Original price was: $180.00.$158.00Current price is: $158.00.
When Apple AirPods 4 launched in late 2023 at $249, they marked a significant shift in wireless earbud design. After extensive testing, it's clear these earbuds represent Apple's most ambitious attempt yet to blend the convenience of open-ear design with active noise cancellation (ANC) - something that seemed technically impossible just a few years ago.
The original AirPods revolutionized wireless earbuds in 2016, but they lacked any noise control. The Pro models added ANC but required sealed ear tips. These AirPods 4 bridge that gap, bringing noise cancellation to the classic open design that many users prefer for comfort and awareness.
During our testing, the audio performance showed clear improvements over previous generations. The H2 chip (Apple's latest audio processor) delivers notably cleaner sound with excellent clarity in the midrange - perfect for podcasts, audiobooks, and vocal-heavy music. However, the open design means you won't get the deep bass response found in sealed earbuds like the AirPods Pro 2.
The revolutionary addition of ANC in an open design works better than expected. While it can't match the isolation of sealed earbuds, it noticeably reduces low-frequency noise like air conditioners, train rumble, and office chatter. Think of it as taking the edge off rather than creating complete silence.
The standout feature is Adaptive Audio, which continuously adjusts noise control based on your environment. Walking down a busy street? It'll increase transparency mode to keep you aware of traffic. Enter a quiet café? It'll boost noise cancellation for focus. In our tests, these transitions felt natural and helpful rather than jarring.
Conversation Awareness proved particularly useful in office settings. When you start speaking, the volume automatically lowers and transparency mode activates, making quick conversations effortless without manually adjusting settings or removing earbuds.
The spatial audio feature, which creates a virtual surround sound experience, works remarkably well for movie watching. When paired with an Apple TV, the head tracking keeps the sound field stable as you move, creating a more immersive home theater experience - though serious movie watchers will still prefer dedicated speakers or headphones.
The refined design strikes an excellent balance between stability and comfort. The shorter stem and tweaked ear contour mean they stay put better than previous AirPods while remaining comfortable for extended wear. During our testing, we could wear them for 4+ hours without discomfort - something that's often challenging with sealed earbuds.
The USB-C charging case is notably compact and includes helpful features like a built-in speaker for Find My alerts and wireless charging compatibility. The IPX4 water resistance means light rain or sweat won't be an issue, though they're not suitable for serious workouts.
Battery performance meets expectations but doesn't exceed them. We consistently got:
While not class-leading, these numbers proved sufficient for typical daily use patterns.
These AirPods 4 truly shine within the Apple ecosystem. Features like:
All work seamlessly with Apple devices. Android users can still use them as standard Bluetooth earbuds but miss out on many smart features.
In practical use, these excel in specific scenarios:
The voice isolation technology makes calls notably clearer than previous generations, especially in noisy environments. For home theater use, they're good for personal viewing but can't replace a proper speaker system or high-end headphones for serious movie watching.
At $249, these aren't cheap, but they offer unique features that justify the premium for the right user. The main competition comes from:
The AirPods 4 are ideal for:
They're less suitable for:
After extensive testing, the AirPods 4 emerge as an impressive technical achievement that will perfectly suit certain users while being completely wrong for others. The open-ear ANC is a genuine innovation, even if it can't match sealed designs for absolute noise reduction.
The smart features work so well they become essential parts of daily use rather than gimmicks. While the audio quality won't satisfy audiophiles, it's more than adequate for most users' needs, especially those prioritizing comfort and convenience over absolute sound quality.
For Apple users who value awareness, comfort, and smart features over maximum audio performance or noise isolation, these are an excellent choice. Just be sure your use case aligns with their strengths before making the investment.
The Apple AirPods 4 at $249 are worth it for Apple users who want open-ear comfort with noise cancellation. They're particularly valuable for those who need environmental awareness while listening and appreciate smart features like Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness.
The AirPods 4 provide an immersive movie experience through Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. While they can't match dedicated home theater headphones for bass response, they're excellent for casual viewing and late-night watching without disturbing others.
Battery life is 4 hours with ANC on and 5 hours with it off. The charging case provides additional 20-30 hours of total listening time. Fast charging gives you 1 hour of playback from a 5-minute charge.
Yes, the AirPods 4 work with Android phones as standard Bluetooth earbuds, but you'll miss out on key features like automatic device switching, spatial audio, and customizable controls that are exclusive to Apple devices.
