screen instructions. You can also connect them to other Bluetooth devices through the settings and the setup button on the case.
The design is also worth considering. The AirPods 4 are supplied as in-ear earbuds, but the product details provided don’t mention different earbud sizes. This makes the fit an important personal consideration. If you listen for long periods, uneven pressure or a loose fit can become uncomfortable.
Use the stems to control playback: press once to play or pause, twice to skip to the next track and three times to go back to the previous track. The product description also mentions Spatial Audio for a more three-dimensional sound with compatible music, films and TV programmes. It won’t work in the same way with every source, so check the settings in the app and on the Apple device you’re using.
Why it suits this profile: A straightforward choice for iPhone users who want wireless Bluetooth earbuds with Spatial Audio and USB-C, but don’t need active noise cancellation.
The product listing makes it clear that this model doesn’t have active noise cancellation. That means you won’t pay for a feature you don’t need.
USB-C charging, Bluetooth 5.3, Apple controls and more than 30 hours of total battery life, according to the product information.
Why it suits this profile: A good fit for Apple users looking for ANC, Transparency mode, Conversation Awareness and straightforward controls in one set of earbuds.
The product information lists ANC, Adaptive Audio and Transparency mode separately. Be sure to check the conflicting battery figures before buying.
H2 chip, Bluetooth 5.3, wireless charging, USB-C and up to 5 hours of music playback per charge, according to the product description.
Why it suits this profile: An alternative for anyone looking for noise cancellation, multipoint connectivity, USB-C and splash resistance for everyday use.
The listing gives battery figures both with and without ANC, and specifies an IPX4 rating. Check the exact playback time for the version you’ve selected, as the table and description differ.
Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint connectivity, USB-C, active noise cancellation and IPX4 splash resistance, according to the product details.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and comply with current European safety regulations.
Yes, you can pair the earbuds with other devices via Bluetooth. Full Apple integration, including battery widgets and certain settings, is primarily designed for iPhone and iPad. So check which features are available on your specific device.
The product description for the ANC version states up to 5 hours of music playback per charge and more than 30 hours with the case. The technical table lists different battery figures. Use the current product page as your guide, and bear in mind that ANC, calls and volume can all affect battery life.
It depends on how you use them. ANC can be handy on train journeys, flights and in busy offices. If you mostly listen at home or aren’t bothered by background noise, the standard AirPods 4 with USB-C may be enough. Compare the features and current price rather than looking at the model name alone.