19 Cons of AirPods 4 (Review 2024)

If you’ve been scrolling through the usual upbeat AirPods 4 coverage, you’re probably expecting another glowing endorsement. That’s not what I’m here for. I’ve spent some time with these things, I’ve tested them in all sorts of situations, and I’m ready to shine a less flattering spotlight on Apple’s latest earbuds. If you’re like me and you’re done reading shiny PR-speak and sugary hype, let’s strip away the veneer and talk about what’s really going on.

Still Not a Perfect Fit for Everyone

I remember when I first tried on the original AirPods, hoping they’d feel like slipping into a pair of plush slippers. Instead, they wiggled around like they were trying to escape my ears at the first sign of movement. Fast-forward through multiple generations, and here I am with the AirPods 4, wondering why Apple still can’t solve this comfort riddle. The one-size-fits-most shell remains stubbornly unchanged in principle.

If your ears were never in that “most” category, you’re still going to deal with earbuds that feel like they’re precariously perched rather than comfortably nestled. My friend, who’s tested these with me, finds herself nervously adjusting them every time she even thinks about jogging or bending over to pick something up. It’s like living with the constant fear that at any moment one bud might just pop out and roll under the nearest piece of furniture. I get that everyone’s ears are different, but it would be nice if Apple showed a bit more willingness to address this persistent fit issue.

ANC That Falls Short of the Hype

I’ve had plenty of experiences with noise-canceling earbuds that make the world fade into a blissful hush. The AirPods Pro 2, for instance, do a pretty great job in that department. But when I flipped on the ANC in the AirPods 4, I found myself underwhelmed. Sure, they soften some low-frequency hum, but don’t expect them to smother that office chatter or the racket of a busy street. Instead of the cocoon-like quiet I’ve experienced elsewhere, these only manage a half-hearted hush.

I tried them during a crowded lunch break downtown and still caught every other word from the group gossiping behind me. If you’re like me and crave an earbud that can turn a bustling café into your personal library, prepare to be disappointed. The AirPods 4’s ANC never fully steps up to the plate.

The Mysterious Vanishing of MagSafe Alignment

I’m a sucker for small conveniences. The old AirPods cases, which snapped onto a MagSafe charger with that perfectly aligned click, were one of those minor pleasures that made me grin. That’s gone now. With the AirPods 4, I’m left fiddling around, trying to align the case just right on my wireless charger. It’s a small annoyance, but when you’ve gotten used to effortless charging, losing it hurts.

It feels like Apple took a step backward for no apparent reason. I’ve had to double-check the charging indicator far more times than I’d care to admit. Let’s face it: going from a “just drop it and go” system to something that demands a bit more careful placement makes the entire experience just a bit less elegant.

Reduced Battery Life with ANC Engaged

I’m not the kind of person who’s always checking battery percentages, but with the AirPods 4, I’ve started to keep a closer eye on those numbers. With ANC on, you’re looking at about four hours of listening. That might be enough for a short commute or a midday stretch, but if, like me, you often pop earbuds in at dawn and forget about them until lunchtime, you’ll be recharging more often than you’d probably like. It’s not the end of the world, but considering some competitors can eke out longer playtime even with noise cancellation, I can’t help feeling a bit shortchanged here. It’s just another subtle way these buds come up shy of the gold standard.

No Built-In EQ or Sound Customization

I’m no hardcore audiophile, but I appreciate having at least some control over the sound signature. The AirPods 4 insist that Apple’s chosen sound profile is all you need. If you want to crank up the bass or soften a harsh treble, tough luck. With rivals offering easy-to-use EQ tools, the AirPods 4 feel oddly rigid. I’ve tried a few third-party solutions, but it’s not the same as having an official app where I can tweak settings on the fly. For those of us who like to fine-tune sound based on mood, genre, or even a specific track, this lack of customization can feel like a real miss—especially at this price point.

No Silicone Tips to Improve Seal and Comfort

Over time, I’ve come to adore the feeling of silicone tips. They create a snug seal, improve isolation, and provide a bit more stability in the ear. None of that love affair applies here. The AirPods 4 stick to their hard, plastic form.

Without silicone tips, you can say goodbye to the satisfying seal that keeps your music in and the noise out. I’ve worn these on a walk around my neighborhood and found myself pushing them back in place too often. There’s a reason other earbuds embrace silicone options; they adapt to ear shapes, enhancing both comfort and performance. It’s baffling that Apple won’t extend that courtesy to the AirPods 4.

