Question 1

Do the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation really block out noise, or is it a gimmick?

Accepted Answer

It's not a gimmick, but it’s a different experience than the AirPods Pro 2. Because these are an open-ear design, the ANC works by using microphones to cancel out low-frequency hums (like engines or fans). It doesn't create a physical seal, so it won't block out loud chatter or sudden noises like a baby crying. As many TikTok reviewers note, it’s best for commuting or working in a noisy office, not for focusing in a loud coffee shop.

Question 2

I have small ears. Will these fall out during a run or workout?

Accepted Answer

Fit is highly individual. While the "open" design is comfortable for many, it doesn’t hook into the ear like sports earbuds. A number of Reddit users with smaller ears reported they felt secure for walking and general use but would pop out during high-impact running or intense gym sessions. Our advice: test them on a walk first. If you’re planning on hard cardio, you might want to consider a pair with wingtips or hooks.

Question 3

How bad is the battery drain when using Active Noise Cancellation and Adaptive Audio?

Accepted Answer

It’s a common point of discussion. Without ANC, you'll get roughly 5-6 hours of listening time. With ANC or Adaptive Audio enabled, that drops to about 4 hours. This is fine for a typical day of work or a short flight, but heavy users often find themselves needing to top up during lunch. The USB-C case provides several full recharges, so it’s manageable if you can pop them back in the case between uses.

Question 4

Are these a good choice if I use an Android phone?

Accepted Answer

You can certainly use them as standard Bluetooth headphones on Android, and the audio quality is excellent. However, you will lose the "magic" Apple ecosystem features. This includes the one-tap pairing, automatic switching between devices, and the full Spatial Audio calibration. Many YouTube reviewers label them a "highly capable but crippled" option for Android users. If you are on Android, you might get a better value and more features from the Nothing Ear (a) or Sony WF-1000XM5.

Question 5

The case looks slippery. Is it durable, and does it get scratched easily?

Accepted Answer

You are right to be cautious. The glossy plastic case is scratch-prone and quite slippery. A common complaint on unboxing videos is that it slides off desks or out of pockets. While the build quality of the AirPods themselves is solid, we strongly recommend buying a cheap silicone skin or hard shell case the same day you buy the AirPods. This protects the case from scratches and makes it much easier to grip.

Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, with Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C Charging Case with AppleCare+ (2 Years)

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