Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
I'm glad I'm not one of them, but some people simply cannot tolerate earphone tips in their ear canals.

It's exactly that for me. It's a shame as I know the Pros are technically superior, but I just can't stand the feeling of any earphone tips in my ear. I can't deal with it.

But it works for me because when I'm on a plane or train or whatever I use over ear noise cancelling headphones. I use my AirPods 3s for phone calls or listening to music/videos etc when I need to be aware of what's going on around me.

I may try the 4s with noise cancelling out of curiosity because I may well end up using them instead of my noise cancelling headphones in some situations.
 
I bought a pair to try for myself but the reviews are definitely encouraging so far as someone who doesn't like the ear tips on in-ear buds.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Rockondevil
While I enjoy ANC very much, Apple can jack it up with a software update and notoriously does after release.
 
The main problem with the standard AirPods is that they clog up with earwax that eventually penetrates the grilles. Once that happens, it’s all but impossible to remove.
Unless that issue is addressed, they won’t sound like new for long.
(Apologies if this is too much information for some!)
I’ve been wearing the standard AirPods since their initial release and never encountered that problem. So it depends on your individual earwax production.
 
  • Like
Reactions: murrayp
It's exactly that for me. It's a shame as I know the Pros are technically superior, but I just can't stand the feeling of any earphone tips in my ear. I can't deal with it.

But it works for me because when I'm on a plane or train or whatever I use over ear noise cancelling headphones. I use my AirPods 3s for phone calls or listening to music/videos etc when I need to be aware of what's going on around me.

I may try the 4s with noise cancelling out of curiosity because I may well end up using them instead of my noise cancelling headphones in some situations.

Same here. I can't stand silicone tips. I've tried multiple times. They are incompatible with me. It's like people for whom cilantro tastes like soap. It either does or it doesn't, and if it does, you will never eat it. I have the same "no way" reaction to silicone tips.

So ANC, even if it's not as "silent" as with the pros or over-ear headphones, is welcome on the non-Pro AirPods. Looking forward to trying these on a plane.
 
This is a conspiracy theory that is repeated often but without any actual evidence
For better or worse there’s still some questioning from multiple outlets when it comes to their updates.




 
I'd really like to know how well the ANC works on a plane. I use AirPods 2 (non-Pro) day to day for work, phone calls, running, yard work, and have zero problems with them, but when on a plane I switch to my Bose headphones to block out the noise. If I could avoid carrying the Bose and find these to be useful on a plane for, say, watching an iPad movie, awesome.
 
The main problem with the standard AirPods is that they clog up with earwax that eventually penetrates the grilles. Once that happens, it’s all but impossible to remove.
Unless that issue is addressed, they won’t sound like new for long.
(Apologies if this is too much information for some!)
Do you complain about the skidmarks in your undies, too? Never had even the smallest amount of ear wax appear in/on my headphones.
 
  • Disagree
Reactions: _Mitchan1999
I love her enthusiasm and her productions are always top notch.

Y'all just hate to see people be happy 😂
I think early on she was fun to watch unboxing and product reviews.

it's been clear that apple has bought these youtube "influencers" to shed good light on apple products. I mean how else do they have the products to be able to give "reviews" on them? certainly not a unbiased review by any of them. I'll just wait until I get mine Friday to see how I like them over my 2nd gen AirPods.
 

'An Almost-Perfect AirPods Pro Alternative'

Do you think that the MacRumors article title reflects a conclusion reached in most of the reviews?

I watched videos by MKBHD and Data Trends and while they were favorable, their conclusions were a bit more muted.
 
iJustine is always a clear NO for me.
iCompromised.

But when it comes to the compromise Apple have made with the ANC in these, & the seemingly decent effort, I may think about getting them as my environments aren’t as noisy these days - changed gyms to a more boutique one within an apartment complex (no background music nor busy with people) & the apartment itself is much quieter than my previous residence.

But my work is still based in ‘server room’-esque environments so they may not cut it there.

Could be worth a try for two weeks though.

The main problem with the standard AirPods is that they clog up with earwax that eventually penetrates the grilles. Once that happens, it’s all but impossible to remove.
Unless that issue is addressed, they won’t sound like new for long.
(Apologies if this is too much information for some!)
Can you use the blutak method to grab debris out of the grill?
 


Various media outlets and YouTube channels today shared their first impressions of the AirPods 4, reviewing the changes Apple has made to enhance comfort, sound, and functionality.


DSCF0028.jpg


Image via The Verge

The AirPods 4 introduce a more refined design, improved sound quality, and, for the first time, optional active noise cancellation (ANC). Priced at $129 for the standard model and $179 for the ANC version, the AirPods 4 revamp the lineup at two different price points and bridge the gap between Apple's entry-level wireless earbuds and the AirPods Pro.

The AirPods 4 are now available for pre-order, with in-store availability starting on Friday, September 20.

Design

The AirPods 4 feature a more refined design. The earbuds have a slightly narrower shape for a more secure fit and Apple claims they're designed to fit a wider range of ear shapes. The charging case is also 10% smaller. Despite these tweaks, the AirPods 4 retain their signature open-ear design, which means they may still feel less secure compared to models with in-ear tips like the AirPods Pro. Engadget's Billy Steele writes:



Sound Quality

The AirPods 4 deliver improved sound performance with an 11mm low-distortion driver and a high dynamic range amplifier. Apple has apparently fine-tuned the audio experience by redesigning the driver's positioning to direct sound more precisely into the ear, reducing internal reflections and enhancing clarity. Reviewers claim that bass is richer, highs are crisper, and overall instrument separation is better compared to the AirPods 3. CNET's David Carnoy:



Digital Trends's Caleb Denison:



Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)

AirPods 4 bring ANC to the standard AirPods lineup for the first time, and while it's not as powerful as the AirPods Pro 2, the ANC in the AirPods 4 is said to be surprisingly effective for an open-ear design. It excels at reducing lower-frequency noises like engine hums and general city commotion, allowing users to enjoy music at lower volumes without the need for complete ear sealing. However, it does struggle with higher-frequency sounds and may not offer complete silence in very noisy environments. Digital Trends's Caleb Denison writes:

CNN's Mike Andronico:



Videos



... Click here to read rest of article

Article Link: AirPods 4 Reviews: 'An Almost-Perfect AirPods Pro Alternative'
Just want to point out the video from Digital Trends linked in the article is not the review video. The review video is this one:

 
Watched most of these reviews. If you can only watch one, check the Digital Trends one as it seemed most balanced and in-depth. Some of the bigger Youtubers (Dave2D and MKBHD) seemed a bit superficial.
You can’t trust him either. Never honest about tv reviews. I still watch him, and take him into consideration, but he misses alot.

I mean its the nature of the game, nobody actually goes in on these companies because they don’t want to sour the relationship.
 
  • Like
Reactions: city_17
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.