Struggling in Noisy, Real-World Environments

I don’t live in a soundproof bubble. Between crowded subways, loud coffee shops, and bustling sidewalks, my life is a surround-sound experience. I’d hope for earbuds that help carve out a little personal audio space. The AirPods 4, unfortunately, don’t shine here. With weak passive isolation and a middling ANC, you’ll find outside chatter slipping in with embarrassing ease. I tried listening to a podcast while waiting in line at a busy food truck. Big mistake. I caught more snippets of strangers’ lunch orders than I did of the host’s commentary. If you’re counting on these buds to grant you a private sonic sanctuary in the midst of urban chaos, you might end up feeling let down.

An Absence of Daring Innovations

I still remember how fresh and futuristic the first AirPods felt. They defined the true-wireless earbuds market for a while. But now, after multiple iterations, I can’t shake the feeling that Apple’s playing it safe. I get it: you don’t fix what isn’t broken. But a bit of innovation now and then wouldn’t hurt. The AirPods 4 feel like a slight refinement rather than a bold leap.

Other companies are experimenting with novel features, whether it’s spatial audio done differently, advanced multipoint connectivity, or intricate hearing assistance. Meanwhile, Apple’s just nudging the design forward by baby steps. If you’ve followed their track record, you might have hoped for something more exciting here. I know I did.

Clearly Inferior ANC Versus AirPods Pro 2

If you’ve tried the AirPods Pro 2’s noise cancellation, you know how impressive it can be. The AirPods 4, on the other hand, feel like a lower-tier attempt. The difference isn’t subtle—you’ll notice it as soon as you step outside or enter a lively office. I’ve swapped between both sets, and the contrast is stark enough to make me wonder why anyone who’s serious about ANC wouldn’t just spend a bit more for the Pros.

This seems like a deliberate product segmentation strategy on Apple’s part, pushing serious users upmarket. But as a customer who wants good ANC without going “Pro,” I’m left feeling like I’m holding the short end of the stick.

No On-Stem Volume Adjustments

I remember how pleasantly surprised I was when I discovered on-stem volume controls on the AirPods Pro. It was one of those “Yes, finally!” moments that made my life just a bit easier. But the AirPods 4? Forget about it. You’re back to either invoking Siri or fishing out your phone whenever you want to tweak the volume. This might sound trivial, but in a world where even budget buds let me do this with a tap or a swipe, it’s aggravating to lose that convenience. Apple had a good thing going with the Pros. Why not bring that ease to the AirPods 4 as well?

Case Design That Drops Some Handy Touches

I’m someone who loves well-thought-out design details. The previous cases had a physical pairing button that I never really struggled to find. Now, that’s replaced with a hidden capacitive spot that makes me pause and consider what I’m doing. Add to that the absence of a lanyard loop—something I occasionally find handy—and you’ve got a case that feels more style-over-substance this time around. I’m all for minimalist aesthetics, but not at the expense of everyday usability. It’s like Apple forgot that functionality matters too, not just a sleek silhouette.

Wireless Charging Not a Standard Feature

Remember when wireless charging was baked into the AirPods case and it felt like a natural, modern convenience? Well, now you’ll have to pay extra if you want that feature. Considering that even some budget earbuds include wireless charging by default, this feels like a calculated move to upsell. I’m not thrilled about it. If you’re already spending good money on Apple hardware, getting nickel-and-dimed for what should be a standard perk is hardly inspiring. I’d hoped Apple would lean into convenience rather than gating it behind a higher price point.

No Hearing Health Features

Other Apple products are nudging into the health tech space, whether it’s the Apple Watch monitoring your heart rate or AirPods Pro 2 offering some intriguing hearing-related perks. Not the AirPods 4. They pretty much stick to the basics. If you were hoping for any hearing health-oriented features—like customized volume suggestions or gentle warnings when you’re blasting sound too loud—you’re out of luck. It’s a missed opportunity to stand out and add value. I’ve seen competing brands dabble in hearing profiles and customization that adapts sound to your ears, and I can’t help but think Apple could have done something more forward-thinking here.