The noise cancellation on AirPods 4 is less effective than AirPods Pro due to the open-ear design. However, it still reduces low-frequency noise well and offers better environmental awareness, which some users prefer.
Yes, the AirPods 4 excel at video calls thanks to dual beamforming microphones and Voice Isolation technology. The Conversation Awareness feature is particularly useful during calls as it automatically adjusts volume when you speak.
While not primarily designed for home theater, they work well for personal viewing, especially with Apple TV. The spatial audio creates a virtual surround sound experience, though serious home theater enthusiasts should consider dedicated over-ear headphones instead.
For Apple devices, simply open the case near your device for instant pairing. For non-Apple devices, press and hold the button on the charging case to enter pairing mode and connect through your device's Bluetooth settings.
The AirPods 4 have IPX4 water resistance, meaning they're protected against splashes and light rain but shouldn't be submerged or used during intense workouts.
Key improvements include Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, USB-C charging, improved microphones, and the H2 chip. The AirPods 4 also feature a refined design with better stability and the new Conversation Awareness feature.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research has used advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: tomsguide.com - apple.com - youtube.com - apple.com - staples.com - support.apple.com - connection.com - support.apple.com - pcrichard.com - adorama.com - zones.com - cdw.com
Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation Earbuds |
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Active Noise Cancellation - Key feature for reducing environmental noise: H2-powered ANC with Adaptive Audio |
Battery Life - Critical for daily use: 4-5 hours (ANC on/off), 20-30 hours with case |
Bluetooth Version - Affects connection stability and range: Bluetooth 5.3 |
Chip - Powers smart features and audio processing: H2 headphone chip |
Water Resistance - Important for durability: IPX4 (splash resistant) |
Charging Connection - Affects compatibility: USB-C, Wireless Qi, Apple Watch charger |
Audio Features - Impact overall listening experience: Adaptive EQ, Spatial Audio, Voice Isolation |
Smart Features - Enhance usability: Conversation Awareness, Find My integration, automatic device switching |
Driver Type - Determines sound quality: Custom high-excursion Apple driver |
Microphones - Critical for call quality: Dual beamforming + inward-facing |
Weight (each earbud): 4.3 grams |
Case Weight: 34.7 grams |
Earbud Dimensions: 30.2 x 18.3 x 18.1 mm |
Case Dimensions: 46.2 x 50.1 x 21.2 mm |
The Beats Powerbeats Pro ($199) stand out with their impressive 9-hour battery life and secure-fit ear hooks that make them virtually impossible to shake loose during activities. While they lack the AirPods 4's advanced noise cancellation and adaptive features, they compensate with superior durability, reliable physical controls, and a bass-forward sound signature that energizes workouts. The secure fit and proven sweat resistance make them a compelling choice for active users, though the larger charging case is less pocket-friendly than the AirPods 4's compact design.
At a lower price point, the Beats Powerbeats Pro offer remarkable value, especially when found at common discounted prices. While they may not match the AirPods 4's sophisticated features like spatial audio and conversation awareness, they excel in fundamental areas like battery life, sound isolation through physical fit, and reliable controls that work well in wet conditions. For users prioritizing long battery life and workout stability over the latest smart features, the Powerbeats Pro represent a more practical choice that focuses on core performance rather than cutting-edge technology.
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The AirPods 3rd Generation remain a compelling option at $169.99, particularly for users who prioritize battery life and simplicity. Their standout feature is the impressive 6-hour battery life on a single charge (compared to 4 hours with ANC on the 4th gen), and up to 30 hours total with the charging case. While they lack active noise cancellation, their open-ear design provides a comfortable fit and good ambient awareness that some users prefer, especially during outdoor activities or when situational awareness is important.
For $10 less, the AirPods 3 still deliver excellent sound quality and key features like spatial audio, automatic device switching, and IPX4 water resistance. They use the proven H1 chip and while they don't have the latest adaptive features, they excel at the basics with reliable connectivity and intuitive controls. They're an especially good choice for users who spend most of their time in quieter environments where ANC isn't necessary, or for those who prefer longer battery life over advanced features. The slightly simpler feature set also means there's less to configure and manage, which some users might appreciate.
