Apple’s AirPods have come a long way since their 2016 debut, evolving from a curiosity into a near-ubiquitous lifestyle accessory. Now in 2025, the fourth-generation AirPods, simply dubbed AirPods 4, have landed. But with the AirPods Pro already dominating the premium tier and the AirPods 3 still holding strong in value, where exactly does the AirPods 4 fit in? We’ve spent a week with Apple’s latest buds, and here’s what we found.
A Familiar Look, Sharper Feel
At first glance, the AirPods 4 look almost identical to their predecessors. Apple hasn’t strayed far from the short-stem, contour-fit design it introduced with the AirPods 3. However, look a little closer or better yet, wear them for a few hours and you’ll notice subtle yet impactful refinements.
The new buds feature redesigned acoustic vents to reduce ear pressure and improve passive noise isolation. The stem is slightly shorter, and the housing now has a matte-textured finish that feels more secure and less prone to slipping. While still not featuring silicone ear tips like the Pro line, comfort has noticeably improved for extended listening sessions.
Upgraded Audio with Adaptive Sound
The AirPods 4 bring with them a new custom-designed driver and amplifier, delivering crisper mids and more controlled bass. There’s a newfound richness in the low-end that gives music and podcasts more presence without overpowering vocals or instruments.
But the real magic lies in Adaptive EQ 2.0, Apple’s updated tuning system. Now processed on the more powerful H2 chip, the AirPods 4 adjust their sound profile in real time, not just based on fit, but also background noise and volume level. Whether you're in a noisy subway or a quiet living room, the audio feels tailored and balanced.
Spatial Audio also gets a boost, with head tracking that’s smoother and more accurate, especially during video playback on Apple TV or iPad. The result is a more cinematic, immersive experience, even in casual listening scenarios.
A Smarter Listening Experience
One of the most noticeable changes in day-to-day use is the introduction of on-device intelligence. Thanks to the H2 chip and a low-latency Bluetooth 5.4 module, the AirPods 4 now support voice-isolated calling, which uses AI to minimize background noise while keeping your voice front and center. Callers on the other end noted a dramatic improvement in clarity, especially in windy or crowded environments.
There’s also Personalized Volume, a new feature in iOS 18 that learns your listening habits and adjusts volume levels depending on context. Listening to an audiobook while walking through traffic? Your AirPods 4 will subtly raise the volume. Back home in silence? It’ll lower things just enough to reduce ear fatigue.
Battery life remains excellent, with up to 6.5 hours of playback and over 30 hours with the case. The case now includes Find My Precision Location support thanks to the built-in U1 chip so you’ll never lose track of it again. USB-C charging has also made its debut, finally replacing Lightning across Apple’s ecosystem.
Final Verdict
So, is the AirPods 4 a worthy upgrade? If you’re coming from the AirPods 1 or 2, absolutely. The jump in audio quality, comfort, and smart features is dramatic. For AirPods 3 users, the answer is less clear but still compelling if you value clearer calls, longer battery life, and more adaptive sound.
While it’s not a revolution, the AirPods 4 represent the most polished non-Pro AirPods yet. It’s a thoughtful refresh that refines nearly every aspect of the experience without trying to replace the Pro line. In that sense, it’s not “just another refresh” it’s the best version of standard AirPods we’ve seen to date.