Apple AirPods 4 / Sony LinkBuds Fit (WF-LS910N)

Apple AirPods 4: AirPods 4 (2024), the basic model without active noise cancellation; USB‑C charging case. The same-design AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation and the AirPods Pro models are separate.

Sony LinkBuds Fit (WF-LS910N): LinkBuds Fit WF-LS910N in-ear true wireless earbuds; black, white, green and pink. The open-design LinkBuds Open (WF-L910) and the older LinkBuds S (WF-LS900N) are separate models.

SpecificationApple AirPods 4Sony LinkBuds Fit (WF-LS910N)
Release year20242024
TypeOpen-fit (no silicone tips) wireless earbuds; USB‑C charging case

This is the basic AirPods 4 without active noise cancellation. The identical-looking “AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation” is a separate product.

Apple		—
Audio technologyCustom high‑excursion Apple driver, custom high dynamic range amplifier; Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking; Adaptive EQ

Adaptive EQ tunes the sound to the fit in the ear. Spatial Audio needs supported content; the personal profile is created with an iPhone that has a TrueDepth camera.

Apple		—
Noise controlVent system for pressure equalisation; active noise cancellation only on the separately sold ANC model

At launch Apple offered two distinct models: AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. This model has an open design that does not seal the ear canal.

Apple		—
ChipH2 headphone chip

H2 enables Voice Isolation, Siri Interactions with head gestures and Personalised Spatial Audio.

Apple		—
Microphones and sensorsDual beamforming microphones, inward‑facing microphone, optical in‑ear sensor, motion- and speech-detecting accelerometers, force sensor

The speech-detecting accelerometer helps detect when you are speaking; the optical sensor resumes playback when the bud is put in.

Apple		—
ControlsPress the stem: once to play/pause or answer, twice to skip forward or end a call, three times to skip back, press and hold for Siri; “Siri” voice activation; nod or shake your head to answer calls

Apple’s control list does not include volume adjustment on the stem.

Apple		—
DurabilityIP54 dust, sweat and water resistance (earbuds and case)

According to Apple this is for non-water sports and exercise; resistance is not permanent and may decrease with wear. Do not charge when wet.

Apple		—
BatteryUp to 5 hours listening per charge; up to 30 hours total with the case; 5 minutes in the case ≈ 1 hour listening

Apple measured these figures at 50% volume with Spatial Audio off.

Apple		Earbuds: up to 5.5 hours of music with ANC on and 8 hours off; up to 4 hours of calls; earbud charge about 2 hours, case charge about 3 hours (USB) Sony
ChargingCharging case with USB‑C port; USB‑C cable sold separately

Apple says the case is more than 10 percent smaller in volume than its predecessor. Charging with an Apple Watch charger or Qi-certified charger is specific to the ANC model.

Apple		—
ConnectivityBluetooth 5.3

It works as a Bluetooth headset with Android and other devices, but Apple says functions may be limited. Full features require current iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS or tvOS.

Apple		—
Size and weightEarbud: 30.2 × 18.3 × 18.1 mm, 4.3 g; case: 46.2 × 50.1 × 21.2 mm, 32.3 g Apple—
AccessibilityLive Listen, headphone levels, Headphone Accommodations Apple—
Driver and frequency—8.4 mm driver; closed type; 20–20,000 Hz over Bluetooth (44.1 kHz), 20–40,000 Hz with LDAC (96 kHz, 990 kbps) Sony
Noise cancelling—Active noise cancelling; Personal NC Optimiser; Ambient Sound Mode and Auto Ambient Sound

Personal NC Optimiser tunes cancellation to the ear shape and how the buds are worn. Auto Ambient Sound changes how much outside sound is let in depending on the surroundings.

Sony
Bluetooth and codecs—Bluetooth 5.3; SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3; A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, TMAP, CSIP, MCP, VCP, CCP

LC3 and profiles such as TMAP/CSIP are for Bluetooth LE Audio, enabling lower-power audio on compatible phones. LDAC is used on Android for high-bitrate streaming; iPhones use AAC.

Sony
Multipoint and processing—Multipoint connection (two devices); DSEE Extreme

DSEE Extreme tries to restore high-frequency detail lost in compressed music files.

Sony
Fit—Newly designed Fitting Supporters and ear tips

The soft supporter fin rests against the ear’s ridge to help keep the bud in place while moving.

Sony
Weight and durability—About 4.9 g each (with M tips); case about 41 g, 47.2 × 47.2 × 32.6 mm; IPX4

IPX4 means resistance to splashing water from any direction; it is not for submersion or swimming.

Sony