AirPods 5 start at $129 with Active Noise Cancellation included as standard

Apple has priced AirPods 5 from $129 in the United States, bringing Active Noise Cancellation to the entry-level model rather than restricting the feature to a more expensive version.

A second $149 configuration, AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case, adds longer battery life, wireless charging and volume controls directly on the earbud stems.

That structure differs from expectations before today’s announcement. Reports had suggested Apple could repeat the AirPods 4 strategy by offering one model without ANC and a more expensive version with noise cancellation.

Instead, Apple has made ANC standard across AirPods 5. The company says its redesigned open-ear noise cancellation can remove up to 50 percent more external sound than AirPods 4 with ANC.

The $129 model also includes the new multiport acoustic architecture, next-generation Adaptive EQ, improved Transparency mode, Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Siri AI support and Live Translation.

Moving to the $149 Wireless Charging Case version adds a force sensor capable of volume swipes, so users can adjust playback volume without reaching for their iPhone.

The upgraded model provides up to five hours of listening with ANC enabled and as much as 22 hours when using the case. Its case supports USB-C, Qi wireless charging and Apple Watch chargers.

Apple confirmed the two configurations and prices in its AirPods 5 announcement.

Pre-orders for both versions are open today, with AirPods 5 reaching stores on Friday, September 18.