Apple today unveiled AirPods 5, available to order now starting at just $129, the new version of its entry-level AirPods.
The biggest takeaway is that — among a sea of Apple price increases — the new AirPods are actually cheaper than ever, despite coming with Active Noise Cancellation as standard, and a few other niceties. Here’s what’s new compared to the outgoing AirPods 4 …
There are two models of AirPods 5, AirPods 5 and AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case. This replaces the old lineup of AirPods 4 and AirPods with ANC models.
We’ll cover the differences in the AirPods 5 line a bit further down, but first here’s what’s new across both models compared to AirPods 5.
Upgraded active noise cancellation
Active noise cancellation is now available on all AirPods 5 models. Customers previously had to spend $179 for AirPods 4 with noise cancellation included, but that is now standard with AirPods 5. So if noise cancellation in an open-ear design is what you cared about most, you just saved $50 compared to the same AirPods options a week ago.
Apple also says that the quality of noise cancellation on AirPods 5 is greatly improved, up to 50 percent better compared to AirPods 4. AirPods 5 noise cancellation uses new algorithms and a new acoustic architecture to achieve this.
Apple claims AirPods 5 offer the best noise cancellation of any earbuds that rest on the ear. (AirPods Pro will still offer the world’s best noise cancellation overall, thanks to their in-ear design with plastic tips that physically plug the ear).
More natural Transparency mode
As well as noise cancellation, Apple has also improved the quality of Transparency mode compared to AirPods 4. Transparency mode helps the user hear the sounds of the world around them, as if their headphones were not in their ears. On AirPods 5, Transparency mode more naturally represents the sounds of voices and nearby environmental sounds.
Improved sound quality
Based on the learnings from AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 5 feature a richer, more detailed sound profile compared to AirPods 4. This is enabled through hardware changes, like the new multiport acoustic system as well as next-generation Adaptive EQ. The acoustic architecture enables Apple to deliver sound more precisely to a range of human ear shapes and sizes, dynamically adjusting how the audio is delivered on the fly for best results.
Better water and dust resistance
Apple has also updated the durability of the AirPods when it comes to water, dust and sweat resistance. The old AirPods 4 had an IP54 rating. The new AirPods 5 boast an IP57 rating, which should make them survive better when exposed to water and the elements, although still not waterproof.
Lower price with ANC included
All of the above new features are included with AirPods 5, priced at just $129. This is the same price as AirPods 4, except now you get all the active noise cancellation features in the base model. The upgraded AirPods 5 is priced at $149, which is $30 less than the old higher-end AirPods 4 option.
What do you get if you upgrade to AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case
For the jump from $129 to $149, you get a few niceties although nothing dramatic. Firstly, the AirPods come with a wireless charging case, supporting both Qi chargers and the Apple Watch charging puck. It also integrates a speaker for use with Find My.
Secondly, you actually get better battery life if you opt for the $149 model. The base $129 configuration offers the same 4 hours of listening time with ANC enabled as the AirPods 4, but the $149 model offers an extra hour of listening on a single charge. Including the case, that means 22 hours of total listening time.
Thirdly, new with AirPods with Wireless Charging Case is a fan-favorite feature from AirPods Pro: the addition of the volume swipe gesture on the stem. This lets you raise or lower the volume just with a quick swipe on the earbud, without needing to reach for your phone or use Siri.
It’s up to you whether these differences are worth the extra $20 at checkout, but nevertheless, it still represents much better value overall than the equivalent AirPods 4 lineup. After today’s introduction, Active Noise Cancellation is now available at a $50 lower price point … and even the more expensive model is still $30 less than AirPods 4.
AirPods 5 are available to pre-order right now from the Apple Store, with first deliveries shipping on September 18.
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