AirPods 4 price drops on Amazon

Amazon lists the AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation at 134 €, their lowest price recorded in three months. This modest decrease leaves a 35 € gap with the newer AirPods 5, which were launched at 169 € in September.

AirPods 5 only slightly better

Our test found the AirPods 5 only slightly superior to the AirPods 4. Despite the newer model’s improvements, the price difference may not justify the minimal performance gains for many users.

Open-ear design with noise cancellation

The AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation add noise reduction to an open format, without silicone tips in the ear canal. Our test gave it 8/10, for unprecedented noise reduction on this type of headphones.

Noise reduction without in-ear feel

We found it remarkable beyond very low frequencies, a first for open-ear headphones. You gain calm without the feeling of a plug from in-ear headphones, offering a unique balance of comfort and noise control.

Improved sound for open-ear headphones

A new driver and a redesigned acoustic chamber provide extended bass and more details. Our test places them ahead of all open-ear headphones on the market, making them a sound reference in open format.

Clear calls in noisy environments

The hands-free kit is exemplary and handles background noise well, an advantage if you often make calls outdoors. This feature enhances usability in environments like busy streets or open offices.

Adaptive noise reduction and convenience

The adaptive mode automatically adjusts the noise reduction and transparency according to the environment, and the conversation detection lowers the volume when you speak. This makes them versatile for different settings.

Compact and durable design

The compact case, certified IP54, recharges via USB-C, on a Qi charger or on the stand of an Apple Watch, and includes a speaker for locating it. This design adds to their practicality and ease of use.

Battery life and limitations

Our test of the AirPods 4 with noise reduction measured 4 hours 20 minutes with noise reduction and 5 hours 15 minutes without, which is below average, compensated by about four recharges in the case.

iOS exclusivity and limitations

They are less suitable for those seeking silence on airplanes, as the attenuation remains minimal below 50 Hz. Also, features like port detection, fast pairing, and switching between devices are reserved for iOS and macOS, with Android users missing out on these benefits.

Volume control and features

No gesture adjusts the volume on the earpiece: it must be done through the phone. The AirPods 5, in contrast, allow volume adjustment by swiping the stem, adding to their convenience.

AirPods 5 improvements

Even with the H2 chip and design to the tenth of a millimeter, the AirPods 5 add a noise reduction announced 1.5 times more effective by Apple, 5 hours with ANC, the IP57, and volume adjustment by swiping the stem.

Comparing AirPods 4 and AirPods 5

Launched at 169 €, they cost 35 € more, and our test of the AirPods 5 finds their predecessors only slightly inferior. For complete isolation, an in-ear headphone remains preferable, especially on low frequencies.

Best open-ear headphones

Our comparison of the best wireless headphones places the AirPods 4 at the top of open models, with the AirPods Pro 3 occupying the first place in all categories. Their strengths include effective noise reduction, detailed sound, and exemplary call quality.

Limitations and price

Limitations include below-average battery life and minimal attenuation on very low frequencies. The AirPods 4 with noise reduction are available at 134 € at Amazon, compared to 159 € at Darty. At 134 €, the discount is nothing spectacular, but it offers the best price in three months for this model.