Tried AirPods 4 - onlinepc.ch

Price is not the reason to give the AirPods 4 the edge. Rather, you have to want them – and then they achieve extraordinary things.

For everyone who is new to the topic, let’s take a look at the current AirPods series in advance. At the bottom of the pecking order are the new ones AirPods 4 for 129 francs. The most important addition, however, is the new ones AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation for 179 francs – and that’s what we’re talking about here. Both models are earbuds with an open design: the plugs also fit loosely in the ears.

They are flanked by the AirPods Pro 2 for 229 francs. They’ve already been on the clock for two years, but they continue to enjoy unbroken popularity and are equipped with the latest H2 chip. As “in-ear” with a closed design and silicone attachments, they seal the ear canal as well as a rubber plug is possible.

They’re waiting at the top AirPods Max for 499 francs. They surround the entire ear (over-ear) and offer a particularly powerful sound with larger drivers. However, they are rarely seen in the wild because they are inconvenient to transport. Even Apple only pays minimal attention to them, because the outdated H1 chip works inside.

From left to right: AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Max

Source: Apple Inc.

The greatest rivalry between siblings is experienced by… AirPods Pro 2 and die AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation. The question inevitably arises as to what the AirPods Pro can do better and where the AirPods 4 do. But that’s not the point. The AirPods 4 are not competitors to the AirPods Pro 2, but rather an independent product with advantages that cannot be found in the AirPods Pro 2 – and vice versa.

Calm from the environment

The obvious difference concerns the design. The AirPods Pro 2 come with interchangeable silicone tips to ensure an optimal fit and seal the ear canal. The environment is also dimmed without the AirPods Pro even being turned on. This in turn benefits the active noise cancellation (known as ANC for Active Noise Cancellation). ANC is one of the most important features in hectic everyday life, as countless commuters and other noise sufferers are happy to confirm.

Only: For many interested parties, the AirPods Pro 2 turn out to be suboptimal. It’s not for everyone to stick the silicone tips in their ear canal. Sometimes there are complaints in the forums about itching or even inflammation – even if this is not directly due to the plugs, but rather due to personal sensitivity, an allergy and sometimes a lack of cleaning.

Open conditions

The AirPods 4, on the other hand, are open. Without the interchangeable silicone tips, no individual adjustments are possible. And although Apple has measured countless earcups and sought the best compromise, there is a small residual risk that they won’t fit in some people’s ears.

Die AirPods 4 nähern sich im Design und der Bedienung den AirPods Pro an

The AirPods 4 are closer to the AirPods Pro in terms of design and operation

Source: Apple Inc.

Fit. But when they fit, they offer enormous comfort. They hardly lie down and don’t bother you even after hours. The only thing that counts is the auricle, as the AirPods 4 do not penetrate into the ear canal.

ANC. Despite their open shape, the larger version of the AirPods 4 also offers ANC – and it proves to be amazingly efficient. My personal benchmark is our waste glass collection point, where the containers are dumped into an open container an arm’s length away. The closed AirPods Pro continue to shine here, with the silicone tips largely blocking out the clinking. But when it comes to normal street noise, voices or business activity, the open AirPods 4 impress with excellent attenuation. It works so well that it becomes a serious competitor to the AirPods Pro in everyday life. However, I would still prefer the AirPods Pro on a plane or in extreme situations.

Steering. The controls were heavily copied from the AirPods Pro. The new, shortened styles now also respond to press and swipe gestures to answer calls, skip songs or adjust the volume.

New is the ability to accept or reject calls by simply nodding or shaking your head slightly. The AirPods Pro now also have the same function, as it was added via a free firmware update.