Apple AirPods 4: The Definitive UK Review for 2025

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Walk through any British city centre, hop on a train, or pop into a local café, and you’ll see them. Little white stems peeking out from ears, a near-universal symbol of being plugged into a podcast, a playlist, or a private phone call. Since they first appeared back in 2016, Apple’s AirPods have transformed from a slightly odd-looking curiosity into an essential bit of everyday kit for millions of us. They’re as common as a black cab in London or a Greggs on the high street.

But with technology, standing still means falling behind. Now Apple has launched the AirPods 4, and it’s not just a minor tweak. This is a significant evolution, a complete rethink of the standard AirPod design, borrowing some of the cleverest tricks from its more expensive ‘Pro’ siblings. Apple hasn’t just launched one new pair, either. They’ve given us a choice: a brand-new standard model and, for the first time in this classic design, a version with Active Noise Cancellation.

So, the big questions are: what’s actually new? Is the noise cancellation any good? And, most importantly, are they worth your hard-earned cash? This is the definitive UK guide to the Apple AirPods 4. We’ll dive deep into the new design, test the sound and features on bustling British streets, and help you decide if it’s finally time for an upgrade.

A Tale of Two AirPods: Which New Model is for You?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s clear up the most important change. For the first time, you have a real choice to make without having to shell out for the top-of-the-range Pro models.

• The Apple AirPods 4 (Standard): Think of these as the direct successor to the AirPods 3. They get the new, more comfortable design, the powerful new H2 chip for better sound, longer battery life, and a shiny new USB-C charging case. They’re the new baseline, priced at £119.
• The Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): These look identical to the standard model but pack a heavyweight punch. They have all the features of the standard version, but add the magic of Active Noise Cancellation to silence the world around you. They also get clever features like Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness, plus a fancier wireless charging case. This extra tech will set you back £169.

Throughout this review, we’ll be exploring what both models can do, but we’ll pay special attention to the ANC version to see if that extra fifty quid is a worthy investment for your daily commute or noisy office.

The AirPods Story: From Quirky Curiosity to Cultural Icon

To understand why the AirPods 4 are such a big deal, it helps to remember where it all started.

A Quick Trip Down Memory Lane

Cast your mind back to 2016. Apple had just bravely (or foolishly, depending on who you asked) removed the headphone jack from the iPhone 7. Their solution? The original AirPods. At first, people weren’t sure what to make of them. They looked like the old Apple EarPods with the cables snipped off. Jokes flew around about how easy they’d be to lose.

But then, people tried them. The setup was magical. Just open the case near your iPhone, and boom, connected. They were light, the sound was decent, and they just… worked. They slowly but surely became a common sight. By the time the AirPods 2 and the more comfortable, better-sounding AirPods 3 came along, the revolution was complete.

Why AirPods Became Ubiquitous on Britain’s Streets

In the UK, AirPods slotted perfectly into our modern lives. They became the unofficial uniform of the commuter, silencing the screech of the London Underground or the drone of a train to Manchester. They were perfect for hands-free calls whilst juggling a brolly and a coffee on a drizzly Tuesday morning. They turned a busy gym into a personal bubble of motivation. They weren’t just headphones; they were a tiny slice of personal space in an increasingly crowded world. The AirPods 4 aim to build on that legacy, refining the experience for a new generation.

Unboxing and First Impressions: That Classic Apple Feel

Getting your hands on a new Apple product always feels a bit special, and the AirPods 4 are no exception. The box is typically minimalist and clean. Slide it open, and you’re greeted by the familiar sight of the smooth, white charging case nestled in a cardboard tray.

What’s in the Box (and What’s Not)

Inside, you’ll find:

• The AirPods 4 themselves, inside their charging case.
• A small packet with documentation (the quick start guide and warranty info).

One important thing to note is what’s missing. You don’t get a USB-C charging cable in the box with the standard model, and you don’t get a power adapter (a charging brick) with either. Apple assumes you’ll already have one from your iPhone, iPad, or MacBook. This is something to bear in mind if you’re new to the USB-C world. It’s a bit of a classic Apple move, great for the environment (their words) but a potential extra expense for you.

