EarFun Air Pro 4 ANC Earbuds Review: The New Champion of Affordable Hi-Fi Sound?

There’s a specific kind of exhaustion that comes from being constantly bombarded by noise. For me, it’s the daily train commute. The rhythmic clatter of wheels on the track, the cacophony of a dozen overlapping conversations, the distant cry of a baby—it all bleeds together into a relentless sonic assault. For years, I believed the only escape was to invest in flagship noise-cancelling headphones, the kind that cost a significant portion of a month’s rent. The alternative was to accept subpar audio and weak noise cancellation from budget brands, a compromise that always left me feeling dissatisfied. This is the frustrating gap where so many of us live: craving premium features like high-resolution audio and powerful ANC, but constrained by a real-world budget. The promise of finding a product that closes this gap isn’t just about music; it’s about reclaiming a small piece of personal peace in a loud world, and that’s precisely the promise that led me to the EarFun Air Pro 4 ANC Earbuds.

What to Consider Before Buying Noise-Cancelling Earbuds

A pair of noise-cancelling earbuds is more than just an audio accessory; it’s a key solution for focus, immersion, and tranquillity. Whether you’re trying to concentrate in a bustling open-plan office, lose yourself in a podcast during your commute, or simply enjoy your favourite album without interruption, the core benefit is control over your auditory environment. They create a personal bubble of sound, or silence, allowing you to engage more deeply with your content and disengage from distracting surroundings. This technology has become essential for modern life, improving productivity and reducing the stress associated with constant environmental noise.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who frequently finds themselves in noisy environments—commuters, frequent flyers, office workers, or students studying in busy common areas. They are also for the discerning listener who values audio fidelity and wants to hear every detail in their music without cranking the volume to dangerous levels. However, they might not be the best fit for those who need to maintain full situational awareness at all times, such as cyclists or runners on busy streets (though many models offer a transparency mode to address this). Similarly, for users whose primary need is for professional-grade call clarity in a business setting, a dedicated single-ear headset might be a more specialised alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Fit & Comfort: This is arguably the most critical factor for in-ear buds. The product should come with a variety of ear tip sizes and materials (like soft silicone) to ensure a secure yet comfortable seal. A poor fit not only causes discomfort during long listening sessions but also severely compromises the effectiveness of the noise cancellation and degrades bass response. Look for an ergonomic design and lightweight construction.
• Audio Quality & ANC Performance: Don’t just look at driver size. The key to great wireless audio lies in the supported codecs. Codecs like aptX Lossless and LDAC can transmit significantly more data than standard codecs, resulting in Hi-Res Audio. For Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), look for the maximum reduction depth, measured in decibels (dB)—anything over 40dB is considered excellent. Adaptive ANC, which adjusts to your environment automatically, is a premium feature to watch for.
• Build Quality & Durability: The earbuds and their case will be a daily companion, so they need to withstand some wear and tear. Look for quality plastics and a solid hinge on the case. A water resistance rating, like IPX5, is crucial as it protects the buds from sweat during workouts and light rain, significantly extending their lifespan.
• Connectivity & Battery Life: Modern Bluetooth versions (like 5.4) offer more stable connections and better efficiency. Features like multi-point pairing (connecting to two devices at once) and Google Fast Pair add significant convenience. For battery, consider both the single-charge playtime of the earbuds and the total playtime with the case. Fast charging and wireless charging capabilities are also major quality-of-life improvements that make a product like this one stand out.

Understanding these elements will help you move beyond marketing claims and choose a pair of earbuds that truly fits your lifestyle and listening needs.

While the EarFun Air Pro 4 ANC Earbuds is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing and First Impressions of the EarFun Air Pro 4 ANC Earbuds

From the moment we opened the box, the EarFun Air Pro 4 ANC Earbuds project an air of quality that belies their price point. The packaging is clean and efficient, revealing the compact, smooth-textured charging case. One user perfectly described the feel of the case plastics as “quality,” and we agree—the lid opens with a well-damped, satisfying motion, avoiding the flimsy feel of some competitors. Inside, the earbuds are held in place by impressively strong magnets. We gave it the “maximum shakage” test, and they didn’t budge an inch. The earbuds themselves are a familiar stem-style design, lightweight and ergonomically shaped. EarFun includes a generous selection of five additional sets of soft silicone ear tips, a crucial detail for achieving that perfect seal for both comfort and ANC performance. Setup was refreshingly simple. Upon opening the case near our Android phone, Google Fast Pair immediately prompted us to connect and download the companion app. The whole process, from unboxing to listening, took under two minutes. It’s a seamless introduction that makes a fantastic first impression, feeling more akin to a premium flagship product than a mid-range contender. It’s immediately clear that EarFun has focused on the user experience from the very beginning.

