AirPods 5 Announced With Improved Noise Cancellation, Audio Quality, and More - MacRumors
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AirPods 5 Announced With Improved Noise Cancellation, Audio Quality, and More

Apple today introduced AirPods 5, offering Active Noise Cancellation with its entry-level wireless earbuds at a starting price of $129.

airpods 5
Apple says AirPods 5 remove up to 50% more external noise than AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. They also boast a redesigned acoustic architecture and updated Adaptive EQ also promise richer, more detailed sound, and an improved Transparency mode that makes nearby voices and sounds more natural.

Both models include Adaptive Audio, which automatically blends noise cancellation and Transparency mode, as well as Conversation Awareness, which lowers playback volume when the wearer starts speaking. Live Translation is also supported when paired with a compatible iPhone with Apple Intelligence enabled.

A $149 version with a Wireless Charging Case adds swipe-based volume controls on the stems and longer battery life. Apple says this model delivers up to five hours of listening with noise cancellation enabled, or up to 22 hours with the case, which supports Apple Watch and Qi chargers alongside USB-C.

AirPods 5 are available to preorder today, with availability beginning Friday, September 18.

Related Roundup: AirPods 4
Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Caution)
Related Forum: AirPods

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Top Rated Comments

2 hours ago at 10:46 am
What’s the point of releasing two models so close in price? Seems like a waste. What’s $20 when you’re already spending $130? Would’ve been smarter to just release the upgraded model at $150. I guess their analysts know something I don’t.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BJMRamage Avatar
2 hours ago at 10:38 am
the $20 upgraded model seems like an easy upgrade over the $129 base
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Channan Avatar
2 hours ago at 10:37 am
Definitely getting the $149 version. I love my AirPods 4 with ANC but miss the volume swipe feature from my Pros. These will be the perfect AirPods for me.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mistymac Avatar
2 hours ago at 10:44 am
Yessss! Love my 4's with ANC. I can't stand the tips of the Pros. So far this is my favorite announcement.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
GregoryPeckEPA Avatar
2 hours ago at 10:42 am

the $20 upgraded model seems like an easy upgrade over the $129 base
It’s basically the AirPod Pro 2 without the silicon tip. I’m curious how the ANC performs. The biggest issue with their tipless headphones is how they sit. Loose fitting earbuds really messes with the sound quality, especially the bass and lower frequencies.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jtdx99 Avatar
2 hours ago at 10:51 am
Seems like a pretty great product
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)