Once you consider important working gear, headphones may not get the identical consideration as your sneakers or socks—and it is smart. Headphones don’t bodily influence your efficiency. However any runner is aware of a great pair of headphones could make coaching runs way more pleasing by supplying you with entry to your favorite music or podcasts. Enter Apple AirPods 4, which dropped final month and instantly impressed me. Light-weight, snug, with nice sound, and surprisingly inexpensive—they’re shaping as much as be the proper working companion.
I’ve by no means been the largest fan of Apple’s earlier customary AirPods. They didn’t match my ears correctly, the sound was nothing particular, and I most well-liked earbuds with silicone suggestions for higher noise isolation. However I do know many runners love the open design of AirPods for the consolation and ease they provide. After every week of working with the brand new AirPods 4, I used to be shocked by how gentle they felt, and I can confidently say they’re a giant improve for a lot of.
What’s new?
At first look, the AirPods 4 don’t look drastically completely different from their predecessor, AirPods 3. Apple has subtly tweaked the form for a safer match, and the charging case is smaller and now includes a USB-C connector. However they maintain the long-lasting white design that AirPods are identified for. The largest modifications come on the within. They provide an improved high-quality sound, powered by Apple’s H2 chip, which boosts name readability and audio efficiency. Plus, the AirPods 4 are IP54 mud and water resistant—excellent for sweaty runs or wet days.
For runners who need to block out the world and zone in to their music, Apple is providing two variations of AirPods 4: the bottom mannequin (CAD $179) and a premium mannequin (CAD $249). The premium mannequin has built-in energetic noise cancellation (ANC). When it detects loud exterior noise, it blocks it, whereas transparency mode helps you to keep conscious of your environment—which is essential when working in busy areas.
Fast-charge battery
Battery life is essential for lengthy runs, and AirPods 4 have you ever lined. The usual AirPods 4 provide 5 hours of listening time (30 hours with the case), whereas the premium ANC mannequin provides you 4 hours of playback (20 hours with the case). And for those who’re in a last-minute pinch—say your AirPods die simply earlier than a 10K coaching run—quick charging provides an hour of listening time in simply 5 minutes.
The proper working headphone
Whereas sound high quality and battery life are key elements when selecting new headphones, consolation is simply as essential. What makes the AirPods 4 stand out is their extremely light-weight design—they gained’t really feel such as you’re carrying ear-weights on lengthy runs. In addition they match securely, and with the improved form, they’re much less more likely to come out mid-run. Plus, the sound high quality is great, and the noise cancellation on the premium mannequin helps you keep locked in.
At CAD $179 for the bottom mannequin and CAD $249 for the ANC model, the AirPods 4 are nice for runners who worth consolation, nice sound and the power to dam out distractions when wanted. It doesn’t matter for those who’re on the paths or pounding the pavement, Apple AirPods 4 may simply change into your new favorite working companion.