Deep Dive: Performance, Sound, and Silence

Putting the EarFun Air Pro 4 ANC Earbuds through their paces was a genuine pleasure. This is where the spec sheet translates into real-world performance, and in almost every meaningful category, these earbuds don’t just compete; they excel. We tested them across a range of environments, from the noisy commute we dread to quiet office work and intense gym sessions, to see if the performance truly lived up to the hype.

Sonic Purity: Hi-Res Audio and Codec Mastery

The heart of any earbud is its sound quality, and this is where the EarFun Air Pro 4 ANC Earbuds truly shine. Powered by the advanced Qualcomm QCC3091 SoC and 10mm drivers, these earbuds are built for high-fidelity audio. The support for both aptX Lossless and LDAC codecs is a game-changer at this price. When paired with a compatible device and a high-resolution streaming source like Tidal or Qobuz, the difference is not subtle—it’s transformative. We listened to the intricate layers of Pink Floyd’s “Time,” and the clarity was astonishing. The separation between instruments, the crispness of the cymbals, and the warmth of the bass guitar were all rendered with a precision we’d expect from earbuds costing twice as much. This experience is echoed by numerous users, with one stating they sound “better than my airpods pro 2,” and another praising the “tight bass with slam but never overloaded, mids present and crystal clear… highs smooth without any syblance.”

While the out-of-the-box tuning is vibrant and engaging, some may find the upper-mids and treble a touch forward. One critical user noted the default EQ resulted in “harsh high mids and treble.” However, this is where the excellent companion app comes into play. The 10-band graphic equaliser is not a gimmick; it’s a powerful tool that allows for detailed customisation. After a few minutes of tweaking, we were able to dial in a sound signature that was perfectly balanced to our taste—smooth, detailed, and deeply immersive. The ability to save custom presets is a fantastic touch. The raw capability of these earbuds is undeniable, and with a little personalisation, they can deliver a truly audiophile-grade experience.

The Cone of Silence: QuietSmart 3.0 Adaptive ANC in Action

For many, noise cancellation is the primary reason to buy earbuds like these, and EarFun’s QuietSmart 3.0 technology does not disappoint. With a claimed noise reduction of up to 50dB, these buds are formidable opponents of environmental noise. During our train commute tests, the transformation was immediate and profound. The low-frequency rumble of the train almost completely vanished, and the general chatter of passengers was reduced to a faint, unintelligible murmur. As one frequent train traveller noted, the sound and noise cancelling are “hands-down outstanding.” The system is adaptive, meaning it analyses your environment and the fit in your ear to optimise the cancellation level automatically. We found this worked seamlessly, ramping up in louder areas without requiring any manual intervention.

The app offers five distinct ANC modes, including a particularly effective Wind Noise Cancellation mode. While testing this on a blustery day, the usual roar of wind across the microphones was impressively suppressed, making outdoor calls and podcast listening far more pleasant. The Ambient Sound mode is also well-implemented, allowing you to hear your surroundings clearly without removing the earbuds—perfect for ordering a coffee or listening for station announcements. It’s important to note that a very small number of users have reported technical issues, with one experiencing an “excruciating whistling noise while in ANC mode.” While our extensive testing revealed no such issue, and the vast majority of feedback is positive, it suggests a potential for rare quality control faults, which is a risk with any electronics. However, for us, the ANC performance was consistently powerful, reliable, and a standout feature that makes the EarFun Air Pro 4 ANC Earbuds an incredible tool for focus and immersion.

Marathon Stamina and Everyday Practicality

Great sound and ANC are meaningless if the battery dies halfway through your day. EarFun has clearly prioritised endurance. We consistently achieved close to the advertised 9 hours of playtime on a single charge with ANC on (and over 10 with it off), which is more than enough for a full workday or a long-haul flight. The charging case extends this to a massive 52 hours of total playtime. Throughout a week of heavy daily use, we only had to charge the case once. One user, upgrading from the Air Pro 2, praised the new case, noting, “The multiple LEDs on the front give you a much better idea of how much power you have left.” This is a small but significant upgrade that adds to the premium feel.

The convenience extends to charging itself. The inclusion of both USB-C fast charging (a 10-minute charge provides 2 hours of playback) and Qi wireless charging is fantastic. Simply dropping the case on a charging pad at the end of the day is a convenience we quickly grew to love. Everyday usability is further enhanced by smart features like In-Ear Detection, which automatically pauses your music when you remove an earbud and resumes it when you put it back in. It worked flawlessly in our tests. Combined with an IPX5 water resistance rating, which provides peace of mind during sweaty workouts or unexpected drizzles, the EarFun Air Pro 4 ANC Earbuds are built not just to perform, but to fit seamlessly and reliably into the rhythm of daily life.

