EarFun Air Pro 4: AptX Lossless Meets LDAC in a Budget Killer
If you're shopping for truly wireless earbuds that pack premium codecs without the premium price, the EarFun Air Pro 4 is a standout contender. It uniquely supports both Qualcomm's aptX Lossless for Android and Sony's LDAC for high-res audio, making it one of the most versatile codec-supporting earbuds under ₹10,000. This guide will help you decide if its hybrid adaptive noise cancellation, 52-hour total battery life, and AI-enhanced 6-mic call quality are worth your investment.
Key Considerations Before Buying
- Codec Compatibility: The Air Pro 4 supports aptX Lossless (for Snapdragon-powered Android phones) and LDAC (for high-res streaming). Ensure your smartphone supports one of these to unlock true lossless or hi-res audio—otherwise, you're limited to standard AAC/SBC.
- Noise Cancellation Realism: With hybrid adaptive ANC, the earbuds adjust cancellation in real-time based on your environment. While effective for low-frequency hums like engines or fans, it may not eliminate sudden, high-pitched noises as well as premium competitors like the Sony WF-1000XM5.
- Fit and Seal: The earbuds come with multiple ear tip sizes, but achieving a perfect seal is critical for both bass response and ANC performance. If you have unusually small or large ear canals, you may need to experiment with foam tips (not included) for optimal isolation.
What Our Analysts Recommend
In this price segment, look for earbuds that pair advanced codecs with a stable Bluetooth 5.4 connection—the EarFun Air Pro 4 delivers both. Also, verify that the advertised 52-hour battery life is with the charging case and at moderate volume; real-world usage with ANC on typically yields closer to 8-10 hours per charge, which is still solid.
In-Ear Market Context
Market Overview
The Indian true wireless earbuds market is fiercely competitive, with brands like OnePlus, Realme, and Samsung dominating the sub-₹5,000 space, while Sony and Bose command the premium tier. EarFun, a relative newcomer, has carved a niche by offering premium codec support and robust ANC at mid-range prices, appealing to audiophiles on a budget.
Common Issues
Common pain points in this category include inconsistent ANC performance across different ear shapes, subpar call quality in windy conditions, and battery degradation over time. The EarFun Air Pro 4 addresses the call issue with a 6-mic AI setup, but users report that wind noise reduction could be better.
Quality Indicators
For earbuds in the ₹8,000-₹12,000 range, look for IPX5 water resistance (sweat/light rain), multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, and a low-latency gaming mode. The Air Pro 4 checks all these boxes, plus its 2024 VGP Award adds a layer of industry validation for sound quality and design.
Review Authenticity Insights
Grade A Interpretation
With a Review Authenticity Grade of B and an estimated 10% fake review rate, the EarFun Air Pro 4's review pool is largely trustworthy but not flawless. This means roughly 1 in 10 reviews may be incentivized or non-genuine, which is below average for the electronics category—a positive sign overall.
Trust Recommendation
You can rely on the aggregate 4.44/5 rating as a general indicator, but cross-reference the 4.20/5 adjusted rating for a more conservative view. Focus on reviews that mention specific usage scenarios (e.g., 'using with a OnePlus 12 for aptX Lossless') to filter out generic praise.
Tips for Reading Reviews
When reading reviews for earbuds, prioritize those that detail fit comfort, ANC effectiveness in specific environments (e.g., 'on a Delhi metro'), and codec performance. Be wary of overly short reviews with no personal context—they are more likely to be fake. Also, check for recent reviews to spot any firmware issues.
Expert Perspective
The EarFun Air Pro 4 delivers exceptional value by bringing aptX Lossless and LDAC to a price point where most competitors offer only AAC or basic aptX. Its hybrid adaptive ANC is competitive but not class-leading, and the 6-mic AI call system handles indoor calls well but struggles in windy outdoor conditions. The 2024 VGP Award underscores its strong audio performance, making it a top pick for Android users who prioritize codec support over absolute noise cancellation.
Purchase Considerations
If you own a Snapdragon-powered Android phone (e.g., OnePlus, Samsung, Xiaomi flagships), the aptX Lossless support is a game-changer for CD-quality wireless audio. However, if you're an iPhone user, you won't benefit from LDAC or aptX—so you're paying for features you can't use, and you'd be better off with AirPods or alternatives like the Nothing Ear (2). Also, consider your tolerance for a slightly larger case; the Air Pro 4's case is pocketable but not ultra-compact.
Comparing Alternatives
Shoppers should compare the EarFun Air Pro 4 with the Nothing Ear (2) for a more stylish design and better ANC, or the Sony WF-C700N for superior noise cancellation at a similar price, though neither offers aptX Lossless.
