Apple AirPods 4 Review: Is It Worth It in 2025?
The Apple AirPods 4 represent a significant redesign focused on comfort and improved audio performance. With the H2 chip, Personalised Spatial Audio, and an IP54 rating, these earbuds offer compelling features at £89. However, the lack of active noise cancellation means you'll need to consider whether the base model meets your needs.
Pros
- Exceptional comfort with redesigned fit
- Impressive spatial audio experience
- Strong battery life performance
- IP54 weather and sweat resistance
- Effortless iPhone pairing and integration
- Compact, more portable charging case
Cons
- No active noise cancellation
- Open-fit design lacks passive isolation
- Limited Android functionality
- Premium price for entry-level model
Key Features
- Redesigned ergonomic shape with shorter stem for all-day comfort
- Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking powered by H2 chip
- IP54 dust, sweat and water resistance for workouts and weather
- Up to 30 hours total battery life with USB-C charging case
- Voice Isolation technology for crystal-clear phone calls
- Seamless Apple ecosystem integration with Siri and Find My
Our Review
Design & Build Quality
Apple has completely reimagined the AirPods 4 with a focus on ergonomics and wearability. The refined contour and shorter stem create a more discreet profile that sits comfortably in the ear for extended periods. At just 32.3 grams for the entire package, these earbuds virtually disappear during use.
The IP54 rating is a welcome addition, providing genuine protection against dust, sweat, and rain. This makes the AirPods 4 suitable for workouts and outdoor activities without worry. The charging case has been redesigned to be over 10% smaller than the previous generation while incorporating USB-C charging, finally aligning with modern charging standards.
Quick-press controls on the stems allow for intuitive music and call management without fumbling for your phone. The optical in-ear sensor intelligently pauses playback when you remove an earbud, resuming when you put it back in.
Sound Quality & Performance
The star of the show is Apple's H2 chip, which powers several impressive audio features. Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking creates an immersive listening experience that genuinely places sound around you. Whether you're watching films or listening to music, the effect is noticeable and enhances the overall experience considerably.
Sound quality is crisp and well-balanced, with improved clarity across the frequency range compared to previous generations. The computational audio processing delivers Voice Isolation during calls, which effectively reduces background noise and ensures your voice comes through clearly even in busy environments.
The major caveat is the absence of active noise cancellation. This is the base model, and Apple reserves ANC for the more expensive AirPods 4 with ANC variant. The open-fit design means you'll hear your surroundings, which can be beneficial for safety but less ideal for blocking out noisy commutes or office chatter.
Battery Life
Battery performance is solid, delivering up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge. The charging case extends this to an impressive 30 hours total, which should easily get you through a week of regular use without needing to plug in.
The USB-C charging is convenient and future-proof, though charging speeds are standard rather than exceptional. The Find My integration means you can track down your case if it goes missing, adding peace of mind to the ownership experience.
Value for Money
At £89, the AirPods 4 sit in an interesting position. They're not cheap, but they're significantly more affordable than the Pro models. For iPhone users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, the seamless integration, Siri functionality, and spatial audio make these earbuds compelling.
The Siri Interactions feature—allowing you to nod or shake your head to respond—is genuinely innovative, even if it feels slightly gimmicky at first. Audio Sharing between two sets of AirPods remains a delightful feature for couples or friends.
However, Android users should look elsewhere, as you'll miss out on most of the smart features that justify the premium. The lack of ANC also means audiophiles or frequent travellers might find better value in competing models with noise cancellation at similar price points.
Who Is This For?
The AirPods 4 are ideal for iPhone users seeking comfortable, reliable wireless earbuds with excellent ecosystem integration. They're perfect for casual listeners, gym-goers, and anyone who values convenience over absolute audio isolation. If you don't need active noise cancellation and want a more affordable entry into Apple's audio ecosystem, these are an excellent choice.
Specifications
| Included components | User Manual, Bluetooth Headphones, Charging Case, USB-C Charging Cable, Ear Caps (S/M L) |
| Age range (description) | Adult |
| Material | Plastic |
| Specific uses for product | Music, travel |
| Charging time | 1.5 Hours |
| Recommended uses for product | Music, Travel |
| Compatible devices | Devices with Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Control type | Touch Control |
| Cable feature | Without Cable |
| Item weight | 100 Grams |
| Water resistance level | Waterproof |
| Package type | FFP file |
| Style | Modern |
| Control method | Touch |
| Number of items | 1 |
| Manufacturer | Btootos |
| Item model number | A90 Pro |
| Product Dimensions | 6.2 x 4.8 x 2.6 cm; 100 g |
| ASIN | B0BCKHQGJN |
| Guaranteed software updates until | unknown |
Our Verdict
The AirPods 4 deliver exceptional comfort, impressive spatial audio, and rock-solid Apple ecosystem integration at a more accessible price point. While the absence of active noise cancellation is a significant omission, the overall package offers excellent value for iPhone users who prioritise seamless connectivity and all-day wearability. At £89, these are among the best open-fit wireless earbuds for Apple devotees.