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Apple packed its September event with its first foldable iPhone and shiny new Apple Watches, but the real sleeper hit might be hanging right in your ears. The fifth-generation AirPods lower the price of admission for active noise cancellation while adding key design tweaks over their predecessor. But if you already have the AirPods 4 in your pocket, is this new entry-level model actually worth the swap? Let's break down the specs.
Full Specs
| Apple AirPods 5 | Apple AirPods 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | ||
| Type | Open-style earbuds | Open-style earbuds |
| Wireless | ||
| Wireless | ||
| True Wireless | ||
| True Wireless | ||
| Connection Type | ||
| Connection Type | Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
| Water/Sweat-Resistant | ||
| Water/Sweat-Resistant | ||
| Active Noise Cancellation | ||
| Active Noise Cancellation | ||
Price: More Features for Less Cash
Don't let the matching $129 sticker price fool you—the AirPods 5 give you way more bang for your buck. To get active noise cancellation (ANC) on the AirPods 4, you had to fork over an extra $50 for the upgraded model.
With the AirPods 5, ANC comes standard. While adding wireless charging to the base AirPods 5 case will cost you an extra $20, a fully specced-out pair tops out at $149, compared with the maxed-out AirPods 4 at $179. Skip the wireless charging case altogether, and the savings are even bigger.
Winner: AirPods 5
Sound Quality: Promised Upgrades, Awaiting Real-World Tests
This is the most important question for any pair of earphones, and it's one we can't answer until we actually test the AirPods 5 ourselves. Apple claims the new AirPods have a different multiport acoustic architecture and improved Adaptive EQ audio processing for "richer, more detailed sound across an even wider range of ear geometries." It could translate to better audio performance, but that's not exactly certain. And since both generations of AirPods use Apple's H2 chip and share the same AI features, the AirPods 5's upgraded Adaptive EQ could be added to the AirPods 4 if it is effective.
Winner: TBD
Noise Cancellation: A Massive 150% Jump in Silence
This is easily the biggest leap forward for the base AirPods. Beyond making active noise cancellation standard, Apple claims the AirPods 5 block out 150% more noise than the ANC-equipped AirPods 4. Because they maintain an open-fit design, they still won't match the vacuum-like isolation of the silicone-tipped AirPods Pro 3. However, compared with their open-ear predecessor, the noise cancellation upgrade is undeniable.
Winner: AirPods 5
Battery Life: Don't Let the Spec Sheet Fool You
On paper, the AirPods 4 claim up to five hours of listening time while the AirPods 5 quote four hours—but context matters. The AirPods 4 only last five hours with Active Noise Cancellation turned off (or on the entry-level model that lacks ANC entirely). Flip ANC on, and their battery life drops to the exact same four-hour mark as the AirPods 5. Disable ANC on the new pair, and you'll likely reclaim that missing hour. When comparing apples to apples, battery life is essentially a wash.
Winner: Tie
Durability: Ready for Workouts, Downpours, and Dips
This upgrade is a pleasant surprise to see in the AirPods 5, especially for anyone who wants to work out or run while wearing them. The new AirPods have an IP57 rating, meaning they're effectively sealed against dust and water, and can even be submerged. The previous generation was IP54, meaning they could handle splashes but not much else. The AirPods 5 can handle downpours and rinsing in the sink without issue.
Winner: AirPods 5
Controls: Finally, Swipe-to-Adjust Volume
Waterproofing isn't the only new trick for this generation of AirPods. The stems now have an upgraded force-based touch sensor that lets you adjust volume by swiping up and down on them. The AirPods 4 only handle taps.
Winner: AirPods 5
And The Winner Is...
Apple AirPods 5
Unless you get a massive clearance discount on a lingering pair of AirPods 4, there is zero reason to buy the older model. The AirPods 5 give you standard noise cancellation, tougher water and dust protection, and seamless swipe controls for less money than a specced-out fourth-gen pair cost at launch. Real-world audio tests will prove just how big the acoustic leap is, but on value, durability, and convenience alone, the AirPods 5 take the crown in a landslide.
