AirPods 4 vs. AirPods 5 Buyer's Guide
Apple announced the AirPods 5 earlier this month, giving its entry-level earbuds Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) as standard for the first time. The AirPods 5 start at $129, a $149 model adds a Wireless Charging Case, and both versions arrive in stores on Friday, September 18. The launch also resets the way Apple tiers its cheapest earbuds. With the AirPods 4, the $50 step up from $129 to $179…
Apple introduced the AirPods 5 on September 18, 2026, bringing Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to the entry-level earbuds for the first time. The AirPods 5 start at $129, while a $149 model includes a Wireless Charging Case. The launch marks a shift in Apple's pricing strategy for its cheapest earbuds. With the AirPods 4, upgrading from $129 to $179 added ANC and a wireless charging case, whereas the AirPods 5 offer ANC from the beginning with only a $20 step-up to the next tier.
The AirPods 4 (2024) and AirPods 4 with ANC (2024) models were phased out, with the standard model reducing to $99 and the ANC version dropping to $149 on third-party retailers. Key differences between the AirPods 4 and AirPods 5 include ANC performance, improved Transparency mode, Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, and Live Translation features.
The AirPods 5 retain the H2 chip and Bluetooth 5.3, along with the same design, drivers, and dimensions as the AirPods 4. They also feature a redesigned acoustic architecture, updated Adaptive EQ, and Studio-quality audio recording. Noise cancellation is the main upgrade, with the AirPods 5 removing up to 50% more external noise than the AirPods 4 with ANC. The charging case for AirPods 5 offers IP57 resistance, compared to IP54 for the AirPods 4.
For existing AirPods 4 users with ANC, an upgrade may not be necessary, as the AirPods 5 offer improved ANC, a higher IP rating, longer battery life, and swipe volume controls. Those owning the standard AirPods 4 would benefit from the enhanced features in the AirPods 5 at the same price. Those still using the AirPods 3 or AirPods 2 would also find the AirPods 5 upgrade worthwhile, as it includes new features such as Personalized Spatial Audio and the newer H2 chip.
For new buyers, the AirPods 5 are the recommended choice, while those seeking genuine isolation or heart rate sensing during workouts should consider the AirPods Pro 3 priced at $249. Both AirPods 5 models are available for pre-order ahead of their official release on September 18, 2026. Amazon and other third-party retailers often offer significant discounts on AirPods, so it is advisable to compare prices when considering a purchase.
Written by urgent.news from MacRumors's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
