I tested the AirPods 5 — they're $50 cheaper than the AirPods 4 but 100% better

The AirPods 5 are Apple's most recent line of in-ear headphones, priced starting at $124, making them the most affordable AirPods to date. Unlike the AirPods 4, the AirPods 5 come with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), excellent sound quality, and exceptional call quality. Users with Apple Intelligence-enabled devices also gain access to AI features like Live Translation, although this functionality is not available for the AirPods Pro 3, which includes hearing aid and heart rate monitor features.

For iPhone users seeking budget-friendly earbuds without compromising on sound quality, the AirPods 5 are an excellent choice. They offer superior sound compared to the AirPods 4, an affordable price point, and impressive ANC for non-silicone-tip buds. The AirPods 5 are available in two versions: standard and wireless charging case. The wireless charging case model has a slightly longer battery life and wireless charging capabilities, but the sound quality, ANC, call quality, and features remain the same.

The AirPods 5 are currently priced at $124 for the standard charging case model and $149 for the wireless charging case model on Amazon U.S. This represents a significant price drop compared to the AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 ANC, which were initially released at $129 and $179, respectively. The AirPods 5 effectively offer ANC at a $55 discount compared to the AirPods 4, making them a more attractive option from a value perspective.

While cheaper alternatives like the EarFun Air Pro 4+ and CMF by Nothing Buds 2 Pro exist, Apple's pricing remains competitive at $124 and $149.