ZDNET’s comprehensive analysis reveals that the Earfun Air Pro 4+ earbuds—currently available on Amazon at a remarkably affordable price of $99—offer an acoustic experience that far exceeds what one might reasonably expect from this price category. Their performance challenges the notion that budget-friendly earbuds must compromise on richness, depth, or clarity. To fully unlock their sonic potential, users should ensure a proper in-ear seal, as an accurate fit makes a remarkable difference in perceiving the full texture and resonance of the bass response.
Over recent years, ZDNET’s reviewers have consistently observed that Earfun has distinguished itself among manufacturers of accessible, high-performing audio gear. Within the crowded landscape of economical earbuds, the company has repeatedly released models that blend impressive sound quality with affordability. The newest addition to this lineup, the Air Pro 4+, upholds that tradition with admirable finesse—reaffirming Earfun’s reputation for delivering standout quality at minimal cost.
Anyone who has dabbled in the under-$100 audio market knows that results can be unpredictable. Many low-cost models tend to produce sonically flat output, with minimal dynamic expression and a disappointingly narrow soundstage that fails to reproduce the energy or spatial separation heard in higher-end devices. Occasionally, an accompanying app can elevate such earbuds by allowing precise sound customization, yet that alone rarely compensates for fundamental hardware limitations.
It is therefore a rare and gratifying experience to encounter earbuds at this price point that genuinely astonish from the first listen—producing both visceral excitement and analytical satisfaction. The Earfun Air Pro 4+ accomplished exactly that. Upon unboxing, pairing the earbuds with a Pixel 9 Pro smartphone, and launching Spotify, the reviewer chose a well-loved track from their exercise playlist: an enduring progressive rock instrumental that has been part of their listening history since the early 1980s. Despite countless previous plays across decades, the moment the familiar guitar introduction began, the re-discovery was immediate and profound. The clarity of the treble shimmered with precision, while the bass foundation remained simultaneously controlled and powerful—creating a sense of immersion akin to hearing the song anew.
One of the most striking qualities was the sheer breadth of the soundstage. Unlike typical sub-$100 earbuds that compress instruments into a congested sonic field, the Air Pro 4+ allowed each performer’s contribution to occupy its own well-defined space. Every riff, beat, and melodic nuance could be easily discerned without any sense of muddiness or overlap. The separation among instruments provided an almost three-dimensional listening experience normally reserved for far costlier devices.
To further explore their capabilities, the reviewer switched to a distinct genre, selecting a song by Concrete Blonde that introduced a new tonal palette. Here, the Air Pro 4+ captured the depth of the bass guitar with impressive accuracy, preserving the personality of the instrument’s attack and sustain. Lesser earbuds may render bass simply as an indistinct thump, but these managed to convey the musician’s technique, intention, and tonal character. In addition, the vocalist’s singular timbre shone through with remarkable clarity—retaining warmth, emotional presence, and resonance.
Continuing through an extensive playlist that spanned numerous artists and genres, the reviewer attempted to locate even a single track that sounded lackluster through the Air Pro 4+. After more than twenty selections—from the dense and powerful arrangements of Devin Townsend to the atmospheric electronic soundscapes of Purity Ring—every piece emerged both pleasing and detailed. Particularly notable was how delicately the earbuds rendered vocal subtleties, enriching performances that the reviewer thought fully familiar.
While the Air Pro 4+ may not qualify as “audiophile” equipment in the strictest technical sense, they inhabit a different but equally meaningful category that could be described as “musicophile.” This term describes those who experience deep joy from music itself rather than from the pursuit of reference-grade equipment. For listeners who want authentic, high-quality sound without investing an exorbitant sum—or exceeding what their devices can natively support—these earbuds represent an exceptional choice under the hundred-dollar threshold.
In conclusion, ZDNET’s verdict is unequivocal: anyone who truly loves music and wishes to experience it as it was intended, with a balanced blend of nuance, precision, and emotional resonance, should consider the Earfun Air Pro 4+. At just $99, they are an almost unrivaled option, offering superior fidelity at a fraction of the cost of premium models.
Technical specifications further substantiate their value proposition. The Earfun Air Pro 4+ feature a hybrid driver setup combining balanced armature and 10mm dynamic units, delivering Hi-Res Audio certification. The Qualcomm QCC3091 chipset ensures seamless Bluetooth 6.0 connectivity with multipoint capabilities, and they support an impressive array of codecs—including aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, LDAC, LC3, SBC, and AAC. Adaptive Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation employs six microphones enhanced by AI-driven cVc 8.0 noise reduction technology, resulting in crystal-clear calls and minimized ambient intrusion.
Battery performance is equally strong: users can expect up to 12 hours of playback with ANC disabled or 8 hours with ANC active, extending to approximately 54 total hours when using the included charging case. The earbuds support wireless charging, carry an IPX5 water-resistance rating, and integrate thoughtful features like a low-latency gaming mode, Auracast™ broadcast capabilities, Google Fast Pair, and in-ear detection sensors. Weighing a combined 54 grams for both earbuds and their case, they remain comfortably portable yet engineered with precision.
Ultimately, the Earfun Air Pro 4+ succeed in bridging the gap between affordability and fidelity, proving that a modest investment can deliver an unexpectedly premium listening experience.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/ive-tested-dozens-of-budget-earbuds-these-are-the-best-you-can-get-for-99/
