Apple’s AirPods 5, announced on September 9, 2026, represent a significant shift in the company’s audio strategy. For the first time, active noise cancellation (ANC) is standard across the entire AirPods lineup, including the most affordable open-ear model. Combined with a price cut and meaningful upgrades, the AirPods 5 may be the most compelling earbuds Apple has released in years.
What AirPods 5 Can Do
The AirPods 5 retain the open-ear, stem-based design of the AirPods 4 but introduce a redesigned multiport acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ, inspired by the AirPods Pro 3. ANC performance is up to 50% better than the AirPods 4 with ANC, thanks to improved computational audio algorithms. New features include hands-free Siri access via head gestures, Live Translation support, and Adaptive Audio, which dynamically blends ANC and Transparency mode. The $149 model adds on-stem volume control via swipe gestures—a first for open-ear AirPods—along with a wireless charging case. Durability has improved to IP57, meaning the buds and case can survive brief water submersion.
The Pros
The value proposition is outstanding. The AirPods 5 deliver solid noise reduction despite lacking an ear seal, comfortable fit for extended wear, and support for Live Translation and Adaptive Audio. Battery life on the $149 model reaches 5 hours with ANC on, extending to 22 hours with the case—one hour more than the previous generation. At $149, the premium AirPods 5 undercut the equivalent AirPods 4 by $30, making ANC more accessible than ever. Mashable awarded the AirPods 5 a 4.5/5 score, calling them “as good as the AirPods Pro 3” in many ways.
The Cons
The open-ear design is the biggest trade-off. Users who prefer a secure in-ear seal may find the fit less stable, and passive noise isolation is essentially nonexistent. The $129 base model omits the wireless charging case and on-stem volume control—features many users will miss. For the same reason, bass response and overall isolation cannot match the AirPods Pro 3, whose ANC is three times more effective.
Pricing: Free vs. Paid
There is no free version of AirPods 5. Apple offers two paid tiers. The standard model costs $129 and includes a USB-C charging case, four hours of ANC listening per charge, and 20 hours total with the case. The upgraded model costs $149 and adds a wireless charging case (compatible with Apple Watch chargers and Qi pads), on-stem volume control, five hours of ANC listening, and 22 hours total. The $20 premium is widely considered worth it for the volume control alone.
Who Should Buy AirPods 5
The AirPods 5 are ideal for iPhone users who want ANC without paying Pro-level prices, commuters and frequent flyers who need noise reduction in a comfortable open-ear design, and anyone upgrading from AirPods 2 or 3. They are less suited for users who demand maximum noise isolation, deep bass, or the hearing-health features found exclusively in the AirPods Pro 3.
The Bottom Line
The AirPods 5 flip the usual Apple upgrade dynamic: the non-Pro model is now so good that the Pro tier is harder to justify for casual listeners. At $149, they offer ANC, solid sound, improved durability, and a lower price than their predecessor. If you own AirPods 4 with ANC, the upgrade is incremental. But if you are still on AirPods 2 or 3, or have never experienced ANC in an open-ear design, the AirPods 5 are the best value in Apple’s audio lineup.