Apple AirPods 4 Review: H2 Chip, Spatial Audio & USB-C
Apple AirPods 4 combine the H2 headphone chip, Personalised Spatial Audio, Voice Isolation, Adaptive EQ and a redesigned open-ear fit in a lightweight everyday wireless-earbud package.
Apple AirPods 4
Apple's standard AirPods 4 with H2 chip, USB-C charging case, Personalised Spatial Audio and Voice Isolation.
Apple AirPods 4: Quick Specifications
Apple AirPods 4 Overview
AirPods 4 are Apple's redesigned standard AirPods generation. The earbuds use an open-ear design and Apple's H2 headphone chip to provide computational audio features that go beyond basic Bluetooth playback.
The combination of Adaptive EQ, Personalised Spatial Audio, Voice Isolation and Apple's ecosystem integration makes the AirPods 4 particularly suited to everyday listening, calls, commuting and use with Apple devices.
Design & Comfort
Apple redesigned the AirPods 4 around an open-ear shape. The earbuds have a shorter stem and are designed to sit comfortably without the sealed silicone ear-tip approach used by AirPods Pro.
Each AirPod weighs only 4.3 grams, while the USB-C charging case weighs 32.3 grams.
Sound Quality & Audio Technology
Apple equips AirPods 4 with a custom high-excursion driver and a custom high-dynamic-range amplifier. Adaptive EQ adjusts the sound automatically to provide a consistent listening experience.
Personalised Spatial Audio
Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking creates a more immersive audio presentation for compatible content and supported apps. An iPhone with a TrueDepth camera is required to create a personal profile.
Voice Isolation
Voice Isolation uses the H2 chip and microphone system to help make the user's voice clearer during calls when background noise is present.
Open-Ear Listening
The open-ear design allows more environmental awareness than sealed in-ear earbuds. This can be useful while walking, working or commuting. However, it also means that outside noise is less physically blocked.
Apple H2 Chip & Smart Features
The H2 headphone chip is at the centre of the AirPods 4 experience. It enables Apple's advanced audio processing, Voice Isolation and other computational audio features.
Siri Interactions
With compatible Apple devices and software, users can interact with Siri announcements using simple head gestures, such as nodding for yes or gently shaking the head for no.
Force Sensor
The stem includes a force sensor that provides physical controls for playback, calls and Siri.
| Control | Action |
|---|---|
| Press Once | Play or pause media / answer a call |
| Press Twice | End a call / skip forward |
| Press Three Times | Skip back |
| Press and Hold | Activate Siri |
Call Quality
AirPods 4 use dual beamforming microphones together with an inward-facing microphone and speech-detection technology.
Voice Isolation is designed to separate the user's voice from surrounding noise, making the AirPods 4 particularly useful for calls, FaceTime and online communication.
Battery Life & Charging
Apple rates AirPods 4 for up to 5 hours of listening on a single charge. The USB-C charging case extends total listening time to up to 30 hours.
Actual battery life varies depending on usage, settings, environment and other factors.
IP54 Dust, Sweat & Water Resistance
AirPods 4 and their USB-C charging case have an IP54 rating for dust, sweat and water resistance under controlled laboratory conditions.
Bluetooth & Compatibility
AirPods 4 support Bluetooth 5.3 wireless technology. They are designed for deep integration with Apple's ecosystem, including iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, Apple TV and Apple Vision Pro.
They can also be used with compatible non-Apple Bluetooth devices, although some Apple-specific functionality may not be available.
Gaming Performance
Apple specifically highlights AirPods 4's low wireless audio latency and voice quality for gaming. The H2 chip helps deliver responsive audio while chatting with teammates.
Apple also specifies support for 16-bit, 48kHz audio for compatible gaming experiences.
Feature Assessment
The noise-isolation assessment is lower because this standard model does not include Active Noise Cancellation.
AirPods 4 vs AirPods 4 with ANC
One of the most important purchasing decisions is choosing between the standard AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation.
| Feature | AirPods 4 | AirPods 4 with ANC |
|---|---|---|
| H2 Chip | Yes | Yes |
| Personalised Spatial Audio | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Isolation | Yes | Yes |
| Active Noise Cancellation | No | Yes |
| Adaptive Audio | No | Yes |
| Transparency Mode | No | Yes |
| Conversation Awareness | No | Yes |
| USB-C Case | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Charging | No | Yes |
Apple AirPods 4: Pros & Cons
✓ Pros
- Apple H2 headphone chip
- Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
- Voice Isolation
- Adaptive EQ
- Lightweight 4.3g earbuds
- USB-C charging case
- Up to 30 hours total listening time
- Bluetooth 5.3
- IP54 dust, sweat and water resistance
- Excellent Apple ecosystem integration
- Open-ear design keeps users aware of surroundings
- Strong call and Siri integration
✕ Cons
- No Active Noise Cancellation
- No Transparency Mode
- No Adaptive Audio
- No Conversation Awareness
- Open-ear design provides less passive isolation
- Some advanced features require Apple devices
- USB-C charging cable is sold separately
- Standard case does not support wireless charging
Who Should Buy Apple AirPods 4?
iPhone Users
Ideal for users who already own an iPhone and want Apple's seamless pairing, Siri and ecosystem experience.
