AirPods 5 replace one of Apple’s most popular accessories with a new generation that makes Active Noise Cancellation standard, improves sound quality and brings deeper Siri AI integration.
At first glance, not much has changed. Apple has kept the familiar open-ear approach rather than moving its regular AirPods towards the silicone ear tips used by AirPods Pro.
The bigger changes are inside, where Apple has introduced a new multiport acoustic architecture, next-generation Adaptive EQ and considerably stronger noise cancellation.
For anyone deciding whether to upgrade from AirPods 4, these are the differences that matter.
Active Noise Cancellation is now standard
The biggest change is Active Noise Cancellation.
With AirPods 4, Apple offered separate versions with and without ANC. This time, Active Noise Cancellation is included as standard with AirPods 5, including the $129 entry model.
Apple has improved the technology at the same time. AirPods 5 can cancel up to 50% more external noise than AirPods 4 with ANC, according to Apple, while retaining the open-ear design without silicone ear tips.
Transparency mode has also been updated to make outside sound feel more natural when users need to hear what is happening around them.
That makes the upgrade particularly significant for anyone using the standard AirPods 4 without ANC. You no longer need to choose a more expensive version of Apple’s regular earbuds just to get noise cancellation.
Apple has redesigned the acoustics
AirPods 5 also make changes to the hardware responsible for the sound itself.
Apple has introduced an all-new multiport acoustic architecture alongside a new generation of Adaptive EQ. The company says the combination delivers a more immersive listening experience and improved overall sound quality.
Adaptive EQ continues to adjust audio based on how the AirPods fit in your ears, while the redesigned acoustic system gives Apple greater control over how sound is delivered.
The improvement may be less dramatic for someone moving from AirPods 4 with ANC than for an owner of much older AirPods, but it is another area where the new generation moves forward.
Siri AI and Live Translation
Software plays a bigger role in AirPods 5 too.
Apple has added deeper hands-free access to Siri AI, making its new assistant a more important part of the AirPods experience.
Live Translation is another addition, allowing AirPods to help users understand conversations across supported languages.
The features depend on compatible Apple hardware, software, languages and regional availability, so not every AirPods 5 owner will necessarily have access to everything from day one.
Our complete AirPods 5 guide covers everything Apple has added to the new generation, including the audio improvements, intelligence features and differences between the two models.
There are two AirPods 5 versions
Apple sells two versions of AirPods 5 in the United States.
Standard AirPods 5 cost $129, while AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case cost $149.
The important difference from AirPods 4 is that both versions now include Active Noise Cancellation. Spending another $20 gets you wireless charging and additional functionality rather than better noise cancellation.
That makes the $129 model considerably more capable than the entry-level AirPods 4 it replaces.
If you are deciding between the two new configurations, we’ve compared AirPods 5 and AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case to explain exactly what the extra $20 gets you.
Should AirPods 4 owners upgrade?
It depends which AirPods 4 you own.
If you already have AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation and are happy with them, there is no pressing need to replace them after a single generation. AirPods 5 offer stronger noise cancellation, improved acoustics and newer intelligence features, but the basic open-ear experience remains familiar.
For owners of the standard AirPods 4, the argument is much stronger.
Active Noise Cancellation alone closes one of the biggest gaps between the two generations, and Apple has improved the effectiveness of ANC rather than simply adding the previous system to the cheaper model. The redesigned acoustics, Adaptive EQ improvements and new Siri features come on top of that.
There is also a third group worth considering: anyone still using AirPods 3 or an older model. For those users, the combination of ANC, improved sound and newer software features makes AirPods 5 a much more substantial upgrade.
AirPods 5 are available to pre-order now starting at $129 and will be released on Friday, September 18.
For AirPods 4 with ANC owners, this is an upgrade you can comfortably skip unless the stronger noise cancellation or new Siri features particularly appeal to you. For anyone with standard AirPods 4, AirPods 5 make a much stronger case.
