Once you consider important operating gear, headphones won’t get the identical consideration as your footwear or socks—and it is sensible. Headphones don’t bodily affect your efficiency. However any runner is aware of an excellent pair of headphones could make coaching runs way more pleasurable 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 operating companion.
I’ve by no means been the most important fan of Apple’s earlier normal AirPods. They didn’t match my ears correctly, the sound was nothing particular, and I most popular earbuds with silicone ideas 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 operating with the brand new AirPods 4, I used to be shocked by how mild 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 totally different from their predecessor, AirPods 3. Apple has subtly tweaked the form for a safer match, and the charging case is smaller and now incorporates a USB-C connector. However they maintain the long-lasting white design that AirPods are identified for. The most important adjustments 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 waterproof—excellent for sweaty runs or wet days.
For runners who wish 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 lively noise cancellation (ANC). When it detects loud exterior noise, it blocks it, whereas transparency mode enables you to keep conscious of your environment—which is vital when operating in busy areas.
Fast-charge battery
Battery life is essential for lengthy runs, and AirPods 4 have you ever lined. The usual AirPods 4 supply 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 when you’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 right operating headphone
Whereas sound high quality and battery life are key components when selecting new headphones, consolation is simply as vital. 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. Additionally they match securely, and with the improved form, they’re much less prone to come out mid-run. Plus, the sound high quality is excellent, 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 flexibility to dam out distractions when wanted. It doesn’t matter when you’re on the paths or pounding the pavement, Apple AirPods 4 may simply grow to be your new favorite operating companion.