Call-Focused Users
Voice Isolation and beamforming microphones make them a strong option for frequent calls and video meetings.
Everyday Listeners
The lightweight open-ear design works well for music, podcasts, videos and general daily use.
Who Should Consider Another Model?
Users who spend significant time on airplanes, trains, busy streets or noisy offices should consider the AirPods 4 with ANC or another noise-cancelling earbud.
Apple AirPods 4 Full Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product | Apple AirPods 4 |
| Generation | AirPods 4 |
| Chip | Apple H2 headphone chip |
| Driver | Custom high-excursion Apple driver |
| Amplifier | Custom high dynamic range amplifier |
| Audio Features | Adaptive EQ, Personalised Spatial Audio, dynamic head tracking |
| Call Technology | Voice Isolation, dual beamforming microphones |
| Microphones | Dual beamforming + inward-facing microphone |
| Sensors | Optical in-ear sensor, accelerometers, force sensor |
| Controls | Force sensor, Siri and Siri Interactions |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Water/Dust Resistance | IP54 |
| Earbud Weight | 4.3g each |
| Charging Case Weight | 32.3g |
| Earbud Battery | Up to 5 hours listening |
| Total Battery | Up to 30 hours with USB-C charging case |
| Fast Charging | 5 minutes provides around 1 hour of listening |
| Charging | USB-C |
| Active Noise Cancellation | No |
| Adaptive Audio | No |
| Transparency Mode | No |
| Conversation Awareness | No |
| Spatial Audio | Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking |
| Compatibility | Apple devices and compatible Bluetooth devices |
Final Verdict
Apple AirPods 4 are a strong everyday wireless-earbud option for users who want Apple's latest H2-powered audio features without moving to the Pro design. The combination of Personalised Spatial Audio, Voice Isolation, Adaptive EQ, Siri Interactions and a lightweight open-ear fit makes them versatile for music, calls, commuting and everyday use.
The biggest limitation is straightforward: this standard model does not have Active Noise Cancellation. That makes the purchasing decision relatively easy. If you want simple, lightweight Apple earbuds, AirPods 4 are compelling. If you need serious noise reduction, choose the AirPods 4 with ANC instead.
Apple AirPods 4 FAQ
Does Apple AirPods 4 have ANC?
No. The standard AirPods 4 does not have Active Noise Cancellation. Apple sells a separate AirPods 4 with ANC model.
Which chip is used in AirPods 4?
AirPods 4 use Apple's H2 headphone chip.
Does AirPods 4 support Spatial Audio?
Yes. AirPods 4 support Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking on compatible Apple hardware and software.
How long does AirPods 4 battery last?
Apple rates the earbuds for up to 5 hours of listening on one charge and up to 30 hours with the USB-C charging case.
Does AirPods 4 use USB-C?
Yes. The charging case uses a USB-C connector.
Is AirPods 4 water resistant?
AirPods 4 and the charging case have an IP54 rating for dust, sweat and water resistance. They are not waterproof and are not designed for swimming or showering.
Does AirPods 4 work with Android?
Yes. AirPods can be used as Bluetooth headphones with compatible non-Apple devices, although some Apple-specific features are unavailable.
Does the standard AirPods 4 case support wireless charging?
No. The standard AirPods 4 case uses USB-C charging. Wireless charging is available with the separately sold AirPods 4 with ANC charging case.
Are AirPods 4 good for calls?
Yes. They feature dual beamforming microphones, an inward-facing microphone and Voice Isolation for clearer calls.
Interested in Apple AirPods 4?
Check the latest Amazon price, availability and current seller details before purchasing.
Check Latest Price on AmazonDisclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through an affiliate link, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Source & Specification Note
Core specifications in this review are based on Apple's official AirPods 4 technical specifications, including the H2 chip, audio architecture, Voice Isolation, Personalised Spatial Audio, Bluetooth 5.3, IP54 rating, dimensions, weight and battery claims.
Apple's battery figures are maximum stated values under specified test conditions. Actual battery life varies with usage, settings, environment and other factors.