AirPods 4: The Quirky Little Siblings of the AirPods Pro

Summary

If you had asked me last week whether the Apple AirPods 4 were worth the investment, I would have confidently suggested scooping up the AirPods Pro 2, which are often available at a competitive price. But after some quality time with Apple’s latest wireless earbuds, my answer is now a delightful puzzle entwined with intrigue. First off, let’s talk about the price tag. At a friendly $129, the AirPods 4 manage to deliver a sound experience that’s a significant upgrade from the AirPods 3 — it’s like going from dial-up to fiber optic! Plus, despite their light and breezy open-ear design, they’ve somehow managed to conjure up active noise cancellation that gives the AirPods Pro 2 a run for their money. Who knew earbuds could be so fancy? But wait! The plot thickens as the AirPods Pro 2 remain heavily discounted, which makes the decision to go for the $129 option a bit like choosing between a slice of pizza and a whole pie — delicious, but one just feels a tad more satisfying. So if you have questions about these new earbuds after wrestling with the AirPods hierarchy, you’re in the right place. I’ve worn them non-stop on planes, trains, and in the hustle and bustle of city life, so let’s dive in! The basic AirPods 4 aren’t just pretty faces; they offer splendid sound quality, immersive Spatial Audio, and a slew of features that make your wallet sing with joy. Now, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, the upgraded $179 version tags on active noise cancellation, wireless charging, and a case that giggles back at you when you’re searching for it. (Okay, not really, but wouldn’t that be fun?) Let’s toast to the good stuff! First off, these buds boast a design so comfortable you might forget they’re in your ears — yes, they’re like that cozy pair of sweatpants you never want to take off, but for your ears. I usually stick to my AirPods Pro 2 like glue, but I hardly noticed they weren’t in my ears during subway rides, work marathons, and even a cross-country flight! The case is also 10% smaller, so it takes up less real estate in your pockets, leaving room for more snacks (because what’s a flight without snacks?). And who wouldn’t love a case that’s now equipped with a mystery LED indicator that only appears when you actually look at it? It’s like the introverted friend who only opens up when you approach! Now onto the magic of noise cancellation! For the first time, AirPods are flexing this feature to their open-eared lineup, and let me tell you, their performance rivals even the pros. They’re capable of silencing the clamor of city life like a pro wrestler tackling an unruly crowd. From giggly journalists at Apple events to the subway symphony of artists and musicians, I discovered that the AirPods 4 can take the chaos down a notch with surprising effectiveness — more reliable than a nap during a boring meeting! It’s not quite as snug as the Pro version, but it manages to do a commendable job. You also get to feel like a superhero with the Adaptive Audio mode that adjusts noise levels based on your surroundings. Talk about high-tech wizardry! Sound quality? Oh boy, it’s like listening to your favorite vinyl on a high-end stereo. Crisp guitars and vocals jump out like they’re trying to impress you at a talent show, and once you engage that Spatial Audio goodness, it’s a whole new concert in your ears. Whether it’s soulful indie anthems or boisterous pop hits, these jammers pack a punch so satisfying you might want to throw a one-person dance party mid-air. But (there’s always a but) — they could use a few tweaks. First, on-ear volume control is conspicuously absent — it’s like being offered a slice of cake without frosting. You might find yourself swiping your finger like an iPhone, only to have your AirPods look back at you like, “Sorry, not today!” The battery life is decent (four to five hours max) but isn’t going to win any marathons against competitors that can go the distance like a caffeinated tortoise. And yes, the ANC model does come at a price, which can make you feel like you’re picking between gourmet coffee and instant packets, especially when the Pro buds are often on sale. Final verdict? The AirPods 4 might just be the coolest kid on the block, but they’re not without their quirks. They bring superb sound quality and feature-shouting performance to the party, minus those pesky ear tips for folks who find them too constricting. If you like an open design and a sweet deal, the $129 option is a steal, and the $179 model includes all the bells and whistles. But if you’re partial to a snug fit, well, the AirPods Pro 2 might still be your best bet. Grab the popcorn — or rather, the earbuds — and enjoy!

Original Source: www.cnn.com