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The Beats Fit Pro ($149.99) differentiates itself with a secure-fitting wingtip design and sealed ear tips that provide superior stability during physical activities and better passive noise isolation. While it uses the older H1 chip, it delivers impressive audio performance with notably stronger bass response and more effective noise cancellation due to its sealed design. The cross-platform compatibility, including a dedicated Android app, makes it more versatile for users who aren't exclusively in the Apple ecosystem, and its longer battery life of 6 hours with ANC (versus AirPods 4's 4.5 hours) provides more reliable all-day use.
At a lower price point, the Beats Fit Pro offers better value for users who prioritize versatility and athletic use. While it lacks some of the latest features like Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness, it compensates with better sound isolation, more consistent audio performance across different scenarios, and a more secure fit. The superior noise isolation also makes it a better choice for commuting or focusing in noisy environments, though this comes at the cost of the natural ambient awareness that the AirPods 4's open design provides. For most users, especially those who exercise or want a more versatile earbud, the Beats Fit Pro's practical benefits and lower price make it a compelling alternative to the AirPods 4.
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The AirPods Pro 2 ($249) sets itself apart with its sealed in-ear design and superior active noise cancellation, offering nearly twice the noise reduction capability compared to the AirPods 4. This sealed design, combined with four different sizes of silicon tips, creates a more immersive listening experience with notably stronger bass response and clearer audio separation. While the higher price point might give some buyers pause, the Pro 2's enhanced performance in noisy environments like airplanes, gyms, and busy streets makes it a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize sound quality and isolation.
For the additional $70, the AirPods Pro 2 also delivers better battery life (6 hours versus 4 with ANC enabled), IPX4 water resistance for worry-free workout sessions, and more effective implementation of Spatial Audio due to its sealed design. The Pro 2's Transparency mode offers a more sophisticated way to hear your surroundings when needed, with features like Conversation Boost and adaptive sound adjustment that the AirPods 4's natural open design can't match. However, these advantages come with the trade-off of having to adjust to the sensation of in-ear tips, which some users find less comfortable for extended wear. The decision largely depends on whether maximum audio performance and noise isolation are worth the premium price and sealed fit.
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The AirPods 4 ($129) offers most of the core features of its ANC sibling at a significantly lower price point. You'll still get the excellent H2 chip performance, Spatial Audio support, and the same high-quality drivers for audio playback. The standard model actually provides better battery life, offering 5 hours of continuous playback and up to 30 hours with the charging case, compared to 4 hours with ANC enabled on the premium model. For users who primarily use their earbuds in quieter environments or prefer to maintain awareness of their surroundings, the standard model delivers exceptional value.
While you'll miss out on active noise cancellation, Adaptive Audio, and wireless charging, the standard AirPods 4 still provides an impressive listening experience for everyday use. The passive noise isolation is sufficient for many situations, and the open design can be preferable for outdoor activities where environmental awareness is important. For users who prioritize basic functionality and don't need noise cancellation, the $50 savings makes this model a compelling choice. The sound quality remains identical when used in quiet environments, and you'll get the same seamless Apple device integration and voice isolation features for calls.
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The Bose QuietComfort Ultra takes a fundamentally different approach with its sealed in-ear design, delivering noticeably superior noise cancellation and fuller sound quality, particularly in bass response. Where it really shines is in challenging environments like airplanes, busy offices, or loud gyms, offering significantly better isolation from ambient noise. The CustomTune technology adapts the sound profile to your ear shape, while the multiple ear tip sizes ensure a secure fit that won't budge during workouts. Its multipoint connectivity also gives it an edge for users who frequently switch between devices.
At $229, it commands a higher price but justifies the premium through better overall audio performance and versatility across all devices and platforms. While it's slightly heavier and may cause more ear fatigue during extended use compared to the AirPods 4's open design, the tradeoff brings substantial benefits in sound quality and noise isolation. For users who prioritize pure audio performance over ecosystem integration, or who regularly use both Apple and non-Apple devices, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra represents a more capable, if pricier, option.
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The JBL Live Beam 3 stands out with significantly longer battery life, offering up to 12 hours of playback compared to the AirPods 4's 5 hours, making it a better choice for extended listening sessions. Its True Adaptive Noise Cancellation, combined with a sealed fit design, provides superior noise isolation, while the smart LED charging case adds convenient touch controls without needing to reach for your phone. The wider frequency response and stronger bass delivery make it particularly appealing for bass-heavy music and action movies, though it lacks the spatial audio capabilities that Apple users might appreciate.
