Earbuds · Model guide · Maker specs
AirPods 5
Get AirPods 5 if you want open-ear AirPods with noise cancelling for $129; on AirPods 4, only the $179 model had it.
Product images
AirPods 5, from its Amazon listing.
Credit: Amazon.com (Associates Program). Amazon listing
Product image from the Amazon listing.
In short
Get AirPods 5 if you want open-ear AirPods with noise cancelling for $129; on AirPods 4, only the $179 model had it. Apple says they remove up to 50 percent more noise than AirPods 4 with ANC. The $149 model adds an hour per charge, stem volume swipes, a Find My speaker and wireless charging. Skip them for AirPods Pro 3 ($249) if you want a sealed fit or Hearing Aid.
Who it is for
- iPhone owners who can't get on with ear tips. AirPods 5 sit in the ear without a seal, in one size, and both models still cancel noise, with Transparency for when you need to hear the street.
- Anyone who passed on AirPods 4 because noise cancelling meant paying $179. It's standard from $129 now, and the Wireless Charging Case model costs $149.
- Gym-goers and commuters who sweat or get rained on. The buds and the case are both rated IP57 against dust, sweat and water.
- Travelers who want Live Translation in their ears, using an iPhone with Apple Intelligence.
Who should skip it
- Anyone looking to their earbuds for hearing help. Apple's Hearing Test, Hearing Aid and Hearing Protection run on AirPods Pro 2 and Pro 3, not AirPods 5.
- Listeners who want a seal and the longest battery life Apple quotes with noise cancelling on. That's AirPods Pro 3 at $249, with foam-infused tips in five sizes.
- Android users who care about codecs. Apple lists neither LDAC nor Samsung's SSC, and on an Android phone AirPods 5 are basic Bluetooth earbuds.
What sets it apart
- Noise cancelling at $129. AirPods 4 kept it for the $179 model; every AirPods 5 has Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency and Conversation Awareness.
- Apple claims the industry's best noise cancelling in an open-ear design, up to 1.5× what AirPods 4 with ANC manages.
- A redesigned multiport acoustic architecture that Apple says was inspired by AirPods Pro 3, tuned by next-generation Adaptive EQ.
- On the $149 model, the first volume swipe on open-ear AirPods, plus a case speaker for Find My and charging from an Apple Watch charger or Qi pad.
Caveats
- With noise cancelling on, the $129 model runs up to 4 hours per charge and the $149 model up to 5, so a long listening day means trips back to the case.
- Live Translation and Siri AI are betas with region and language limits, and both need an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence.
- The $129 model's case charges only by USB-C, and Apple lists no cable in either box.
Key specs
In the same order on every earbuds page, so you can compare pairs.
| Spec | Value | Source and notes |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | Open-ear stem, no silicone tips | Apple AirPods 5 product page and tech specs |
| Fit / tips / wings | One size; no tips or wings to swap | Apple AirPods 5 product page and tech specsApple promises “all-day comfort and fit in an open-ear design.” |
| Driver / acoustic architecture | Custom high-excursion Apple driver; custom high dynamic range amplifier; vent system for pressure equalization; redesigned multiport acoustic architecture; next-generation Adaptive EQ | Apple AirPods 5 tech specs; Apple Newsroom, 2026-09-09Apple says the multiport design was inspired by AirPods Pro 3 and re-engineered for an open fit. |
| Chip / processor | Apple H2 headphone chip in both models | Apple AirPods 5 tech specsApple lists no Ultra Wideband chip in either case. |
| Active noise cancellation | Active Noise Cancellation and Adaptive Audio on both models; up to 1.5× the noise cancelling of AirPods 4 with ANC, or up to 50 percent more outside noise removed | Apple AirPods 5 product page; Apple Newsroom, 2026-09-09Apple's figures, tested to IEC 60268-24; it calls the result the industry's best noise cancelling in an open-ear design. |
| Transparency / ambient | Transparency; Conversation Awareness; Adaptive Audio blends Transparency with noise cancelling | Apple AirPods 5 tech specs; Apple Newsroom, 2026-09-09Apple says the new Transparency “more naturally represents voices and nearby sounds.” |
