Apple's AirPods 5 Offer Better ANC and Volume Controls at a Lower Price

Apple has introduced the AirPods 5, selling the premium version with a wireless-charging case for $149, which is $30 less than the previous AirPods 4 with ANC. The new buds deliver modestly better active noise cancellation, thanks to redesigned internal acoustics and denser mesh, and finally include swipe-based volume controls on the stem—a feature missing from earlier non-Pro models. Both the $149 and the $129 base version support adaptive audio, transparency mode, live translation when paired with an iPhone 15 Pro or later, and an improved IP57 water-resistance rating.

Sound quality sees a boost in bass response and vocal clarity, and iOS 27 adds a three-band EQ for fine-tuning. However, battery life is below average, offering roughly five hours with ANC and a total case capacity of 22 hours, less than the prior generation. While cheaper alternatives like the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC and Nothing Ear 3A provide comparable noise cancellation, they lack the seamless Apple ecosystem integration and the open-ear design that some users prefer.