At the same price point, the JBL offers more universal compatibility and features like multi-point connection, customizable EQ, and better water resistance (IP55 vs IP54). While it doesn't match the seamless Apple ecosystem integration, its platform-agnostic approach and smart features make it a more versatile choice for users who frequently switch between different devices or prioritize sound customization and battery life over ecosystem convenience. The slightly heavier build (5.2g vs 4.3g per earbud) is a minor trade-off for the additional features and superior sound isolation.
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The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro ($189.99) stand out with their V-shaped sound signature that delivers punchier bass and crisper highs, making them particularly appealing for bass-heavy music genres. Their IP57 water resistance rating offers better protection than the AirPods 4, while features like real-time translation and Galaxy AI integration provide unique functionality for Samsung users. The customizable EQ settings through Samsung's app give users more control over their listening experience, and the multiple ear tip sizes ensure a more personalized fit.
Where the Galaxy Buds3 Pro fall short is in their noise cancellation performance, which doesn't quite match the AirPods 4's capability with mid and high frequencies. However, they make up for this with excellent passive noise isolation due to their in-ear design. At a similar price point, the choice between these earbuds largely comes down to ecosystem preference - while the Galaxy Buds3 Pro work with any Bluetooth device, they truly shine when paired with Samsung devices, offering features like 360 Audio and seamless device switching within the Samsung ecosystem. For Android users, particularly those with Samsung devices, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro represent a compelling alternative with stronger bass response and more customization options.
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The Jabra Elite 7 Pro stands out with several key advantages, particularly its superior battery life of 8 hours per charge and exceptional durability with IP57 waterproofing. Its bone conduction sensor technology delivers notably clearer call quality, especially in windy conditions, while the sealed design provides better passive noise isolation than the AirPods 4. The Elite 7 Pro also offers true multipoint connectivity, allowing simultaneous connection to two devices, and its MySound+ app provides extensive EQ customization options that Apple doesn't match.
At $199, the Elite 7 Pro delivers better value for users who aren't heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem, particularly those who switch between multiple devices or need maximum durability. While it lacks spatial audio and the seamless Apple device integration, it compensates with stronger bass response, more secure fit, and better water resistance. The customizable sound profile and longer battery life make it a more versatile choice for general use, though Apple users might miss the automatic device switching and spatial audio features they're accustomed to.
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The Jabra Elite 4 Active ($99.99) stands out with its impressive 7-hour battery life and robust IP57 water resistance rating, making it a more practical choice for active users. Its secure-fitting design with silicone tips provides better passive noise isolation, and while its active noise cancellation isn't as sophisticated as the AirPods 4, it effectively blocks out most environmental noise. The multipoint connection feature allows seamless switching between devices regardless of ecosystem, and its aptX support ensures lower latency for video content.
At nearly half the price of the AirPods 4, the Jabra Elite 4 Active delivers exceptional value while maintaining solid performance across key features. While it lacks spatial audio and some premium features, it compensates with practical advantages like stronger bass response, better durability, and platform-agnostic functionality. For users who prioritize versatility and durability over ecosystem integration, or those who frequently switch between different devices, the Jabra Elite 4 Active represents a more practical and cost-effective choice.
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The Beats Studio Buds Plus at $129.99 stand out with significantly better noise cancellation, reducing about 80% of external noise compared to the AirPods 4's 53%. This sealed-design approach, featuring four sizes of silicone tips, not only provides superior sound isolation but also delivers more impactful bass response and a more immersive listening experience. The Beats also excel in battery life, offering over 8 hours of playback with ANC enabled, and their cross-platform compatibility makes them equally effective for both Apple and Android users.
While lacking some of Apple's ecosystem-specific features like automatic device switching, the Beats compensate with better overall sound quality, more secure fit for active use, and a more attractive price point. Their traditional in-ear design might not appeal to those who prefer the AirPods' open-ear approach, but it results in better performance for music, movies, and gaming. The improved noise isolation and bass response make them particularly compelling for home theater use, where immersion is key. Considering the $50 price difference, the Beats offer better value unless Apple's ecosystem integration is a priority.
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The Beats Solo Buds ($79.99)
stand out with their impressive 18-hour battery life and sealed in-ear design that many users find more secure than AirPods. At less than half the price of the AirPods 4, they deliver surprisingly good sound quality with a more balanced signature than traditional Beats products, though they lack premium features like active noise cancellation and Spatial Audio. The inclusion of four different ear tip sizes ensures a comfortable, customizable fit, and their platform-agnostic approach means Android users get the same features as iOS users.
