ZDNET’s key takeaways
- AirPods 5 start at $129, with a $149 wireless-charging model.
- Both AirPods 5 models now include active noise cancellation.
- AirPods 5 offer up to five hours of battery life in the buds.
The AirPods 5 are here, and the earbuds are a completely and utterly fine upgrade. That’s not a bad thing.
Apple unveiled the AirPods 5 at its annual iPhone event, and they come in two models. The standard model ($129) includes a regular charging case, while the $149 model includes a wireless charging case, on-earbud volume control, and longer battery life. For comparison, the two AirPods 4 models cost $129 and $179, making this year’s higher-end model $30 cheaper.
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The AirPods 5 standard model comes with four hours of battery life in the buds and 20 hours in the case, while the $149 AirPods 5 offer five hours of battery life in the buds and 22 hours in the case. Both the standard model and the $149 pair get active noise cancellation, unlike in previous years, when the cheaper model went without it. Apple said it’s improved noise-cancellation quality by 1.5 times in the AirPods 5.
Kerry Wan/ZDNETThe earbuds look the same as the AirPods 4 and, despite some fun touches, namely Live Translation, improved ANC, and Siri AI, remain mostly the same as their predecessors.
I don’t think this update is a bad one, even if it’s a bit simple. The price of the more premium $149 AirPods 5 is lower than the price of the premium AirPods 4 pair that Apple unveiled in 2024.
ANC is no longer a premium feature
Active noise cancellation is no longer a premium feature. I’ve tested enough premium and budget-friendly earbuds to know that some of the best noise-canceling earbuds can cost as little as $40 or $50. It is, however, a supremely useful feature for focus and clarity in a noisy world.
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I’m glad that this next generation of AirPods makes ANC as accessible as ever. Once I began using earbuds or headphones with ANC during my gym sessions or work meetings, it was hard to imagine functioning without them. And the ANC on the AirPods Pro 3 is so good that I often put the earbuds in without listening to music or podcasts — I simply appreciate having reduced noise in a noisy subway car or crowded gym.
Think about the number of college students on a budget who will now be able to use Apple earbuds with noise cancellation as they study — or the average Joe who would have never bought a pair of $250 AirPods Pro 3 but can now use one of Apple’s best audio features.
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It also makes me even more excited about whatever Apple unveils in its AirPods Pro 4 next year. If noise cancellation is no longer a sellable feature for the premium tier of earbuds, what will be? Recent leaks indicate that the next generation of AirPods Pro might include some cameras. That’s pretty cool — and it hints at a more advanced and impressive future for a piece of tech we stick in our ears.
Pricing and availability
You can preorder the AirPods 5 today. They will be available on Sept. 18.