The New Design: A Subtle but Significant Shift

At first glance, the AirPods 4 look a lot like their predecessors. But look closer, and you’ll spot the changes. The stems are slightly shorter and more contoured, and the head of the earbud has been subtly reshaped. Apple says this is all in the name of a better, more stable fit. We’ll put that to the test in a moment.

The case has also had a slight redesign. It’s now the smallest in the industry, making it even more pocket-friendly. The biggest news, of course, is the switch from Apple’s old Lightning port to the universal USB-C port on the bottom. Hallelujah! You can now charge your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and AirPods all with the same cable.

All-Day Comfort? A Deep Dive into the New Fit

Perhaps the most divisive thing about the standard AirPods line has always been the fit. Unlike the AirPods Pro, which use silicone tips to seal your ear canal, the standard models have a one-size-fits-most hard plastic design.

Redesigned for Your Ears

With the AirPods 4, Apple has tried to solve this problem. The new contour is designed to sit more securely in a wider variety of ears. For many, the result is a noticeable improvement. They feel less like they’re just hanging in your ear and more like they’re gently nestled. During our tests, a brisk walk through town and even a light jog didn’t dislodge them. They’re incredibly light (just 4.3 grams each), and it’s easy to forget you’re even wearing them.

The Great Debate: One-Size-Fits-Most

However, the “one-size” approach will never be perfect for everyone. Our ears are all unique. Some users will still find they don’t get a secure fit, and if the earbud doesn’t sit right, you lose a lot of the bass and sound quality. If you’ve struggled with the fit of previous AirPods, it’s highly recommended you try to find a way to test these before you buy. For many, the new shape will be a brilliant upgrade, but for some, the customisable fit of the AirPods Pro will remain the better choice, especially for vigorous exercise.

The Sound of Silence: Putting the New Active Noise Cancellation to the Test

This is the headline feature, the main event for the more expensive model. For an extra £50, you get to shut out the world. But how effective is it, especially without the ear-sealing silicone tips of the AirPods Pro?

How ANC Works (The Simple Version)

Let’s quickly demystify Active Noise Cancellation. Think of it like a bouncer for your ears. Microphones on the outside of the AirPods listen to the noise around you—the rumble of a bus, the chatter in an office. The clever H2 chip inside then creates an opposite soundwave, a sort of ‘anti-noise’, and plays it into your ear. The two waves cancel each other out, and the unwanted sound magically disappears, or at least becomes much, much quieter.

Real-World UK Test: The London Underground vs. a Busy Pub

We tested the ANC in some of the most challenging British environments.

• On the Tube: The low, constant rumble of the train was dramatically reduced. It didn’t vanish completely—you’re still aware you’re in a tunnel—but the oppressive drone faded into the background, allowing music and podcasts to be heard clearly at a much lower volume. It’s a game-changer for commuters.
• In a Busy Café: The ANC did a fantastic job of cutting out the hum of the air conditioning and the clatter of plates. Higher-pitched sounds, like sharp laughter or a baby crying, still cut through, but they were much less distracting.
• Walking Down a Main Road: The constant whoosh of traffic was impressively muted. You can still hear important things like sirens, but the general roar of the city is dialled way down.

The verdict? It’s surprisingly effective. Whilst not quite as isolating as the top-tier AirPods Pro 2 or over-ear headphones from Sony or Bose, the noise cancellation is more than good enough to make a massive difference to your day.

Adaptive Audio and Transparency: The Brains of the Operation

The ANC model also gets two other incredibly smart features, both powered by the H2 chip.

• Transparency Mode: This does the opposite of ANC. It uses the microphones to let outside sound in, so you can hear the world around you without taking your earbuds out. It’s perfect for ordering a coffee or listening for a station announcement. It sounds incredibly natural, not robotic or muffled.
• Adaptive Audio: This is the really clever bit. It automatically and dynamically blends Transparency Mode and Active Noise Cancellation. Imagine you’re walking down the street listening to a podcast in Transparency Mode. A loud lorry rumbles past. Instead of being deafened, Adaptive Audio will instantly kick in and reduce that harsh noise, then fade back to normal once it’s gone. It’s seamless and means you’re always getting the best listening experience for your environment without ever touching a button.

