Slightly smaller on the outside, the AirPods 4 ANC are characterised by their technical inner workings (€199). The sound is analysed by internal microphones and calibrated for music or voices using an adaptive equaliser. The low and mid frequencies are adjusted. The petite earphones are IP5-certified, making them suitable for walking (sweat, rain, dust)...

With the fourth generation of AirPods, Apple shows that open ear technology does not have to be inferior to classic in-ears. They are a serious alternative for music fans who don't want to put silicone plugs in their ear canals. However, Apple still needs to work on weaknesses such as the lack of volume control on the capsules, which will probably be reserved for Generation 5.

The new AirPods 4 are remarkable: many people find their non-sealing design more comfortable compared to sealing models. The bass reproduction, which is otherwise often weak, works really well with the new 4s and the overall sound balance is pleasant and pleasing. The AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation can also reduce stress levels considerably - for a tolerable extra 50 euros...

Try them out: Do the AirPods 4 fit you? Congratulations - your search for good in-ear headphones under 200 euros has come to an end. The new model sounds much rounder than its predecessor and the bass now reaches the ear much better. However, if you can't get to grips with the fit, the only option is the more expensive AirPods Pro - or competitor models.

That's how it has to be: The new version of the AirPods is not only better, but also cheaper, with the standard version now costing 50 euros less than the AirPods 3 cost at Apple until recently. In terms of sound, they are impressive, even if they are not as powerful as the AirPods Pro 2, for example, but they make life easier for Apple users by automatically connecting to all other Apple gadgets once...

There are occasional users and those who can no longer imagine life without AirPods - and in between there is a huge mass of people who are simply satisfied with the headphones. But the question of the best model is almost impossible to answer. So the solution is obvious: buy both...