| Spatial / 360 audio | Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking; Adaptive EQ | Apple AirPods 5 tech specsYou make the personal profile on an iPhone with a TrueDepth camera, and it works only with compatible content on Apple devices. |
| Hearing features | None on AirPods 5; Apple lists them for AirPods Pro 2 and Pro 3 only | Apple AirPods 5 tech specs; Apple AirPods compareThat covers Hearing Test, Hearing Aid and Hearing Protection; for accessibility, AirPods 5 have Live Listen, Headphone levels and Headphone Accommodations. |
| Battery — buds | USB-C model: up to 4 hours with ANC, 6 with noise control off. Wireless Charging Case model: up to 5 hours with ANC, 7 with noise control off | Apple AirPods 5 tech specsApple tested in July and August 2026 with 256 kbps AAC at 50% volume on a preproduction iPhone 18 Pro. |
| Battery — with case | USB-C model: up to 20 hours with ANC. Wireless Charging Case model: up to 22 hours with ANC | Apple AirPods 5 tech specs |
| Charging | USB-C on both cases; 5 minutes in the case gives about 1 hour of battery life; no cable listed in the box | Apple AirPods 5 tech specs |
| Wireless charging | USB-C model: no. Wireless Charging Case model: Apple Watch charger or Qi-certified chargers | Apple AirPods 5 tech specsApple doesn't mention MagSafe for either case. |
| Water / dust — buds | IP57 (IEC 60529): dust, sweat and water resistant for non-water sports and exercise | Apple AirPods 5 tech specsThe protection isn't permanent, and it doesn't cover swimming. |
| Water / dust — case | IP57 (IEC 60529), same as the buds | Apple AirPods 5 tech specs |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Apple AirPods 5 tech specs |
| Microphones / calls | Dual beamforming microphones; inward-facing microphone; Voice Isolation; studio-quality audio recording | Apple AirPods 5 tech specs |
| On-bud controls | Force sensor: press once to play, pause, answer or use the camera remote; twice to skip or end a call; three times to go back; press and hold to switch listening modes. “Siri” or “Hey Siri”; nod or shake for Siri Interactions. Volume swipe on the Wireless Charging Case model only | Apple AirPods 5 tech specs |
| Multipoint / device switching | Automatic switching between devices on the same Apple Account; pauses when you take a bud out | Apple AirPods 5 product page and tech specsApple doesn't name a two-device multipoint mode for non-Apple phones. |
| Sensors | Dual beamforming microphones; inward-facing microphone; optical in-ear sensor; motion-detecting accelerometer; speech-detecting accelerometer; force sensor (with volume swipe on the Wireless Charging Case model) | Apple AirPods 5 tech specs |
| Weight — one bud | 4.3 g (0.15 oz) | Apple AirPods 5 tech specs |
| Weight — case | 32.3 g (1.14 oz) USB-C case; 34.7 g (1.22 oz) Wireless Charging Case | Apple AirPods 5 tech specs |
| Dimensions — one bud | 30.2 × 18.3 × 18.1 mm (H × W × D), the same as AirPods 4 | Apple AirPods 5 tech specs |
| Dimensions — case | 46.2 × 50.1 × 21.2 mm (H × W × D) | Apple AirPods 5 tech specs |
| Finishes | White; Apple shows no other color for AirPods 5 | Apple AirPods 5 tech specs; Apple AirPods compareThe Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple and Orange on Apple's AirPods compare page belong to other models, such as AirPods Max. |
| Phone / OS compatibility | Full features with the latest iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, macOS, tvOS and visionOS; basic Bluetooth audio with older Apple software and non-Apple devices | Apple AirPods 5 tech specs |
| Find / Fast Pair / UWB | Find My (needs iOS 27 or later); case speaker on the Wireless Charging Case model only; no Ultra Wideband chip | Apple AirPods 5 tech specs and product page |
| Companion app / firmware | No separate app: settings live in iOS, and firmware updates arrive with Apple's software | Apple AirPods 5 tech specs |
| US launch price | $129 (AirPods 5); $149 (AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case) | Apple Newsroom, 2026-09-09Announced by Apple on 9 September 2026. |
| Price band | Midrange true-wireless ($100–$200 US launch) | Based on Apple's $129 and $149 launch prices |
| Announced | 9 September 2026 | Apple Newsroom |
| Availability | On sale; pre-orders from 9 September 2026, in stores from Friday, 18 September 2026 | Apple Newsroom, 2026-09-09; Apple AirPods 5 product page |
AirPods 5 extras
Specs only this model has.
