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Quick Answer: Apple has introduced two AirPods 5 models, and both include Active Noise Cancellation. The $129 model has a USB-C Charging Case; the $149 model adds a Wireless Charging Case, volume swipe and longer ANC battery life. Both become available starting September 18.
Last updated: September 9, 2026 · U.S. prices before tax.
Source: Apple AirPods 5 Store page. Features and availability can vary by region and language.
AirPods 5 are now a two-model lineup, but the key change is simple: Apple has put Active Noise Cancellation on both versions. The decision is no longer ANC versus no ANC. It is whether the $20 upgrade to the Wireless Charging Case is worth the extra charging flexibility, volume swipe and battery life.
How Much Do AirPods 5 Cost?
| Model | U.S. price | Case | ANC listening time |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirPods 5 | $129 | USB-C Charging Case | Up to 4 hours |
| AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case | $149 | Wireless Charging Case (USB-C) | Up to 5 hours |
The $20 price difference is not just about cable-free charging. Apple also lists longer battery life and the force sensor with volume swipe for the Wireless Charging Case model.
Neither version includes a USB-C Charge Cable or power adapter. Apple says compatible USB-C cables and power adapters can be used instead.
When Are AirPods 5 Available?
Apple says AirPods 5 are available starting September 18. The Store page is currently presented as a preorder page.
Because the $129 model and $149 Wireless Charging Case model are separate purchase choices, buyers should select the case they actually want before ordering rather than assuming the base product can later be converted into the wireless version.
Do Both AirPods 5 Models Have Active Noise Cancellation?
Yes. Apple explicitly says Active Noise Cancellation is included on both models.
Apple rates the new ANC system at up to 1.5x more Active Noise Cancellation than AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. Apple credits the improvement to a redesigned acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ.
Both models also include Adaptive Audio and Transparency. ANC reduces unwanted external sound, Transparency lets outside sound in, and Adaptive Audio can balance the two modes as conditions change.
AirPods 5 Battery Life: 4 Hours vs 5 Hours
The standard $129 AirPods 5 provide up to four hours of listening time on one charge with Active Noise Cancellation.
The $149 model with the Wireless Charging Case reaches up to five hours of listening time on one charge with Active Noise Cancellation.
Apple also rates the Wireless Charging Case for up to 22 hours of listening time with ANC. The base USB-C Charging Case total listening-time rating is not stated in the comparison details used here, so it is not guessed in this article.
What Is Different About the Wireless Charging Case?
The $149 version has a Wireless Charging Case (USB-C). It can charge through an Apple Watch charger or a Qi charger, in addition to USB-C.
Apple also includes a built-in speaker for Find My, helping users locate the case with a sound. The standard $129 model is listed with a USB-C Charging Case rather than this wireless case.
The Wireless Charging Case version also lists a force sensor with volume swipe. That makes the $20 upgrade more valuable for people who regularly adjust volume from the earbuds rather than from iPhone or Apple Watch.
Do AirPods 5 Have Personalized Spatial Audio?
Yes. Both AirPods 5 models support Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking.
This feature can place compatible music, films and shows in a more immersive sound field while the perceived source stays in place as you move your head. Content support and setup determine the final result.
What Is New About AirPods 5 Sound?
Apple says AirPods 5 use a redesigned acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ for richer, more detailed sound.
The earbuds retain an open-ear design, positioning them for users who prefer a less sealed feeling than AirPods Pro. An open fit can be more comfortable for extended use, while ANC and Adaptive Audio help compensate for the reduced passive isolation.
Does AirPods 5 Use the H2 Chip?
Yes. Apple lists the H2 chip for both AirPods 5 models.
Confirmed voice features include Voice Isolation, Hey Siri and Siri Interactions. The H2 chip also supports the computational-audio features Apple lists across the AirPods 5 experience.
Does AirPods 5 Support Live Translation?
Yes. AirPods 5 support Live Translation, powered by Apple Intelligence, in select languages and regions.
Apple says Live Translation requires an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone running iOS 26 or later. Supported languages listed by Apple are Chinese (Mandarin, Simplified and Traditional), English (UK and U.S.), French (France), German (Germany), Italian (Italy), Japanese (Japan), Korean (South Korea), Portuguese (Brazil) and Spanish (Spain).