Conversation Awareness: A Genuinely Useful Trick?

This is another party trick for the ANC model. If you start talking to someone, the AirPods instantly lower the volume of your music and enhance the voices in front of you. When you stop talking, the music gently fades back up. In practice, it works brilliantly. You can have a quick chat with the barista or a colleague without fumbling for the pause button. It feels a little like magic and is one of those small quality-of-life features that you quickly start to miss on other headphones.

The Heart of the Matter: Audio Quality and the H2 Chip

A great fit and clever features are pointless if the headphones don’t sound good. Thankfully, this is where the AirPods 4 really shine, and the improvements are present on both the standard and ANC models.

What the H2 Chip Actually Does

The secret sauce is Apple’s new H2 chip. Think of it as the brain or the conductor of the orchestra. It manages everything from the noise cancellation to the battery life, but its biggest job is processing the sound you hear. It works with a custom-built driver and amplifier to deliver richer, more detailed audio.

How They Sound: Music, Podcasts, and Calls

The jump in sound quality from the AirPods 3 is immediately noticeable.

• Music: Bass is deeper and more defined without being boomy or muddy. Listening to a track like Massive Attack’s “Teardrop,” the low-end heartbeat has a real, satisfying thump. Highs are crisp and clear, so vocals and cymbals sparkle. They offer a really well-balanced and energetic sound that works brilliantly across all genres, from rock and pop to classical.
• Podcasts and Audiobooks: Voices sound incredibly clear, natural, and present. It feels less like you’re listening to a recording and more like the person is in the room with you.
• Voice Isolation for Calls: The H2 chip also powers a feature called Voice Isolation. It uses the microphones to focus on your voice and cut out background noise for the person on the other end of the line. We made a call from next to a busy road, and the person we were speaking to said our voice was perfectly clear, even though the traffic noise was significant.

Personalised Spatial Audio: Gimmick or Game-Changer?

Spatial Audio is Apple’s version of surround sound for headphones. It makes movies, TV shows, and even some music feel like it’s happening all around you, not just inside your head. With Dynamic Head Tracking, if you turn your head, the sound stays anchored to the screen, which is a brilliant, immersive effect when watching a film on your iPad.

The “Personalised” part is where it gets clever. Using the TrueDepth camera on your iPhone, you can scan your ears to create a custom sound profile tailored to your unique ear shape. The process takes less than a minute, and the result is a more accurate and convincing surround sound experience. It’s a fantastic feature that really adds value, especially if you watch a lot of content on your Apple devices.

Living with the AirPods 4: The Everyday Experience

Beyond the headline features, how do the AirPods 4 hold up day-to-day?

Battery Life: The Reality vs. Apple’s Claims

Battery life is solid and largely delivers on Apple’s promises.

• Standard AirPods 4: You get up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge. The case holds enough power for a total of up to 30 hours.
• AirPods 4 with ANC: With ANC turned on, this drops to 4 hours on a single charge. With ANC off, it matches the standard model’s 5 hours. The case provides a total of up to 20 hours with ANC enabled, or 30 hours with it off.

For most people, this is more than enough to get through a few days of typical use. A quick 5-minute charge in the case will also give you about an hour of listening time, which is a lifesaver when you’re about to head out the door.

The New USB-C Case: Convenience at Last

The switch to USB-C is a huge quality-of-life improvement. The convenience of using your MacBook or iPad charger to top up your AirPods can’t be overstated.

The ANC model’s case has a couple of extra tricks. It supports wireless charging, so you can drop it on any standard Qi charging mat or even use your Apple Watch charger. It also has a tiny built-in speaker, which helps when you’re trying to locate it using the Find My app on your iPhone. It can play a surprisingly loud chime to help you find it down the back of the sofa.

Controls and Siri Interactions: A Nod is All It Takes

Controlling your music and calls is done via the “force sensor” on the stem of each AirPod. It’s a small, flat area that you squeeze.

