Apple AirPods 4
Exact average 74.8 · 10 printed, 3 estimated · printed scores only: 72
Image: Apple13 professional reviewers tested the Apple AirPods 4, and 8 recommend it. Most praised: sound quality and comfort. Most common complaint: battery life.
Reviewed by Tom's Guide, CNET, The Independent and 10 more
The catch: Short battery life.
We earn a commission if you buy through these links. It never changes a score.
What 13 critics said
Highest score first · all converted to 0–100- 90Tom's Guide
The reviewer sees the AirPods 4 as a solid, comfortable entry-level pair that pulls the line up to date, with USB-C and many Pro-style features.
Read Tom's Guide review - 83CNET
Covers both models and scores the standard AirPods 4 at 8.3, with improved sound and a more compact design.
Read CNET review - 80The Independent
Both versions of the new AirPods are judged excellent: tiny case, good battery and faithful sound, with the standard model hailed as the best-value AirPods ever.
Read The Independent review - 80SlashGear
Tested both versions on a flight and recommends the ANC model as worth the extra money.
Read SlashGear review - 80The Verge
The reviewer finds the new AirPods 4 a clear upgrade for people who like the open design, with good sound and surprisingly effective ANC on the pricier model.
Read The Verge review - 70Digital Trends
A slightly improved, comfortable pair that works seamlessly with Apple gear and offers very good sound and calls for a semi-open design.
Read Digital Trends review - 70TechRadar
Fun-sounding and comfortable for Apple users who dislike eartips, but they leak outside noise and lack multipoint.
Read TechRadar review - 64soundguys.com
A clear step up from the AirPods 3 with better fit and sound, and good value for Apple users.
Read soundguys.com review - 56TechGearLab
Lab testing finds improved bass and comfort, but the buds rank low overall and do nothing especially well.
Read TechGearLab review - 50WIRED
The reviewer dislikes the tip-less design and calls the sound, isolation and battery life weak next to cheaper rivals and the AirPods Pro.
Read WIRED review - 83est.CNN Underscored
Praises the sound, comfort and surprisingly strong ANC on the pricier model, but says discounted AirPods Pro 2 are often the smarter buy.
Read CNN Underscored review - 83est.The Guardian
The reviewer finds a refined open-fit design with much better sound and surprisingly capable noise cancelling in the pricier version.
Read The Guardian review - 83est.Good Housekeeping
Named the best pick for an open fit, the AirPods 4 offer Pro-level chip features at a good price, and the reviewer found the ANC version effective on a flight.
Read Good Housekeeping review
"Est." means the outlet printed no score, so we estimated one from its verdict and checked our estimates against ratings outlets print. How we check estimates
What critics praise most
What critics dislike most
Other wireless earbuds critics rate highly
Also reviewed, not yet scored
- EarFun OpenJump · 3 reviews so far
- OnePlus Buds 4 · 3 reviews so far
- Skullcandy Method 360 ANC · 3 reviews so far
- Sony WF-1000XM5 · 3 reviews so far
- Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro · 3 reviews so far
Common questions
Is the Apple AirPods 4 worth it?
Critics are divided: 8 of 13 recommend it. Short battery life.
Do critics agree about the Apple AirPods 4?
Critics split: scores range from 50 (WIRED) to 90 (Tom's Guide), a spread of 40 points across 13 reviews. Reviewers disagree, so read the individual reviews before buying.
What do critics dislike about the Apple AirPods 4?
Battery life (6 of 13 reviews), Fit and comfort (4 of 13 reviews), Controls and app (4 of 13 reviews).
What is the best alternative to the Apple AirPods 4?
The Sony WF-C710N (critic score 94), top pick, narrowly.