| Spec | Value | Source and notes |
|---|---|---|
| Two models | AirPods 5 ($129): USB-C case, up to 4 hours with ANC, 20 with the case. AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case ($149): up to 5 hours, 22 with the case, Apple Watch and Qi charging, stem volume swipe and a Find My speaker. Both have ANC, unlike AirPods 4 | Apple Newsroom, 2026-09-09; Apple AirPods 5 tech specs |
| Live Translation | Beta. Translates conversations across languages with Apple Intelligence on; start it from both stems, by asking Siri or with the iPhone Action button | Apple AirPods 5 tech specs; Apple Newsroom, 2026-09-09It needs a compatible Apple device on the latest software and isn't offered in every region or language. |
| Siri AI | Hands-free Siri AI with an Apple Intelligence iPhone. Beta in iOS 27, macOS 27 and watchOS 27; English first, with French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish in October. Not at first in the EU on iOS, iPadOS and watchOS; not for users under 13 | Apple AirPods 5 tech specs; Apple Newsroom, 2026-09-09Apple says hands-free Siri access works on all AirPods. |
| Conversation Awareness | Yes; lowers your media when you start speaking | Apple AirPods 5 tech specs and product page |
| Stem volume swipe | AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case only; the first open-ear AirPods with volume control on the stem | Apple AirPods 5 tech specs; Apple Newsroom, 2026-09-09 |
| Find My case speaker | Wireless Charging Case only; Find My needs iOS 27 or later | Apple AirPods 5 tech specs |
| Studio-quality recording | Yes on AirPods 5, through the same dual beamforming microphones used for calls | Apple AirPods 5 tech specs and product page |
| Model | AirPods 5, announced 9 September 2026 | Apple Newsroom, 2026-09-09 |
| In the box | AirPods 5, charging case (USB-C, with a speaker on the wireless model) and documentation; no cable listed | Apple AirPods 5 tech specs |
| Recycled content | 40% recycled content overall, including 100% recycled aluminum in the case hinge, 100% recycled cobalt and 95% recycled lithium in the battery, 100% recycled gold plating and tin solder on Apple-designed boards, 70% recycled plastic in the wireless charging case and 100% recycled rare earths in all magnets | Apple AirPods 5 tech specs; Apple Newsroom, 2026-09-09These are Apple's own materials figures. |
| Camera remote | Press once to control the camera on a compatible Apple device with the latest firmware and software | Apple AirPods 5 tech specsAirPods 4 lists iOS 26 for the same feature. |
| Accessibility features | Live Listen, Headphone levels, Headphone Accommodations | Apple AirPods 5 tech specs |
| Siri Interactions / head gestures | Nod yes or gently shake no when Siri asks whether to answer a call, hear a message or handle a notification; Apple says you can answer Siri AI the same way | Apple AirPods 5 tech specs; Apple Newsroom, 2026-09-09 |
Where AirPods 5 fits
| Spec | AirPods 4 | AirPods 5 | AirPods Pro 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fit | Open-ear, no tips | Open-ear, no tips | Sealed, foam-infused tips in five sizes |
| Noise cancelling | $179 model only | Both models | Yes |
| Hearing Test, Hearing Aid, Hearing Protection | No | No | Yes |
| US launch price | $129, or $179 with ANC | $129, or $149 with the Wireless Charging Case | $249 |
AirPods 5 replace AirPods 4 at the same size, with the same case weights, so the changes are inside. In 2024, noise cancelling was a $50 upgrade on AirPods 4. Every AirPods 5 has it, and the model with a wireless case costs $149 rather than $179.
AirPods Pro 3 is the step up at $249, $100 more than AirPods 5 with the Wireless Charging Case. It seals your ear with foam-infused tips, adds Apple’s hearing features and has the longest battery rating with noise cancelling in Apple’s lineup. AirPods 4 vs AirPods 5 and AirPods 5 vs AirPods Pro 3 go through each pair line by line.
Which AirPods 5 to get
| Spec | AirPods 5 | AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case |
|---|---|---|
| US launch price | $129 | $149 |
| Listening with ANC | Up to 4 hours | Up to 5 hours |
| Noise control off | Up to 6 hours | Up to 7 hours |
| With the case, ANC on | Up to 20 hours | Up to 22 hours |
| Case charging | USB-C | USB-C, Apple Watch charger, Qi |
| Volume swipe on the stem | No | Yes |
| Speaker in the case for Find My | No | Yes |
| Case weight | 32.3 g | 34.7 g |
The $20 step up buys more than wireless charging. You get an hour more per charge, two more hours from the case, volume control on the stem, which no open-ear AirPods had before, and a case that can play a sound when you’re hunting for it. Both models get about an hour of listening from 5 minutes in the case. If you charge by cable and change volume on your phone, keep the $20.
Noise cancelling and sound
Apple calls this the industry’s best noise cancelling in an open-ear design and puts it at up to 1.5× AirPods 4 with ANC. Adaptive Audio blends noise cancelling with Transparency, Conversation Awareness turns your media down when you start talking, and Apple says the new Transparency mode represents voices and nearby sounds more naturally.