While they can't match the AirPods 4's advanced features and seamless Apple ecosystem integration, the Beats Solo Buds
excel at the fundamentals. Their physical noise isolation can sometimes outperform the AirPods' active noise cancellation in certain environments, and their more traditional sealed design provides consistently good sound quality without requiring precise positioning in your ear. For users who prioritize battery life, secure fit, and value over cutting-edge features, they represent an excellent alternative at a more accessible price point.
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The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro ($229.99) stands out with its dual-driver audio system and superior water resistance rating. While more expensive, these earbuds deliver notably better bass response and more detailed sound thanks to their 10mm woofer and 5.3mm tweeter configuration. The IPX7 rating means they can handle intense workouts or rain without issue, unlike the AirPods 4's more limited IPX4 protection. For Android users, especially those with Samsung devices, they offer comparable ecosystem integration to what Apple users get with AirPods, including features like automatic device switching and 360-degree audio.
When it comes to pure audio performance and durability, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro has several advantages over the AirPods 4, including stronger consistent noise cancellation and better passive isolation due to their sealed in-ear design. However, they lack some of the AirPods' standout features like spatial audio with head tracking and seamless iOS integration. The higher price point is justified by the premium audio hardware and water resistance, but the value proposition really depends on which ecosystem you're invested in. The Galaxy Buds2 Pro makes the most sense for Android users who prioritize sound quality and durability over iOS-specific features.
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The LG TONE Free T90Q ($229) takes a different approach with its sealed design and silicone tips, offering notably better noise isolation and bass response. Its standout features include Dolby Atmos support with head tracking, a unique UV sanitizing charging case that doubles as a Bluetooth transmitter for TVs, and true multipoint connectivity for seamless switching between any two devices. The comprehensive app allows extensive sound customization through EQ settings, while support for high-resolution audio codecs like AptX Adaptive delivers superior audio quality on compatible devices.
When it comes to real-world use, the T90Q offers longer battery life (5-9 hours compared to AirPods 4's 4-5 hours) and more versatility across different platforms and devices. While it commands a higher price point, the additional features like TV compatibility and UV sanitization add genuine value for specific use cases. However, it doesn't quite match the AirPods 4's call quality or seamless Apple ecosystem integration, making the choice largely dependent on your priorities and existing device ecosystem. The T90Q particularly shines in home theater applications, where its TV transmitter case and superior sound isolation create a more immersive viewing experience.
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The JBL Tune Flex ($49.99) stands out with its versatile fit options and impressive 32-hour total battery life, offering a compelling alternative at just over a quarter of the AirPods 4's price. Its customizable EQ through the companion app and included sealed ear tips provide flexibility that some users might prefer over Apple's fixed design. The basic active noise cancellation, while not as sophisticated as Apple's implementation, still performs adequately for common environments like offices or public transit, and the 8-hour continuous playback time (with ANC off) exceeds what Apple offers.
Where the Tune Flex really shines is in its value proposition, delivering around 70% of the AirPods' functionality at a significantly lower price point. While it lacks premium features like spatial audio and seamless Apple device switching, it handles the fundamentals well - offering good sound quality with strong bass response, reliable Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, and IPX4 water resistance. For users who don't need Apple-specific features or maximum noise cancellation performance, the JBL Tune Flex represents an excellent balance of performance and affordability that's hard to ignore in the current wireless earbud market.
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The JBL Tune Buds ($49.99) stand out with their impressive 10-hour battery life per charge and 48-hour total runtime with the case - double what the AirPods 4 offer. Their signature bass-forward sound profile delivers punchy low-end that many listeners prefer for modern music, though it doesn't match the AirPods' clarity and detail in mid and high frequencies. The IP54 water resistance rating matches the AirPods 4, making them equally suitable for workouts, while their traditional in-ear design with silicone tips provides better passive noise isolation for many users.
At just under one-third the price of the AirPods 4, the JBL Tune Buds deliver remarkable value with features like active noise cancellation, touch controls, and a companion app for EQ customization. While they lack premium features like spatial audio and seamless Apple device switching, they work consistently well across all platforms and offer better battery life for long listening sessions. For users who prioritize battery life and value over ecosystem integration and advanced audio processing, the JBL Tune Buds represent an excellent alternative that covers the fundamentals without breaking the bank.
