Apple just held its annual September product launch event, and several brand-new devices have been unveiled. In addition to a new lineup of iPhones, Apple announced its latest earbuds: the AirPods 5. They’re available with a wired or wireless charging case, and preorders are now open through retailers like Amazon.
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The biggest news is that both versions of the AirPods 5 now include active noise cancellation (ANC), a feature that was previously missing from the base AirPods 4. Even better, the starting price remains the same as before, at $129. This makes the base AirPods 5 Apple’s cheapest noise-canceling earbuds so far.
Like the AirPods 4, the AirPods 5 use a semi-open fit, which is a better match for people who dislike the feel of the pricier AirPods Pro’s in-ear tips. However, Apple has made some tweaks under the hood for improved sound quality, noise cancellation, and durability. My team will be testing the AirPods 5 soon for a full review, but here’s what we know so far about their price, specs, new features, and how to preorder.
Apple AirPods 5 price and preorder details
Apple’s new AirPods 5 now support active noise cancellation in the base model. They also promise improved durability and enhanced sound quality.
This step-up version of the AirPods 5 includes a wireless charging case and longer battery life than the standard model. It also has on-stem swiping controls for volume.
You can preorder the AirPods 5 now from retailers like Amazon. The AirPods 5 will be available in stores starting September 18.
The base AirPods 5 cost $129, the same starting price as the previous-generation AirPods 4. That’s notable since the new AirPods 5 now support active noise cancellation on the base model. You previously had to pay extra to get that feature.
Meanwhile, the step-up AirPods 5 with wireless charging case cost $149, which is actually $30 less than the launch price of the AirPods 4 with wireless charging case.
Of course, it’s key to remember that the AirPods 4 are rarely sold at full retail price. The base model without ANC often goes for around $99 to $119, and the wireless-charging model with ANC is usually around $149 to $169. But with those common deals in mind, it’s likely that the new AirPods 5 will receive similar discounts over the coming months.
What’s new about the AirPods 5?
Like the AirPods 4, the AirPods 5 feature a semi-open fit, so they rest just outside your ear canal. Some people prefer this style instead of in-ear buds, like the AirPods Pro 3, since it doesn’t create a plugged-in feeling and lets you hear more of your surroundings. But while the core design is the same as before, Apple has tweaked the AirPods 5’s acoustic architecture and added a few new features.
- Upgraded ANC: Apple says the AirPods 5 deliver up to a 50% increase in noise reduction over the AirPods 4 with ANC. This is achieved through the earbuds’ revised architecture and use of new computational audio algorithms. In addition, ANC is now available on the base model, rather than being exclusive to the step-up model with a wireless charging case.
- Improved sound quality: The AirPods 5 use a new multiport acoustic architecture and revamped Adaptive EQ, which Apple says will enable better sound quality that suits a wider range of ear shapes.
- Enhanced durability: The AirPods 5 now feature an IP57 rating for dust, sweat, and water resistance, compared to the AirPods 4’s IP54 rating. This means the AirPods 5 can handle temporary drops in shallow water. This rating now matches that of the pricier AirPods Pro 3.
- Live translation added to base model: The new base AirPods 5 now support Live Translation with a compatible iPhone, which was previously available only on the step-up AirPods 4 with ANC. They also support various Apple Intelligence functions and Siri AI, which will be available in beta when iOS 27 launches later this month.
We’re excited to put the AirPods 5’s ANC, sound quality, and other features to the test to see if they really live up to Apple’s claims, so be sure to check back for our full review. For now, you can learn more about Apple’s current lineup of headphones in our complete guide to the best AirPods.
What’s different about the AirPods 5 with wireless charging case?
The AirPods 5 are available in two editions: one with a wired charging case for $129 and one with a wireless charging case for $149. Aside from the case, the more expensive model has a few other improvements.
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- Longer battery life: The AirPods 5 with wireless charging case support five hours of playback with ANC, while the base AirPods 5 support four hours of playback with ANC. The wireless charging case also provides more battery life, with up to 22 hours versus 20 hours on the wired charging case.
- On-stem volume control: You can swipe up and down on the stem of the AirPods 5 with wireless charging case to adjust the volume. This feature isn’t supported on the base AirPods 5 model.
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