Apple’s AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation are ‘Goldilocks AirPods’ – WSJ

AirPods 4 are the most advanced and comfortable headphones Apple has ever created with an open-ear design.

Apple’s new AirPods 4 are the most advanced and comfortable headphones Apple has ever created with an open-ear design, and today, customers can choose between two distinct models: AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC).

Nicole Nguyen for The Wall Street Journal:
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After a week of testing, the new AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation have emerged as the Goldilocks AirPods.

The $179 model, available Friday, is just right. It’s a $50 step up from the new, basic AirPods 4, but given the additional features—including a wireless chargeable and ringable new case—the upgrade is worth it.

There are still reasons to opt for the two-year-old, $249 AirPods Pro 2. Neither AirPods 4 model will get Apple’s new hearing health capabilities, which could be a deal breaker for many people. Only the Pros will be able to turn into hearing aids via a coming software update… If you aren’t in the market for an auditory amplifier, the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation are a solid choice. They offer Pro features at a not-Pro price.

The major difference between the regular Pods and the Pros are the lack of squishy ear tips. These AirPods 4 maintain the classic all-white, plastic design. Because the buds are one-size-fits-all, you can’t rely on grippy tips to help secure the AirPods in your ear canal. (The Pros come with four different silicone tip sizes to ensure a good fit.)

The previous generation of basic AirPods often fell out of my ears when I ate or leaned over. The smaller, rounder bud on the new models fit me much better… The buds passed multiple head shake tests and toe touches…

The AirPods 4 are a big leap for the basic, market-leading earbuds.

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MacDailyNews Take: Get ’em while they last via Amazon for $179.99.

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