Apple Unveils AirPods 5 With Active Noise Cancellation Starting at $129

Apple has officially announced AirPods 5, bringing Active Noise Cancellation to its most affordable open-ear earbuds for the first time.

The new AirPods also introduce improved audio, Live Translation, hands-free access to Siri AI and better resistance to dust, sweat and water. Two versions will be available, starting at $129.

Here’s what has changed, and which model offers the best value in my opinion.

Active Noise Cancellation is now standard

The biggest AirPods 5 upgrade is Active Noise Cancellation, which is included with both models.

Apple says the new earbuds remove up to 50 percent more outside noise than AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. Because AirPods 5 have an open-ear design without silicone tips, they won’t create the same physical seal as AirPods Pro. That makes effective noise cancellation more difficult.

If Apple’s claims hold up in independent testing, AirPods 5 could be an excellent option for people who dislike the plugged-in feeling of silicone ear tips but still want to reduce background noise.

They also include Adaptive Audio, which automatically blends noise cancellation with Transparency mode depending on your environment. Conversation Awareness lowers the volume when you begin speaking, allowing you to talk without removing the earbuds.

Apple has redesigned the sound system

AirPods 5 use a new multiport acoustic architecture alongside an updated version of Adaptive EQ.

Adaptive EQ adjusts the sound based on how the earbuds fit inside your ears. That is especially important for open-ear earbuds because everyone’s ear shape is different, and small changes in fit can affect bass and overall sound quality.

Apple promises richer and more detailed audio across a wider variety of ear shapes. Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking is also included, creating a more immersive experience with supported music, movies and television shows.

Both AirPods 5 models are powered by Apple’s H2 headphone chip.

Siri AI now becomes a hands-free assistant

When paired with an Apple Intelligence-compatible iPhone, AirPods 5 provide hands-free access to Siri AI.

Siri can use personal context from messages, emails and other apps to help answer questions or complete tasks. You could, for example, ask it to play a song mentioned in a conversation or provide directions to a restaurant reservation found in an email.

You can also respond to certain Siri prompts by moving your head. Nod to answer yes or gently shake your head to decline a call or notification.

This could be useful while walking, exercising or carrying something. However, Siri AI is launching as a beta feature and initially requires a supported language and compatible iPhone. Its availability and capabilities may differ between countries.

Live Translation comes to AirPods 5

Live Translation lets you hear supported foreign languages translated through your AirPods.

After downloading the required languages in Apple’s Translate app, the feature can be activated using Siri, your iPhone or by pressing both AirPods stems simultaneously.

Live Translation requires a compatible Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone with the latest software. Language and regional availability are limited, so check whether your required language is supported before buying AirPods specifically for this feature.

It also isn’t exclusive to AirPods 5. Compatible earlier AirPods models can access Live Translation when paired with the necessary iPhone and software.

Two versions. With some important differences

Apple is selling two AirPods 5 configurations.

The standard AirPods 5 cost $129 and include:

• Active Noise Cancellation

• Adaptive Audio and Transparency mode

• Up to four hours of listening with ANC enabled

• Up to 20 hours with the USB-C charging case

• Siri AI and Live Translation

• Personalized Spatial Audio

The AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case cost $149 and add:

• Up to five hours of listening with ANC

• Up to 22 hours with the charging case

• Wireless charging using Qi or an Apple Watch charger

• A case speaker for Find My

• Volume adjustment by swiping on the AirPods stem

Better protection for workouts and wet weather

AirPods 5 carry an IP57 rating for resistance to dust, sweat and water.

That makes them better protected during exercise and in light rain, but water-resistant does not mean waterproof. They should not be worn while swimming, and their resistance can decrease as the earbuds age.

The open-ear shape may appeal to runners and other users who find silicone tips uncomfortable. Transparency and Adaptive Audio can also help users remain more aware of traffic and other nearby sounds.

How do AirPods 5 compare with AirPods Pro 3?

AirPods 5 now include many features previously associated with Apple’s more expensive earbuds, but AirPods Pro 3 still remain the stronger choice for maximum noise cancellation.

According to Apple’s comparison, AirPods Pro 3 provide up to three times more noise cancellation than AirPods 5. Their silicone ear tips create a tighter seal, improving sound isolation and bass consistency.

The Pro model also includes hearing-related features that are absent from AirPods 5.

Choose AirPods 5 if you:

• Prefer earbuds without silicone tips.

• Want ANC at a lower price.

• Prioritize comfort and environmental awareness.

• Don’t need Apple’s most powerful noise cancellation.

Choose AirPods Pro 3 if you:

• Travel frequently or work in noisy environments.

• Want the strongest possible ANC.

• Prefer a secure in-ear seal.

• Need Apple’s hearing-test, hearing-aid or hearing-protection features.

More recycled materials

Apple says AirPods 5 are made with 40 percent recycled material overall. This includes recycled cobalt in the battery, recycled rare-earth elements in the magnets and recycled aluminium in the case hinge.

The Wireless Charging Case uses 70 percent recycled plastic, while the packaging is entirely fibre-based.

These are worthwhile improvements, although the limited repairability of tiny wireless earbuds remains an important environmental consideration.

Price and availability

AirPods 5 are available to preorder now and arrive in stores on September 18.

• AirPods 5: $129

• AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case: $149

Local prices will vary by country and may include taxes.

My first take

To my mind, the most interesting AirPods 5 feature is not the addition of noise cancellation. To me it’s that Apple has included ANC in both versions while keeping the starting price at $129.

These could become the best AirPods for people who want noise reduction but cannot comfortably wear silicone ear tips. The improved sound, IP57 protection and Live Translation make the overall package more complete to me

However, I still would choose the $149 model. For just $20 more, it adds wireless charging, an extra hour of battery life, Find My case sounds and volume control directly on the stem. That is a sensible upgrade for features you’ll use throughout the life of the earbuds. It's actually a no-brainer to me.

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