Apple offers noise cancellation for $100 less than Pro model

The tech titan has introduced active-noise cancellation in its entry level AirPods earphones, a technological breakthrough for an open-ear bud. So how does this new, cheaper model stack up?

IPhones usually dominate Apple’s September product launches at its headquarters in Cupertino. But this year, its AirPods earphones stole the show.

Why? Because they came with serious health tech. The big pitch was the earbuds can help prevent hearing loss (a different message my mother used to say) – the Pro model can even perform a “clinically-hearing” hearing test and double as a hearing aid. For an ageing population, this is some useful kit.

And there was something for all price brackets. The entry level model now comes with active-noise cancellation, which Apple said was a technological breakthrough for an open ear headphone – there are no tips to customise the fit and improve the seal.

So how did these little earphones stack up?

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Pros 

• Effective active noise cancellation

• Comfortable for most ears

• Gives users a taste of spatial audio

Cons

• No ear tips to customise the fit

• Doesn’t completely cut out noise (not a bad thing when running).

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Unboxing

The first thing you notice is how small the charging case is for AirPods 4 with ANC. Apple says it is about 10 per cent smaller than the previous model, while providing about 30 hours of battery life. This makes it easier to stash away in a backpack or pocket. It also supports wireless charging using the same charger as the Apple Watch.

The charging case for the AirPods 4 is 10 per cent smaller than the previous model while providing 30 hours' battery life.

If you’re worried that the demure package represents a hazard for the absent-minded, be rest assured you can use the ‘Find My’ function on an iPhone to track them down – whether you’ve misplaced them under a couch cushion or down the back seat of your car. The ‘Find My’ function works in a similar way to when you loose an iPhone, with the earbuds emitting a sound and the location showing up on a map.

The fit

Apple was eager to talk up how its engineers had studied thousands of ear types to perfect the fit. This is important for a noise-cancelling headphone. Because it has no tips, there is no passive noise cancellation.

“The new design is built with an unparalleled data set that uses advanced modelling tools, like 3D photogrammetry and laser topography, to precisely map and analyse thousands of ear shapes and over 50 million individual data points in total,” Apple says.

The AirPods Pro with ANC.

I remembered when the only headphones that I used to go running in were the ones that Apple supplied, free-of-charge, with its iPhones. Back when, they used to connect to the phone with a cord. I even managed to run the Great Ocean Marathon with them – and they did a great job.

But I have found newer earbuds can be hit-and-miss when running. Some – despite having hooks and customisable tips – still create the phantom-like feeling that they will fall out of your ear, forcing you to thrust the bud deeper into your ear. And when that happens, because they’re bluetooth, you can accidentally trigger a variety of functions via the touch controls that distract you from your run. It annoys me, so I was keen to find out if AirPods Pro 4 would stay secure in my ear.

The AirPods 4 with ANC now comes with wireless charging.

In action

Surprisingly, I didn’t have the phantom-feeling with the AirPods 4. I was able to get on with my run, and that’s a big plus. All that 3D photogrammetry and laser topography has paid off – at least for my ears (and they’re not symmetrical, with the fit in my left ear always feeling looser than my right).

Apple also has a few other features up its sleeve with its base model earphones. A new H2 chip enables voice isolation, enabling clearer call quality by blocking out unwanted and environmental noise – that how Apple says AirPods can help prevent hearing loss by blocking out loud sounds such as traffic or limiting the noise of loudspeakers at concerts or events.

The new chip also enables what Apple says are “more intelligent” interactions with Siri. When Siri reads out a text message from your iPhone and asks if you want to respond, all you have to do is nod or shake your head. I found this function worked well – even when on a treadmill. The new chip also supports 16-bit, 48kHz audio.

They sound good, delivering a rich bass and clear highs. They don’t have a muddy sound and can support personalised spatial audio, although the AirPods Pro work better when listening to this format, providing a more directional, 3D-like sound.

The AirPods Max come in new colours.

Is it still worth buying the AirPods Pro?

Apple is selling AirPods 4 without ANC, which are $80 cheaper at $219. At the other end, there is the AirPods Pro 2, which cost $100 more at $399. So is it worth saving your coin?

It depends on what you want to use your earphones for. The AirPods Pro has a more secure fit and about two time the level of noise cancellation. This is a noticeable difference. The H2 chip helps to actively reduce louder, more intermittent noise at 48,000 times per second. The Pro also can pair with an iPhone to provide a hearing test – which Apple is in the process of securing regulatory approval for. The Pros also provide a better spatial audio experience.

The AirPods 4 with ANC.

If you have more money to spare and can’t stand buds in your ears, Apple’s over the ear AirPods Max also had a refresh, with Apple switching out its lightning charging port for USB-C and introducing new colours. Other than that, the Max is essentially the same headphone. It has the same chip as the previous four-year-old model, and its price is also the same at $899.

But for those looking to save some money – and who wouldn’t in a cost of living crisis – the AirPods 4 with ANC is an attractive option if you’re in the market for a new pair.

The author travelled to Cupertino as a guest of Apple.