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The Jabra Elite 8 Active ($199) stands out with its impressive IP68 water resistance rating and military-grade durability, making it significantly more rugged than the AirPods 4. Its sealed design with silicon tips provides superior noise isolation, while the innovative ShakeGrip technology ensures they stay firmly in place during intense activities. Battery life is another major advantage, offering 8 hours of continuous playback with ANC enabled (compared to AirPods 4's 5 hours), and the case provides a total of 32 hours of use. The customizable EQ settings through Jabra's app give users more control over their listening experience, and multipoint connectivity allows seamless switching between two devices regardless of operating system.
While lacking the seamless Apple ecosystem integration, the Elite 8 Active makes up for it with universal compatibility and practical features that benefit everyday use. The stronger bass response and better passive noise isolation make them particularly appealing for gym-goers and commuters who need maximum sound isolation. At a similar price point to the AirPods 4, the Elite 8 Active offers better durability, longer battery life, and more versatile connectivity options, though users deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem may miss features like automatic device switching and spatial audio with head tracking.
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The Denon PerL Pro takes a notably different approach to premium wireless audio, offering superior sound quality through aptX Lossless support and more advanced codec options. While currently available at $149 (down from $349), it delivers exceptional value with features like an impressive 8-hour battery life, twice as many microphones for clearer calls, and more comprehensive audio customization options. The sealed design provides better noise isolation than the AirPods 4's open-ear approach, and the inclusion of multiple ear tips and wing attachments ensures a more secure fit for different ear shapes.
Where the PerL Pro really stands out is in pure audio performance and versatility. Its support for aptX Lossless makes it particularly appealing for home theater use and high-resolution music streaming, delivering noticeably better detail and dynamics. While it lacks the seamless Apple ecosystem integration, the Denon PerL Pro offers true multipoint connectivity and platform-agnostic functionality that makes it more flexible for users who switch between different devices or platforms. The personalized sound profiles and advanced noise cancellation make it a compelling alternative, especially for those who prioritize sound quality and battery life over ecosystem-specific features.
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For those considering alternatives, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds ($299) takes a radically different approach with its innovative open-ear design. Instead of sealing off your ears, these earbuds rest outside your ear canal, delivering surprisingly good audio while maintaining complete awareness of your surroundings. This design excels in specific scenarios where environmental awareness is crucial, such as office work, running, or situations requiring frequent conversation. The battery life is also impressive, offering up to 7.5 hours of playback compared to the AirPods 4's 5 hours, though this drops to 4.5 hours when using spatial audio features.
However, the higher price point and specialized design make the Bose Ultra a more niche product. While it offers exceptional comfort for long-term wear and eliminates ear fatigue common with sealed designs, it can't match the AirPods 4's bass response or noise isolation capabilities. The open design also means more sound leakage, making it less suitable for quiet environments or late-night viewing. For general use and especially home theater applications, the AirPods 4's sealed design and active noise cancellation provide a more versatile and immersive experience at a lower price point.
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The Soundcore P40i ($59.99) stands out in several key areas, particularly with its impressive 12-hour battery life per charge and 60-hour total runtime with the case - more than double what the AirPods 4 offers. Its sealed in-ear design with silicone tips provides excellent passive noise isolation, which complements the active noise cancellation for superior noise reduction in loud environments. The included 11mm drivers deliver punchy bass response and detailed sound that can be further customized through the Soundcore app's EQ settings. The innovative charging case doubles as a phone stand, adding practical value for video calls or movie watching.
Where the P40i really shines is in its value proposition, offering many premium features at one-third the price of the AirPods 4. While it may lack Apple's sophisticated spatial audio and seamless ecosystem integration, it compensates with practical features like multipoint connection for switching between devices, better water resistance (IPX5), and a robust 6-microphone array for clear calls. The sound signature is more bass-forward compared to the AirPods 4's balanced approach, which many users might prefer for modern music and action movies. For those who aren't deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem or prioritize battery life and noise isolation over advanced features, the P40i represents an excellent alternative that doesn't compromise on essential performance.
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The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 stands out with its exceptional durability and fitness-focused features, offering IP68 waterproofing and military-grade drop protection that the AirPods 4 can't match. Its ShakeGrip technology keeps the earbuds securely in place during intense activities, while delivering notably longer battery life - 8 hours with ANC compared to AirPods' 5 hours. The Jabra also brings impressive versatility with its platform-agnostic approach, supporting multi-point connections and offering a smart case that can stream audio from any device with USB-C or 3.5mm outputs.