Mic Quality Trails the Pro Models

I take a fair number of calls outside, and I’ve grown to appreciate earbud mics that filter out background noise and present my voice clearly. The AirPods 4’s mic isn’t terrible, but it’s not as polished as what you get with the Pro models. Walk down a busy street while on a call and you’ll notice that the person on the other end will hear more of your surroundings than they should. For the price, I expect a bit more performance on this front. It’s another small corner that feels cut, which adds to the overall sense of mild disappointment.

Paying More for Less—Or at Least Not Much More

At this point, I can’t ignore the competition. Plenty of rivals have caught up, offering similar or better features at lower prices. Apple’s ecosystem and brand value still carry weight, sure, but is it enough to justify buying the AirPods 4 over other earbuds that might give you better ANC, customizable EQ, or longer battery life for less money? I can’t help asking myself that. The AirPods 4 don’t come cheap, and when I stack them against what else is out there, I begin to question if I’m really getting my money’s worth. It’s not just a question of features; it’s a question of value.

Wind Noise That Won’t Quit

I know wind noise isn’t exclusive to the AirPods 4—lots of earbuds struggle with it. But these buds don’t seem to handle a breeze all that gracefully. A brisk walk around the block can turn your favorite podcast into a muffled mess of whooshing sounds. I would’ve loved to see some effort to minimize this. Other earbuds use clever mic placements or mesh filters to cut down on wind interference. Here, it feels like Apple didn’t bother, expecting us to just deal with it. On windy days, I end up holding a hand near my ear, which looks about as silly as it sounds.

Bass That Doesn’t Dive Deep Enough

I listen to a range of music, and while I’m not a bass-head, I still appreciate a satisfying low end when the track calls for it. With the AirPods 4, the bass is there, but it’s not as rich or expansive as I’d like. Certain genres—electronica, hip-hop, or deep house—just don’t have the same impact. It’s a subtle deficiency, but once you notice it, it’s hard to un-hear. After sampling other earbuds that do a better job delivering full-bodied lows, I find myself wishing Apple had put a bit more effort into making these buds really shine in the lower registers.

Earwax Cleanup: Not Fun

This one’s not glamorous, but it’s real life. Without removable silicone tips, it’s harder to keep the AirPods 4 clean. Earwax and grime can build up on the grills, and clearing it out can feel like performing delicate surgery. Some earbuds make it easy by letting you remove and wash the tips. Not here. It might sound minor, but over months of use, hygiene matters. If you’re squeamish about getting up close and personal with ear gunk, these buds won’t make your life any easier.

Locked into Apple’s Rules and Limited Tweaks

I live deep in the Apple ecosystem, so this is less of a personal issue for me, but I know plenty of people who juggle devices across platforms. For them, the AirPods 4 are frustratingly closed off. Features that shine when paired with an iPhone may not translate well outside Apple’s garden. There’s no meaningful customization that extends beyond Apple’s boundaries. If you’re not ready to surrender to Apple’s way of doing things—or you just value flexibility—the AirPods 4 feel like a tool that only works well in one scenario. At this price, I’d like more freedom.

Conclusion

After spending time with these earbuds, I can’t pretend they live up to the non-stop fanfare. They’re not a train wreck, but they also don’t feel like a triumphant step forward. If you’re considering these, remember to think about the fit limitations, the so-so ANC, the scaled-back convenience features, and how you’ll feel about paying a premium for a product that doesn’t push the envelope. In a world full of worthy contenders, the AirPods 4 land somewhere in the middle—an incremental update that never quite catches up to its own hype.

Nevertheless, if you’ve weighed all these drawbacks. Still wish to go with the purchase, congratulations! You’re making a considered decision that you won’t regret.

Reference:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwjHonzRd4E&pp=ygUQQWlyUG9kcyA0IHJldmlldw%3D%3D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luErk_UzArg&pp=ygUQQWlyUG9kcyA0IHJldmlldw%3D%3D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-JPzWSJbKc&pp=ygUQQWlyUG9kcyA0IHJldmlldw%3D%3D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGpdK_dxtlA&pp=ygUQQWlyUG9kcyA0IHJldmlldw%3D%3D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pMCOCPw_EE&pp=ygUQQWlyUG9kcyA0IHJldmlldw%3D%3D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCrJ000ZggE&pp=ygUQQWlyUG9kcyA0IHJldmlldw%3D%3D