Apple brings ANC to entry-level AirPods 5, cuts price on premium model
Apple launched AirPods 5 with Active Noise Cancellation standard on both models, starting at €119 ($129). The premium variant, at €137 ($149), is €28 cheaper than the equivalent AirPods 4 with ANC. Pre-orders are open; retail begins September 18.
Bottom line — ANC is now standard on Apple's cheapest AirPods at €119, undercutting the previous ANC model by €28.
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- Apple claims the open-ear ANC removes up to 50% more external noise than AirPods 4 with ANC, per the company's announcement.
- Both models use the H2 chip and support Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode, and Conversation Awareness, according to Apple's specs.
- The €137 variant adds a wireless charging case, stem swipe volume controls, and five hours of ANC playback (one hour more than the base model), per Apple.
- AirPods 5 have an IP57 dust and water resistance rating, up from IP54 on AirPods 4, per NDTV Gadgets 360.
- Live Translation and the redesigned Siri AI are available when paired with an iPhone running iOS 27, though regional language support varies, Apple said.
- The earbuds use 40% recycled materials overall, with 100% recycled cobalt in the battery, per Apple's sustainability claims.
- AirPods 5 retain the open-ear design without silicone tips, which may suit users who find in-ear buds uncomfortable, noted Lifehacker.
- The AirPods Pro 3 still offers 3x more ANC than AirPods 5, per Apple's comparison, and includes FDA-cleared hearing aid features not available on the standard line.