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Apple has done a standout job improving the AirPods series with every new iteration.
However, Apples latest creations arent the only outstanding mid-range buds available.
Theyre not even the best in their class.
What other models serve as better AirPods 4 alternatives?
TheAirPods Pro 2are an essential pickup for iPhone users with the urge to splurge.
Others who believe that money is no object should look at thebest noise-cancelling earbudsandbest wireless earbuds.
Android enthusiasts have a high-performing model that comes stacked with features (OnePlus users gain exclusive perks).
The buds also work well with iOS/macOS devices.
Their biggest selling point is audio.
Dual drivers (11mm woofer and 6mm tweeter) pump out clean, dynamic, and engaging sound.
LHDC codec support dynamically scales sound on compatible Android devices, boosting clarity and depth in the process.
Game Mode fixes any audio latency issues when playing mobile games or watching videos.
The 3D Audio mode is OnePlus spatial audio format, but it doesnt hold a candle to Apples version.
Noise cancellation on the Buds Pro 3 is superior to the AirPods 4.
ANC playtime is standard at 6 hours.
Thats still longer than the AirPods 4 (4 hours).
Read our fullOnePlus Buds Pro 3 review.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024)
The 2024 QC Earbuds are a refresh of Boses inaugural true wireless buds.
Whether the QC Earbuds sound better than the AirPods 4 is debatable.
What we can say is they sound much better than the brands earlier releases.
The midrange is crisp, and bass has plenty of oomph.
A full charge equates to 8.5 hours of playtime and the wireless charging case holds up to 31.5 hours.
The QC Earbuds also bear a resemblance to the fancy-lookingQC Ultra headphones.
The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro sell for less (currently$101 on Amazon).
They operate fine across all mobile platforms (iOS and Android).
ANC on these buds destroys the AirPods 4s version, eliminating up to 85% of unwanted noise.
Ambient Sound mode is just as reliable for hearing your surroundings and vocals clearly.
Read our fullSamsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro review.
Sony LinkBuds S
Sound quality alone places these LinkBuds S ahead of the AirPods 4.
These mid-range buds are two years old and still pump out exceptional audio.
A 5mm driver with high-compliance diaphragm creates more depth and vibrance.
ANC wont match what you get from the flagshipWF-1000XM5buds, but its sufficient for silencing most incidental sounds.
Expect to hear high-frequency noises on occasion.
Wind resistance is very strong on these buds.
Sonys 20-level Ambient Sound mode also comes in handy for increasing situational awareness.
But if youre seriously thinking about the AirPods 4, then playtime isnt your priority.
Read our fullSony LinkBuds S review.
The low end is emphatic and blends nicely with crisp mids and striking highs.
3D audio nerds can breathe easy knowing Applesspatial audiotechnology is onboard for lively surround sound when indulging inDolby Atmoscontent.
Read our fullBeats Studio Buds+ review.
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