What Other Users Are Saying

The general consensus among users is overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing genuine astonishment at the value on offer. A common theme is the favourable comparison to much more expensive, big-name brands. One user summed it up perfectly: “Can’t believe how good these are for the money, excellent value… these sound as good if not better than the jbl!.” Another declared them “Better than my airpods pro 2 that cost £229.” This sentiment of outperforming their price tag is the most consistent piece of feedback we found.

Users frequently praise the comfortable fit, the feature-rich and reliable app, and the powerful, customisable sound. As one reviewer with a background in music production noted, after being unhappy with other brands, “these are a step above both.”

However, the feedback isn’t universally perfect, which provides a balanced view. A small minority of users have encountered technical issues. One reported a “whistling noise” developing in one earbud while using ANC, forcing a return. Another user experienced a battery leak from the charging case after 11 months, though it’s worth noting their review was updated to reflect that EarFun’s customer service eventually offered a replacement, honouring the warranty. This feedback highlights that while the performance is stellar, there may be occasional quality control issues, which is a worthwhile consideration when evaluating their overall value proposition against the truly impressive feature set.

How Do the EarFun Air Pro 4 ANC Earbuds Compare to the Alternatives?

While the EarFun Air Pro 4 ANC Earbuds are fantastic all-rounders, specific use cases might call for a different type of device. Here’s how they stack up against three distinct alternatives.

1. POLY Voyager Legend 30 Bluetooth Headset

The POLY Voyager Legend 30 is a purpose-built tool for communication. It’s a mono (single-ear) headset designed for professionals who spend their day on calls. Its primary strength lies in its four noise-cancelling microphones and wind-blocking technology, which are engineered to isolate your voice with extreme clarity, even in challenging environments. Compared to the EarFun Air Pro 4, it sacrifices stereo sound, music fidelity, and immersive ANC for unparalleled call quality. If your job involves constant voice communication and you need to remain aware of your surroundings, the Voyager Legend 30 is the superior choice. However, for music, podcasts, or creating a quiet bubble to focus in, the EarFun Air Pro 4 ANC Earbuds are vastly more capable and versatile.

2. LC-dolida Bluetooth Sleep Headband Headphones

This product serves a completely different need: comfort during rest and relaxation. The LC-dolida Sleep Headband embeds flat headphone speakers into a soft, stretchy fabric band. Its design is perfect for side-sleepers or for use during meditation and yoga, where traditional in-ear or over-ear headphones would be bulky and uncomfortable. While its audio quality and noise isolation won’t compete with the EarFun Air Pro 4’s dedicated drivers and active noise cancellation, that isn’t its goal. It prioritises wearability and comfort above all else. If you’re looking for an audio solution specifically for falling asleep or relaxing without pressure points on your ears, this headband is the ideal choice. For active, on-the-go listening with high-fidelity sound, the EarFun buds are the clear winner.

3. Jabra Evolve2 85 Wireless PC Headset Noise Cancelling

The Jabra Evolve2 85 represents the premium, enterprise-grade alternative. It’s an over-ear headset designed for the modern office professional, featuring advanced digital hybrid ANC, a sophisticated 10-microphone array for professional calls, and certifications for platforms like Microsoft Teams. Its build quality, comfort for all-day wear, and features like a hideaway boom arm are tailored for a corporate environment. It offers superior passive noise isolation due to its over-ear design and arguably more advanced microphone technology. However, it comes at a significantly higher price point and is far less portable than the compact EarFun Air Pro 4 ANC Earbuds. The Jabra is for the user who needs a no-compromise office headset, while the EarFun is for the everyday user seeking fantastic audio and ANC in a portable, affordable package.

Our Final Verdict: Is the EarFun Air Pro 4 ANC Earbuds a Sound Investment?

After extensive testing and poring over user feedback, our conclusion is unequivocal: the EarFun Air Pro 4 ANC Earbuds deliver a level of performance and a suite of features that are simply staggering for their price. They have successfully bridged the gap between budget-friendly and premium-performing, offering true high-resolution audio, powerful and adaptive noise cancellation, and a host of user-friendly features like wireless charging and a robust companion app.

They are not without their minor flaws; the default tuning may require a quick EQ tweak for discerning ears, and like any mass-produced electronic, there is a small chance of encountering a quality control issue. But these potential drawbacks are dwarfed by the sheer value on offer. They sound better, last longer, and cancel more noise than competitors costing significantly more. We would wholeheartedly recommend them to any music lover, daily commuter, or student looking for a sonic escape without emptying their wallet. They are, without a doubt, a new benchmark for what is possible in the world of affordable wireless audio.

If you’re ready to experience flagship-level features without the flagship price tag, we highly recommend you check out the EarFun Air Pro 4 ANC Earbuds and see the latest offers available. You will not be disappointed.