Yes, the Apple AirPods 4 are compatible with Android phones via Bluetooth. You can use them for music and calls, but you will miss out on Apple-exclusive features like Personalised Spatial Audio, automatic device switching, and Siri.
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Apple AirPods 4 Review: Wireless Earbuds with Premium ANC Features
Last updated 30th January 2026
6 min read
Table of Contents
The Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation are premium wireless earbuds designed for users who want reliable sound quality, intelligent noise control, and seamless Apple ecosystem integration in a compact true wireless form. These earbuds focus on balance, comfort, and consistency rather than extreme bass tuning or heavy customization, making them a top choice among wireless earbuds in India.
If you’re comparing other options before buying, check out our deep dives on the
Best Earbuds in India 2026: Top Wireless Earbuds for Music, Calls, and Gaming
Top 10 Best TWS Earbuds Under ₹1,000 in India for Clear Sound and Call Quality
which include popular picks from boAt, Sony, and other reliable brands in the affordable wireless earbuds segment.
How We Evaluate
This review is based on detailed research and analysis rather than hands-on use of the product, focusing on real user experiences and verified information.
- Reviewed official specifications and feature details from Apple
- Analyzed verified customer reviews and ratings from online platforms
- Studied feedback shared by long-term users
- Referenced trusted technology blogs and expert review sources
Price and Availability
Note: Pricing may vary depending on offers and region. Apple AirPods 4 are positioned in the premium true wireless earbuds segment.
Technical Specifications
Who Should Buy and Who Should Not
Good Choice For:
- iPhone and Apple ecosystem users
- Professionals attending frequent calls
- Students and travelers
- Users who enjoy Spatial Audio content
Not Ideal For:
- Android users seeking full feature access
- Bass-heavy sound lovers
- Users wanting long single-charge battery life
- Budget-focused buyers
Design and Comfort
The AirPods maintain Apple’s familiar in-ear open-fit design with a refined shape for improved comfort and stability. The earbuds are extremely lightweight at 4.3 grams each, making them comfortable for long listening sessions without ear fatigue. The stem-based design allows easy control and proper microphone placement for calls.
The charging case is compact and pocket-friendly, with a solid build and clean finish. It uses a USB-C port and also supports wireless charging, including Qi-certified chargers and Apple Watch chargers. Both the earbuds and the charging case come with an IP54 rating, meaning they are resistant to dust, sweat, and light water splashes.
Sound Quality and Audio Performance
These AirPods use a custom high-excursion Apple-designed dynamic driver paired with a high dynamic range amplifier. The sound signature is balanced and natural, focusing on clarity rather than exaggerated bass.
Bass is tight and controlled, suitable for pop, electronic, and cinematic content without overpowering vocals. Midrange frequencies are clean and well-defined, making voices sound natural for music, podcasts, and calls. Treble remains smooth and detailed without sharpness or distortion, even at higher volume levels.
Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode
The AirPods 4 deliver strong Active Noise Cancellation for their size. Background sounds like traffic, office chatter, and public transport noise are noticeably reduced.
Transparency Mode lets external sounds through clearly, keeping conversations and surroundings natural. Conversation Awareness automatically lowers audio volume when you speak.
Adaptive Audio switches intelligently between noise cancellation and transparency based on your environment, providing a hands-free listening experience.
Calling Experience and Microphone Quality
Call quality is one of the strongest aspects of AirPods 4. The earbuds use dual beamforming microphones, an inward-facing microphone, and Voice Isolation technology. This combination ensures clear voice transmission while reducing background noise.
During calls in noisy environments such as roads or cafes, voices remain clear and understandable, making them suitable for work calls, online meetings, and frequent phone conversations.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life on these AirPods is reliable but not the longest in its category. With Active Noise Cancellation or Transparency Mode enabled, the earbuds offer up to 4 hours of listening time on a single charge. With noise control turned off, listening time increases to 5 hours.
The charging case extends total battery life to up to 20 hours with ANC enabled and up to 30 hours with noise control off. Fast charging support allows around 1 hour of listening time with just 5 minutes of charging.
Real-World Usage Experience
In everyday use, the AirPods 4 perform reliably across a variety of scenarios. They are comfortable to wear for long periods, connect instantly, and stay secure during walking or light workouts. Active Noise Cancellation works well in busy environments, while Transparency Mode lets you hear conversations and stay aware of your surroundings.
The earbuds adapt automatically to changing environments, requiring no manual adjustments, which makes them convenient for users who prefer a straightforward and dependable listening experience.
AirPods 4 (ANC) vs AirPods Pro 3: Quick Comparison
Final Verdict
Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation deliver a refined and dependable listening experience for Apple users. They focus on sound balance, intelligent noise control, and seamless usability rather than extreme features. While they may not offer the longest battery life or deep customization, their overall performance, comfort, and ecosystem integration make them a strong premium choice for everyday use.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) on the AirPods 4 is very effective for an open-ear design. It significantly reduces low-frequency background noise like city traffic and office chatter, though it isn't as powerful as the sealed-fit AirPods Pro 3.
Yes, they are excellent for work calls. Thanks to the H2 chip and Voice Isolation technology, the microphones do a great job of keeping your voice clear and minimizing background noise during Zoom meetings or phone calls.
The AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation model supports wireless charging. You can charge the case using a Qi-certified charger, an Apple Watch charger, or a standard USB-C cable. Note that the base AirPods 4 model (without ANC) only supports USB-C.
Yes, the AirPods 4 are great for long listening sessions because of their lightweight, open-ear design which reduces ear fatigue. However, the battery life is moderate, offering about 4 hours of playback with ANC enabled on a single charge.
Published 30th January 2026
About the Author
Sahed Badsha | Tech Journalist
Hi, I’m Sahed a professional blogger and content strategist focused on technology, products, and digital innovation. I specialize in writing clear, research-backed articles that simplify complex topics for everyday readers. Over the years, I’ve worked on blogs, product reviews that help readers make smarter digital choices while staying informed about emerging product trends.
