EarFun Air Pro 4+ Review: Premium Sound Meets Budget Brilliance

EarFun's new Air Pro 4+ earbuds present an intriguing proposition: premium-tier audio technology at a startlingly accessible price point. As the company's flagship model, these true wireless earbuds pack hybrid drivers, LDAC/aptX Lossless support, and multipoint connectivity into a sub-$100 package that challenges established players.

Design & Comfort: Practical Evolution

Visually, the Air Pro 4+ maintains EarFun's signature aesthetic with glossy dual-tone exteriors and extended stems. While slightly chunkier than some competitors, the design prioritizes ergonomics over minimalism. The IP55 rating provides reliable dust and water resistance for daily use.

The redesigned charging case introduces a unique vertical hatch mechanism reminiscent of sports car engineering. When opened, the lid reveals the earbuds standing upright in their charging slots - a practical solution that protects the stems during storage.

Comfort remains a strong suit. The soft silicone ear tips and balanced weight distribution allow extended listening sessions without fatigue. The secure fit stays put during moderate activity, making these suitable for commutes or workouts.

Software Features: Mixed Results

The companion EarFun Audio app (iOS/Android) maintains its straightforward interface with essential controls. Sound profiles, ANC adjustments, and touch customization work reliably. New for this model is AI Translation - a feature aiming to replicate Apple's conversation translation.

In practice, the translation functionality struggles. Response times lag several seconds behind speech, and accuracy proves inconsistent. While potentially useful for brief phrases, it lacks the fluidity needed for natural conversation. This feels like beta software awaiting refinement.

Audio Performance: Where Budget Meets Brilliance

The hybrid dual-driver system (10mm dynamic + balanced armature) delivers exceptional sound quality for the price. EarFun's tuning follows the Harman curve with precision: bass has weight without bloat, mids maintain vocal clarity, and treble offers crisp detail without harshness.

Codec support impresses:

• LDAC (Android hi-res)
• aptX Adaptive/Lossless
• LC3 (Auracast-ready)
• AAC/SBC

Using LDAC on Android devices reveals nuanced instrumentation in complex tracks. The soundstage presents impressive width for true wireless earbuds, though timbre occasionally leans slightly metallic - a common trait with balanced armature drivers at this price.

Practical Performance: Caveats Apply

Microphones perform adequately in quiet environments but struggle with background noise suppression. Voices remain audible in windy conditions, but lack full clarity.

Active Noise Cancellation disappoints. While effective against low-frequency rumbles (like airplane cabins), higher-pitched ambient sounds penetrate noticeably. The manual wind reduction mode helps outdoors, but competitors automate this feature more effectively.

Battery life varies significantly by codec:

• 8.25 hours (aptX Adaptive)
• 6.5 hours (LDAC)
• Matches 12-hour claim only with SBC/AAC

The case supports wireless charging and provides three additional charges.

Verdict: Audiophile Value Proposition

The Air Pro 4+ makes compromises where they matter least to sound enthusiasts. At $76, they deliver audio quality rivaling earbuds twice their price. The codec support alone makes them a standout for Android users seeking hi-res wireless audio.

However, if premium ANC or flawless call quality tops your priority list, alternatives exist. These shine brightest as wireless conduits for exceptional sound - a budget-friendly portal into high-fidelity listening that eclipses their price tag.