At $229, the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 represents better value for users who prioritize durability and battery life over ecosystem integration. While it may not match the AirPods 4's seamless Apple device switching or quite reach its call quality levels, it compensates with stronger bass response, customizable EQ, and Dolby Audio support. For anyone outside the Apple ecosystem, or those who want earbuds that can handle everything from workouts to commuting without worry, the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 offers a more versatile and robust solution at a lower price point.
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The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 stands out with its significantly longer battery life, offering up to 8 hours of playback and 36 total hours with the case, compared to AirPods 4's more modest runtime. Its Smart Case with USB-C audio connectivity provides a notable advantage for home theater use, enabling direct connection to TVs and gaming systems with minimal latency. The IP57 water resistance rating also makes it more durable for active users, while its customizable EQ settings and stronger noise cancellation provide more flexibility for different listening environments.
At $279.99, the Elite 10 Gen 2 commands a $100 premium over the AirPods 4, but justifies this with its more versatile feature set. While it lacks the seamless Apple ecosystem integration, the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 offers platform-agnostic functionality that works equally well across all devices. Its superior bass response and Dolby Atmos support make it a better choice for movie watching and music enthusiasts who want more control over their sound profile. However, this comes at the cost of the streamlined user experience that Apple users might prefer, making the choice largely dependent on your ecosystem preferences and specific use cases.
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For those considering alternatives, the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro ($129) stands out with notably better sound quality and noise isolation at a lower price point. The sealed design with customizable ear tips delivers richer bass response and more effective noise cancellation, blocking up to 81% of external noise in testing. The superior battery life - offering 10 hours per charge compared to AirPods' 5 hours - and fast charging capability that provides 4 hours of playback from just 5 minutes of charging make it particularly compelling for heavy users.
However, what you gain in audio performance and battery life with the Liberty 4 Pro, you trade off in ecosystem integration and awareness features. While it supports multi-point connectivity for any two devices and offers extensive EQ customization through its app, it doesn't match the seamless Apple device switching and spatial audio implementation of the AirPods 4. The sealed design, while better for noise isolation and sound quality, means you'll be more cut off from your surroundings - whether that's a pro or con depends entirely on your use case.
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👌Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro True Wireless Earbuds Details
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The Beats Studio Buds ($169.99) take a notably different approach with their sealed in-ear design, offering significantly better noise isolation and more consistent sound quality compared to the AirPods 4. While they lack wireless charging and some of Apple's ecosystem features, they make up for it with superior battery life (8 hours per charge versus 6), a more secure fit thanks to multiple ear tip sizes, and stronger bass response that many users prefer for music and movies. The sealed design also delivers more effective noise cancellation, blocking around 80% of external noise compared to the AirPods 4's 50%.
Where the Beats Studio Buds really shine is in their platform flexibility and value proposition. They work equally well with both Android and iOS devices, offering quick pairing and basic features across both platforms. While they don't match the AirPods 4's seamless Apple device switching or spatial audio capabilities, they deliver more consistent audio performance and better isolation at a slightly lower price point. For users who prioritize sound quality and noise isolation over ecosystem integration, or who regularly switch between Apple and Android devices, the Beats Studio Buds represent a more versatile choice.
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👌Beats Studio Buds True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds Details
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The JBL Tour Pro+ ($149) takes a different approach with its sealed in-ear design, offering notably stronger noise isolation and more impactful bass response. Its standout features include customizable EQ settings, multi-point connection for simultaneously connecting to two devices, and significantly longer battery life at 8 hours per charge (32 hours total with case). The sealed design with silicon tips provides better passive noise blocking, which combines with active noise cancellation for superior isolation in noisy environments. For users not heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem, the Tour Pro+ offers platform-agnostic functionality including Google Fast Pair for Android devices.
Where the Tour Pro+ falls short is in call quality and seamless device switching - areas where Apple's advanced microphone array and ecosystem integration shine. However, at $149, it represents excellent value, especially for users wanting maximum sound isolation and bass response. The included EQ customization lets you fine-tune the sound signature to your preference, though it lacks spatial audio capabilities for virtual surround sound. For home theater use, while it provides excellent sound isolation and rich bass, you might notice slight audio delay compared to the AirPods 4's lower latency performance with Apple devices.
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👌JBL Tour Pro+ True Wireless Headphones Details
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