The short version
- AirPods 5 cost $129 in the U.S.
- AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case cost $149 and add wireless charging, a Find My speaker, volume swipe, and longer battery life.
- Both models include Active Noise Cancellation.
- Both are available to pre-order, with in-store availability beginning September 18, 2026.
What changes between the two AirPods 5 models
Both models use stem presses to manage playback and calls, with a press-and-hold gesture to switch listening modes.
U.S. prices and model differences
| Feature | AirPods 5 | AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. price | $129 | $149 |
| Stem controls | Force sensor | Force sensor with volume swipe |
| Earbud battery life on a single charge, Active Noise Cancellation enabled | Up to 4 hours | Up to 5 hours |
| Earbud listening time on a single charge, Noise Control off | Up to 6 hours | Up to 7 hours |
| Total battery life with charging case, Active Noise Cancellation enabled | Up to 20 hours | Up to 22 hours |
| Case charging | USB-C connector | USB-C connector, Apple Watch charger, or Qi-certified chargers |
| Case speaker for Find My | No | Yes |
| Case weight | 1.14 ounces (32.3 grams) | 1.22 ounces (34.7 grams) |
On AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case, you adjust volume by swiping up or down on the stem.
Compare the AirPods features you care about
Feature picker: tick the features you care about to see whether AirPods 5 ($129) or AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case ($149) has each one.
Apple credits a redesigned battery for this model’s single-charge playback with Active Noise Cancellation running one hour longer than on AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation.
Both models have an open-ear design and the H2 headphone chip. Each earbud measures 1.19 inches (30.2 mm) high, 0.72 inch (18.3 mm) wide, and 0.71 inch (18.1 mm) deep. Each weighs 0.15 ounce (4.3 grams).
The shared audio hardware includes a Custom high-excursion Apple driver, a Custom high dynamic range amplifier, and a Vent system for pressure equalization. Both have Dual beamforming microphones and an Inward-facing microphone.
Adaptive Audio blends Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency as your surroundings change. Conversation Awareness lowers media volume when you start speaking to someone nearby. Both models also include Voice Isolation to reduce background noise during calls, Adaptive EQ to tune sound to your ears, and Studio-quality audio recording.
Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking is included on both models. It requires compatible hardware, software, and content in supported apps. Creating a personalized profile requires an iPhone with TrueDepth camera; the profile syncs across compatible Apple devices.
Siri and Live Translation requirements
Both models respond to “Hey Siri” or just “Siri”. Voice activation requires a compatible device running supported, current software and internet access, with availability varying by language and region. Siri Interactions lets you nod yes or shake your head no to respond to prompts about calls, messages, and notifications.
Siri AI is available in beta in iOS 27 and requires an Apple Intelligence-enabled device set to a supported language. It starts in English, and usage limits may apply. Initial availability excludes the EU on iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS.
Live Translation is available in beta on both models. It requires compatible Apple devices running the latest operating system software, compatible AirPods with the latest firmware, and Apple Intelligence turned on. Language and regional availability vary.
USB-C charging requires a compatible USB-C charger. Neither model includes a USB-C Charge Cable or power adapter. Wireless charging accessories are also separate from the included earbuds, charging case, and documentation.
Both cases measure 1.82 inches (46.2 mm) high, 1.97 inches (50.1 mm) wide, and 0.83 inch (21.2 mm) deep.
Both the earbuds and their charging cases carry an IP57 rating for dust, sweat, and water resistance for non-water sports and exercise. Resistance can decrease with normal wear. Do not charge them when wet.
Find My functionality requires iOS 27 or later. The wireless charging case’s speaker lets you play a sound to help locate the case.
Battery ratings and five-minute charging
Single-charge ratings measure the earbuds; totals with the charging case include repeated earbud recharging. Battery life varies with settings, environment, and usage.
Apple rates both models for around 1 hour of battery life after 5 minutes in the case.
FAQs
Does either AirPods 5 model support Lossless Audio?
No. Neither AirPods 5 nor AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case includes Lossless Audio.
Does either model include Hearing Test, Hearing Aid, or Hearing Protection?
No. Neither model includes the Hearing Test, Hearing Aid, or Hearing Protection features.
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