• Press once: Play/pause or answer a call.
• Press twice: Skip forward.
• Press three times: Skip back.
• Press and hold: Activate Siri.

It’s intuitive and works reliably. And with the new Siri Interactions, you can now simply nod your head yes or shake your head no to respond to incoming calls or messages when you can’t speak. It feels futuristic but works surprisingly well.

Durability and Water Resistance (IP54): Can They Handle a British Drizzle?

Both the AirPods 4 and their charging cases are rated IP54 for dust, sweat, and water resistance. Let’s break that down. It means they’re protected from dust and can handle splashes of water from any direction. They’ll be absolutely fine for a sweaty gym session or getting caught in a typical British downpour. Just don’t take them swimming or drop them in a pint!

The Apple Ecosystem: Still the ‘Just Works’ Champion?

A huge part of the appeal of AirPods has always been how seamlessly they integrate with other Apple products. That magic is stronger than ever with the AirPods 4.

Seamless Switching

If you’re watching a video on your iPad and a call comes through on your iPhone, the AirPods will automatically switch over. Start playing music on your MacBook, and they’ll switch again. It happens in the background, without you having to dive into Bluetooth settings. It’s this kind of effortless integration that keeps people locked into Apple’s world.

What About Android and Windows Users?

Can you use AirPods 4 with a non-Apple device? Yes, you can. They function as a standard pair of high-quality Bluetooth headphones. You simply pair them through the Bluetooth settings on your Android phone or Windows laptop.

However, you will miss out on all the ecosystem magic: the instant setup, automatic switching, Personalised Spatial Audio, and Siri integration. The noise cancelling and Transparency modes on the ANC model can be controlled with a long press on the stem, but for other customisations, you’d need an Apple device. So, whilst they work, they only really make sense if you’re primarily an Apple user.

The Verdict: Are the Apple AirPods 4 Worth Your Money in 2025?

After extensive testing, it’s clear that the AirPods 4 are a superb pair of wireless earbuds and a significant step up from their predecessors. The choice really comes down to which model you should go for.

Who Should Buy the Standard AirPods 4?

At £119, the standard model is a fantastic choice if you want a top-tier everyday listening experience without the frills. If you primarily listen in quieter environments like at home or in the office, and you’re not fussed about noise cancellation, these are for you. The improved sound quality, better fit, and USB-C charging are all worthy upgrades. They are arguably the best “default” wireless earbuds for any iPhone user.

Who Should Upgrade to the AirPods 4 with ANC?

If you’re a regular commuter, a frequent flyer, or someone who works in a noisy, open-plan office, the £50 extra for the ANC model is an absolute no-brainer. The quality of the noise cancellation is excellent and will genuinely improve your daily life. When you add in the genius of Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, and the convenience of a wireless charging case, the £169 price tag represents phenomenal value. For most people, this is the model to get.

The Competition: How Do They Stack Up?

The world of wireless earbuds is fiercely competitive. Brands like Sony (with their WF-1000X series), Bose (QuietComfort Earbuds), and Samsung (Galaxy Buds) all offer fantastic alternatives, often with more customisable sound and even better noise cancellation. However, none of them can match the seamless, frictionless experience that AirPods offer within the Apple ecosystem. For an iPhone user, that “just works” factor is often the ultimate trump card.

The Future of Listening: What’s Next for AirPods?

The AirPods 4 feel like a confident step into the future. They bring previously premium features down to a more accessible price point, powered by a chip that is clearly capable of even more. In the future, we can likely expect to see more health-tracking features integrated into our earbuds, deeper AI integration, and eventually, support for truly lossless, high-fidelity audio. For now, though, the AirPods 4 represent the peak of everyday wireless listening for the masses. They’re comfortable, clever, and sound brilliant. The icon is back, and it’s better than ever.

Further Reading

For those who wish to delve deeper, we recommend exploring these authoritative resources:

• Apple (UK) – AirPods
• What Hi-Fi? – Headphone Reviews
• TechRadar – Earbuds Reviews