Language, region and feature availability matter. Users should check Apple's current Feature Availability page before relying on Live Translation for travel, work or a specific conversation.
What Does Siri AI Add to AirPods 5?
Apple lists Siri AI for AirPods 5 as a hands-free route to a more powerful and personalized assistant on a paired iPhone.
Apple says Siri AI is rolling out in English and that usage limits may apply. It should therefore be treated as a phased service feature rather than a universal, identical experience for every buyer on day one.
Do AirPods 5 Have Hearing Test or Hearing Aid Features?
No. Apple marks Hearing Test, Hearing Aid and Hearing Protection features as unavailable on both AirPods 5 models.
Those health-focused features remain a reason to compare AirPods 5 with AirPods Pro 3. AirPods 5 focus instead on open-ear comfort, ANC, audio features, translation and the lower price tier.
AirPods 5 vs AirPods Pro 3: Which Should You Buy?
| Buying question | AirPods 5 | AirPods Pro 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $129 | $249 |
| Fit | Open-ear | In-ear |
| ANC | Included on both AirPods 5 models | Apple rates it up to 3x more than AirPods 5 |
| Battery with ANC | Up to 4 or 5 hours, by case model | Up to 8 hours |
| Hearing features | Not included | Hearing Test, Hearing Aid and Hearing Protection |
| Heart rate sensing | Not included | During workouts |
Choose AirPods 5 if you prefer an open-ear design, want ANC for less money or mainly need everyday Apple-device integration. Choose AirPods Pro 3 if stronger noise control, in-ear fit, longer ANC battery life, hearing features or workout heart-rate sensing are your priorities.
What Is Not Included in the Box?
Apple says neither AirPods 5 model includes a USB-C Charge Cable or power adapter. Buyers can use a compatible USB-C cable and power adapter they already own, or purchase a new one.
Only the $149 Wireless Charging Case model adds case charging through a Qi charger or Apple Watch charger. The $129 model should be chosen by buyers who are comfortable with a USB-C-only AirPods case.
Should You Buy AirPods 5?
Buy the $129 model if...
You want the lowest-priced new AirPods with ANC and will normally charge the case through USB-C.
Buy the $149 model if...
You want up to five hours of ANC listening, Qi or Apple Watch charging, a Find My case speaker and volume swipe.
Choose AirPods Pro 3 if...
You want stronger ANC, an in-ear seal, longer battery life, health hearing features or workout heart-rate sensing.
Keep AirPods 4 if...
Your current fit and battery life still work for you and the AirPods 5 improvements do not solve a daily limitation.
The best value is easy to see: $129 is now the entry price for current Apple ANC earbuds. The $149 version is the better long-term pick for users who already rely on a Qi or Apple Watch charger every day.
AirPods 5 FAQ
Are AirPods 5 official?
Yes. Apple has announced AirPods 5 in two versions: a USB-C Charging Case model and a Wireless Charging Case model.
How much do AirPods 5 cost?
AirPods 5 cost $129. AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case cost $149 in the United States.
When are AirPods 5 available?
Apple says they are available starting September 18.
Do both AirPods 5 models have ANC?
Yes. Active Noise Cancellation is included on both models.
How much better is AirPods 5 noise cancellation?
Apple rates AirPods 5 at up to 1.5x more Active Noise Cancellation than AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation.
How long does the AirPods 5 battery last with ANC?
The USB-C case model has up to four hours on one charge; the Wireless Charging Case model has up to five hours. The Wireless Charging Case delivers up to 22 hours of listening with ANC.
Can AirPods 5 charge on a Qi charger?
Only the $149 Wireless Charging Case model is listed as working with Qi chargers and Apple Watch chargers. The $129 model has a USB-C Charging Case.
Does AirPods 5 support Live Translation?
Yes, in select languages and regions when paired with an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone running iOS 26 or later.
Does AirPods 5 use H2?
Yes. Apple lists the H2 chip, Voice Isolation, Hey Siri and Siri Interactions.
Does AirPods 5 have volume control?
Apple lists a force sensor with volume swipe for the Wireless Charging Case model.
Do AirPods 5 have hearing aid features?
No. Apple lists no Hearing Test, Hearing Aid or Hearing Protection features for either AirPods 5 model.
Is a USB-C cable included with AirPods 5?
No. Apple says neither AirPods 5 model includes a USB-C Charge Cable or power adapter.
