Apple quietly updated one of its most popular product lines at the September 9 event — the AirPods 5 are here, and they come in two variants with meaningfully better noise cancellation, new AI audio features, and a lower price than you might expect.
Two Models, Both With ANC
Unlike the AirPods 4, which required upgrading to the more expensive model to get Active Noise Cancellation, both AirPods 5 models come with ANC as standard. Apple has improved the ANC significantly — both models deliver 50% better noise cancellation than the previous AirPods 4 with ANC.
The more premium model adds Volume Swipe — the on-stem swipe gesture previously exclusive to AirPods Pro — and a wireless charging case with a longer battery life of up to 22 hours total including the case.
Audio Intelligence & Siri AI
Both AirPods 5 models support the new Audio Intelligence feature — Apple's on-device AI that identifies sounds around you (sirens, alarms, doorbells) and alerts you without breaking your listening experience. Combined with Siri AI, you can have fully hands-free AI conversations during a walk or commute.
Live Translation — previously exclusive to AirPods Pro — is now available on both AirPods 5 models. Speak to someone in a different language and your AirPods translate in real time.
Next-generation Adaptive EQ continuously reshapes the sound based on the fit of the earbud in your ear, promising more consistent audio quality across different users.
Battery Life
The standard AirPods 5 offer 4 hours of listening with the earbuds alone, and 20 hours total with the case. The premium model with the wireless charging case extends this to 22 hours. These figures are comparable to the outgoing AirPods 4.
Pricing
The standard AirPods 5 start at $129 USD — the same as the entry-level AirPods 4. The premium model with Volume Swipe and wireless charging case is priced at $149 USD, which is actually less than the AirPods 4 with ANC were at launch. Good value overall.
| Feature | AirPods 5 | AirPods 5 (Premium) |
|---|---|---|
| ANC | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| ANC Improvement | 50% better than AirPods 4 ANC | |
| Live Translation | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Audio Intelligence | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Adaptive EQ | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Volume Swipe | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Wireless Charging | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Battery (buds + case) | 4 + 20 hrs | 4 + 22 hrs |
| Price | $129 USD | $149 USD |
Worth Buying?
If you're still on AirPods 3 or older, the AirPods 5 are a clear upgrade — ANC, Live Translation, and Audio Intelligence are all genuinely useful additions. If you're on AirPods 4 with ANC, the improvement is more incremental, though the 50% ANC boost and Audio Intelligence may be worth it for heavy commuters.
The standard model at $129 is excellent value. Unless you specifically want Volume Swipe or wireless charging, the extra $20 for the premium model is optional.
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