The sound comes from a custom high-excursion driver and a high dynamic range amplifier, tuned by next-generation Adaptive EQ. Apple redesigned the multiport acoustic architecture too, and says it was inspired by AirPods Pro 3 and re-engineered for an open fit. Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking works with compatible content once you’ve set up a profile on an iPhone with a TrueDepth camera. For calls, two beamforming microphones and an inward-facing one work with Voice Isolation, and Apple says AirPods 5 can record studio-quality audio.
Fit and water resistance
There’s one size and nothing to swap: no tips, no wings. Each bud measures 30.2 × 18.3 × 18.1 mm and weighs 4.3 g, the same as AirPods 4, so if AirPods 4 stayed in your ears, these should too. The buds and the case are both rated IP57 against dust, sweat and water.
Live Translation and Siri AI
Both are betas, and both need an iPhone with Apple Intelligence. Live Translation translates a conversation between languages; you start it from both stems, by asking Siri or with the iPhone’s Action button. Siri AI works hands-free through the buds, starting in English with iOS 27, and Apple says French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish follow in October. When Siri asks whether to take a call, read a message or deal with a notification, you can nod yes or shake your head no.
Apple devices and Find My
AirPods 5 are built around Apple devices. They switch automatically between the devices on your Apple Account, pause when you take one out, keep their settings in iOS rather than an app, and update their firmware with Apple’s software. A single press works as a camera remote. Full features need the latest iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, macOS, tvOS or visionOS; with older software they’re Bluetooth 5.3 earbuds with fewer tricks.
Find My needs iOS 27 or later. Only the Wireless Charging Case has a speaker, so only that case can play a sound when it goes missing, and Apple lists no Ultra Wideband chip in either one.
Price
AirPods 5 launched in the US on 9 September 2026 at $129, or $149 with the Wireless Charging Case, and reached stores on Friday, 18 September 2026. Apple engraves them free. Prices drift after launch, so check before you buy.
Sources
- Amazon product listing — accessed 2026-09-20
- Apple Newsroom — Apple introduces AirPods 5 with best-in-class open-ear Active Noise Cancellation — accessed 2026-09-19
- Apple — AirPods 5 — accessed 2026-09-19
- Apple — AirPods 5 technical specifications — accessed 2026-09-19
- Apple — AirPods compare — accessed 2026-09-19
- Apple — Guidelines for Using Apple Trademarks and Copyrights — accessed 2026-09-19
Frequently asked questions
Which AirPods 5 should I buy, the $129 or the $149 model?
The $149 model if you'll use what it adds: 5 hours per charge with noise cancelling instead of 4, 22 hours with the case instead of 20, volume swipes, a Find My speaker and wireless charging. Otherwise the $129 model has the same noise cancelling, Adaptive Audio and Transparency modes.
Should I get AirPods 5 or AirPods Pro 3?
AirPods Pro 3 if you can wear ear tips and want a seal, Hearing Aid or Apple's longest battery with noise cancelling, and you're fine paying $249. AirPods 5 if tips bother you or your budget is $129 to $149.
Do AirPods 5 have Hearing Aid?
No. Apple lists Hearing Test, Hearing Aid and Hearing Protection only for AirPods Pro 2 and Pro 3, and rates Pro 3 for up to 10 hours in Transparency with Hearing Aid on. AirPods 5 have Live Listen, Headphone levels and Headphone Accommodations in their accessibility settings.
How much better is the noise cancelling than on AirPods 4?
Up to 1.5× as strong as AirPods 4 with ANC, Apple says, which it also describes as removing up to 50 percent more outside noise. It tested to IEC 60268-24 in July 2026 and gives no decibel figure, so treat it as Apple comparing its own models.
Do AirPods 5 work with Android phones?
Only as basic Bluetooth earbuds. The settings, Find My, Siri AI, Live Translation, Personalized Spatial Audio and automatic switching all need Apple devices.
Can you swim with AirPods 5?
No. IP57 covers dust, sweat and water during non-water sports and exercise, and the protection isn't permanent. Dry them before they go back in the case to charge.
Is the AirPods 5 case MagSafe?
No. The Wireless Charging Case charges on an Apple Watch charger or a Qi-certified pad as well as by USB-C, and Apple doesn't mention MagSafe for either case.
Can I use Siri AI on AirPods 5 in the EU?
Not at first. Apple says Siri AI won't be available in the EU at launch on iOS, iPadOS or watchOS, and Live Translation isn't offered in every region or language either.
Official product page: AirPods 5. Tech specs: AirPods 5 specs.