Apple has officially introduced the AirPods 5, bringing a notable upgrade to its entry-level wireless earbud lineup without increasing the starting price.
The biggest change is that Apple is no longer offering a separate non-noise-cancelling version. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is now standard on AirPods 5, making this the first generation in the series to include ANC across the lineup.
Prices start at $129, while the version with a wireless charging case costs $149. That means Apple has added a major feature without raising the entry-level price.
AirPods 5 Keep the Familiar Half-In-Ear Design
At first glance, AirPods 5 look largely unchanged from the previous generation. Apple continues to use a semi-in-ear design, rather than switching to silicone ear tips.
This design choice creates an interesting balance. Traditional in-ear earbuds can generally provide stronger passive isolation because their ear tips form a tighter seal, while semi-in-ear earbuds can feel more comfortable during extended listening.
For users who dislike the pressure associated with sealed in-ear headphones, AirPods 5 may therefore offer a more comfortable approach to noise cancellation.
ANC Becomes a Standard Feature
The headline upgrade is active noise cancellation.
Apple says AirPods 5 deliver up to a 50% improvement in noise reduction compared with AirPods 4. Instead of requiring buyers to choose a more expensive noise-cancelling configuration, Apple has made ANC part of the standard AirPods 5 package.
The earbuds also support Adaptive Audio, which can automatically balance Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode according to the surrounding environment.
This makes the AirPods 5 more practical for users who move between quiet indoor spaces, busy streets, public transportation and other changing environments.
Up to 5 Hours of Listening on a Single Charge
With Active Noise Cancellation enabled, AirPods 5 can provide up to five hours of listening time on a single charge.
The charging case extends total listening time to up to 20 hours, giving users several additional charging cycles throughout the day.
While the five-hour figure is not class-leading compared with some larger wireless earbuds, it is reasonable for compact semi-in-ear headphones. The case is also important for users who typically listen in shorter sessions and recharge the earbuds between uses.
IP57 Protection Adds More Durability
AirPods 5 also receive an IP57 rating, giving the earbuds greater protection against dust and water exposure than many basic wireless earbuds.
That additional durability could be useful for everyday activities such as commuting, walking or exercising. However, an IP rating should not be interpreted as making the earbuds suitable for every type of water exposure.
Apple Intelligence Features Expand Their Role
The new AirPods 5 also support several Apple Intelligence-related features, including real-time translation and access to broader knowledge-based functions.
This reflects Apple’s wider strategy of turning its earbuds into more than simple audio accessories. With tighter integration between hardware, software and Apple’s AI features, AirPods can increasingly serve as a hands-free interface for information and communication.
The usefulness of these features will naturally depend on device compatibility, supported languages and Apple’s software ecosystem.
AirPods 5 Price and Availability
Apple is keeping the entry price at $129, despite adding Active Noise Cancellation as a standard feature.
The pricing is:
- AirPods 5: $129
- AirPods 5 with wireless charging case: $149
The decision to maintain the previous starting price makes ANC the most significant value improvement in this generation.
What Makes AirPods 5 Different?
The AirPods 5 are not a dramatic redesign, but Apple has focused the upgrade on features that can have a noticeable effect on everyday use.
The combination of standard ANC, Adaptive Audio, a comfortable semi-in-ear design, IP57 protection and Apple Intelligence features gives the new earbuds a broader feature set without moving the starting price above $129.
For users who prioritize comfort and want noise cancellation without the tighter fit of traditional in-ear earbuds, AirPods 5 could be one of the more interesting additions to Apple’s audio lineup.