AirPods 5 vs AirPods 4: All the key differences

Apple officially unveiled the AirPods 5 on September 9 during its "Surprise and Shine" iPhone Duo event. These new earbuds come in two versions: a base model with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and a more premium model featuring a wireless charging case and a volume slider on the stem. Both versions run on the H2 Wireless Chip, which delivers personalized spatial audio and live translation capabilities.

The AirPods 5 are priced at $129 (AU$219) for the base model and $149 (AU$249) for the higher-end version, while the older AirPods 4 start at $99 for the base model. However, the more advanced AirPods 4 with ANC remains priced at $149, making the decision to upgrade more straightforward for those in need of ANC.

Design-wise, the AirPods 5 feature an all-new multiport acoustic architecture, but the design differences are subtle. The noteworthy design change is the addition of a touch-capacitive divot on the stems of the AirPods 5, which serves as a volume slider. This feature is reminiscent of the AirPods Pro 3. Additionally, the AirPods 5 with the Wireless Charging Case offer wireless charging, compatible with Qi chargers or USB-C connections.

Controls on both models are managed through touch-sensitive stems, allowing users to differentiate between squeezes and taps for music playback. While some users prefer voice or phone-based controls over touch-based options, the touch functionality provides a convenient alternative.

In terms of sound quality, Apple claims the AirPods 5 will sound better than the AirPods 4 due to its improved sonic architecture. However, sound is subjective, and the author has yet to personally test the new earbuds. Kate Kozuch, a video specialist at Tom's Guide who tested the AirPods 5, noted an improvement in bass, but she personally did not find the difference significant enough to justify an upgrade. For those seeking the best sound quality, the author recommends the more expensive AirPods Pro series.

Battery life on the base AirPods 5 has remained relatively unchanged, with around 5 hours of listening time when ANC is off and 4 hours with it enabled. The AirPods 5 with the Wireless Charging Case, however, boast an additional hour of battery life when ANC is active, thanks to a redesigned battery. While this extra hour may not make or break the experience, it is still not on par with rivals like the Sony WF-1000XM6, which offer around 8 hours of battery life with ANC enabled.