The latest Apple AirPods 5 deliver advanced audio features at a lower price point than their predecessors while maintaining seamless ecosystem integration. Available in two pricing tiers, the new earbuds bring active noise cancellation to a broader audience.
Pricing and Models
The AirPods 5 are offered in a $129 version with a standard case and a $149 version featuring a wireless charging case. This wireless charging case is compatible with Qi-compatible chargers, Apple Watch chargers, and USB-C. Both variations include active noise cancellation, a notable update from the AirPods 4 where buyers had to spend $179 to access that technology.
Spending the extra $20 for the $149 model with the wireless charging case provides an additional hour of battery life on the earbuds, reaching up to five hours. It also adds two more hours in the charging case for a total of up to 22 hours, matching the battery life of the AirPods 4 without active noise cancellation.
AirPods 5 Versus AirPods Pro
Despite the value offered by the AirPods 5, testing over a month indicates that the AirPods Pro 3 remain preferable due to differences in fit, active noise cancellation performance, and control options.
