The short version
- Both AirPods 5 models include Active Noise Cancellation. AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case add volume swipe and longer battery life.
- Announced U.S. prices are $129 for AirPods 5 and $149 for AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case.
- Pre-orders began September 9, 2026. Store availability begins Friday, September 18.
Compare AirPods 5 and AirPods 4 features
Feature-by-feature comparison of AirPods 5, AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case, AirPods 4, and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, with a switch to show only the features where AirPods 5 differs from AirPods 4.
The four configurations are AirPods 5, AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case, AirPods 4, and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation.
Noise cancellation and audio changes
In the AirPods 4 generation, Active Noise Cancellation belongs to AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. Both generations use the H2 headphone chip.
Apple’s noise cancellation comparisons
| Active Noise Cancellation claim | Compared with |
|---|---|
| Up to 1.5x more Active Noise Cancellation | AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation |
| Up to 50 percent more external noise removed | AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation |
The 1.5x figure is based on testing in accordance with IEC 60268-24.
The redesigned multiport acoustic architecture and improved computational audio algorithms support the noise cancellation changes. Apple also says the architecture delivers greater depth, clarity, and detail in audio. Next-generation Adaptive EQ adjusts sound to your ear shape across a wider range of frequencies.
Apple describes the updated Transparency mode as reproducing nearby voices and sounds more naturally. Adaptive Audio blends Transparency with Active Noise Cancellation in real time as your surroundings change. Conversation Awareness lowers media volume when you begin speaking to someone nearby and restores it when you finish.
Voice Isolation reduces background noise during calls, including in loud or windy conditions. AirPods 5 also support studio-quality audio recording for voice recordings. Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, and Voice Isolation require a compatible Apple device running the latest operating system software.
Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking creates a three-dimensional listening experience for music, movies, and games. It requires compatible hardware, software, and content in supported apps. Creating your personal profile requires an iPhone with a TrueDepth camera; the profile then syncs across compatible Apple devices running the latest software. Personalized Spatial Audio is unavailable when using other devices.
Battery life with ANC on and off
Apple lists two single-charge figures for each AirPods 5 model: one with Active Noise Cancellation on and one with Noise Control off.
Single-charge and charging-case listening times
| Battery measurement | AirPods 5 | AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case | AirPods 4 | AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single charge | Up to 4 hours with Active Noise Cancellation enabled; up to 6 hours with Noise Control turned off | Up to 5 hours with Active Noise Cancellation enabled; up to 7 hours with Noise Control turned off | Up to 5 hours of listening time | Up to 4 hours with Active Noise Cancellation enabled; up to 5 hours with noise control off |
| Total with charging case | Up to 20 hours with Active Noise Cancellation enabled | Up to 22 hours with Active Noise Cancellation enabled | Up to 30 hours of listening time | Up to 20 hours with Active Noise Cancellation enabled; up to 30 hours with noise control off |
Apple credits a redesigned battery for AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case running one hour longer with Active Noise Cancellation than AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation.
Battery life varies with settings, environment, and usage.
Charging options and Find My
Wireless charging and the Find My case speaker come with AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case and, in the older generation, with AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation.
Charging methods, speakers, and short charges
| Charging feature | AirPods 5 | AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case | AirPods 4 | AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charging methods | USB-C | USB-C, Apple Watch charger, and Qi-certified chargers | USB-C | USB-C, Apple Watch charger, and Qi-certified chargers |
| Case speaker for Find My | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Short charge | 5 minutes in the case provides around 1 hour of battery life | 5 minutes in the case provides around 1 hour of battery life | 5 minutes in the case provides around 1 hour of listening time | 5 minutes in the case provides around 1 hour of listening time |
Find My shows how close your AirPods 5 are and provides separation alerts when they move out of Bluetooth range. On the wireless charging configuration, the case speaker plays a sound to help you locate it. AirPods 5 Find My functionality requires iOS 27 or later.
Dimensions, resistance, and stem controls
AirPods 5 use an open-ear design. Their listed earbud and case dimensions match those of the corresponding AirPods 4 configurations.
Physical specifications across all four models
| Design specification | AirPods 5 | AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case | AirPods 4 | AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Each earbud: height × width × depth | 1.19 × 0.72 × 0.71 inches (30.2 × 18.3 × 18.1 mm) | 1.19 × 0.72 × 0.71 inches (30.2 × 18.3 × 18.1 mm) | 1.19 × 0.72 × 0.71 inches (30.2 × 18.3 × 18.1 mm) | 1.19 × 0.72 × 0.71 inches (30.2 × 18.3 × 18.1 mm) |
| Each earbud: weight | 0.15 ounce (4.3 grams) | 0.15 ounce (4.3 grams) | 0.15 ounce (4.3 grams) | 0.15 ounce (4.3 grams) |
| Case: height × width × depth | 1.82 × 1.97 × 0.83 inches (46.2 × 50.1 × 21.2 mm) | 1.82 × 1.97 × 0.83 inches (46.2 × 50.1 × 21.2 mm) | 1.82 × 1.97 × 0.83 inches (46.2 × 50.1 × 21.2 mm) | 1.82 × 1.97 × 0.83 inches (46.2 × 50.1 × 21.2 mm) |
| Case: weight | 1.14 ounces (32.3 grams) | 1.22 ounces (34.7 grams) | 1.14 ounces (32.3 grams) | 1.22 ounces (34.7 grams) |
| Dust, sweat, and water resistance | IP57 | IP57 | IP54 | IP54 |
| Stem controls | Force sensor | Force sensor with volume swipe | Force sensor | Force sensor |
On AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case, swiping up or down on the stem adjusts volume. Both AirPods 5 configurations support pressing once to play or pause, twice to skip forward, and three times to skip back. Pressing and holding switches listening modes.
Dust, sweat, and water resistance applies to the earbuds and charging case and is intended for non-water sports and exercise. The ratings come from controlled laboratory testing under IEC 60529. Resistance can decrease with normal wear, and the earbuds and case should not be charged while wet.
Siri AI, translation, and software requirements
Siri AI on iPhone supports open-ended questions, brainstorming, and conversational exchanges.
Live Translation lets you hear a conversation in your preferred language. It works on both AirPods 5 models and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, but not on AirPods 4. Setup uses the Translate app and downloaded languages; on AirPods 5, you can then start translation by pressing both stems simultaneously, asking Siri, or using the iPhone Action button.
Siri Interactions let you nod yes or shake your head no when Siri asks about answering a call, hearing a text message, or managing notifications.
Feature requirements and rollout details
| Feature | Requirements and availability |
|---|---|
| Siri AI | Works hands-free on all AirPods. The iPhone beta rolls out with iOS 27 on September 14, 2026, in English first. It is not initially available in the EU and is not available to users under 13. |
| Live Translation | Requires a compatible Apple device running the latest operating system software, compatible AirPods with the latest firmware, and Apple Intelligence turned on. Available in beta, with language and region restrictions. |
| Siri Interactions | Available on all four AirPods 5 and AirPods 4 configurations with a compatible Apple device running the latest operating system software. |
FAQs
Can AirPods 5 work with non-Apple devices or older Apple software?
Yes. AirPods 5 can work as wireless Bluetooth headphones with non-Apple devices and Apple devices running earlier software, with potentially limited functionality.
Is a USB-C Charge Cable included with AirPods 5?
No. The USB-C Charge Cable is sold separately for both AirPods 5 configurations.
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