Are AirPods 5 worth it vs AirPods 4 / Pro?

Quick take

First thoughts only. I have not worn AirPods 5 yet. This is what I’m watching from Apple’s September 9, 2026 announce — not a commute ANC test from me.

Worth a look if you want open-ear AirPods with Apple’s new ANC pitch and you are still on older non-Pro buds.

Real win on paper: open-ear active noise cancellation; Apple claims up to 50% more noise removal vs AirPods 4 with ANC.

Real limit: this is not a new AirPods Pro at that event. Seal-style Pro isolation is a different product. Apple lists $129 base / $149 with Wireless Charging Case — check live.

Product box

AirPods 5
Open-ear AirPods with active noise cancellation. Announced September 9, 2026.

Apple Newsroom: https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/09/apple-introduces-airpods-5-with-best-in-class-open-ear-active-noise-cancellation/

Check live configs and buy on Apple: https://www.apple.com/airpods/

Apple lists pricing. Price moves. Check the live listing.

Check AirPods on Apple

Official Apple announce (not a KeliiDiscovers review).

What was announced

AirPods 5 bring open-ear ANC. Apple claims up to 50% more noise removal than AirPods 4 with ANC. Apple claim — not a dB log I ran.

Two buys Apple listed: $129 base case, $149 Wireless Charging Case with stem volume controls and a longer battery claim. Spec / Apple — not my charge cycle.

Preorder from announce day. Available September 18. Confirm on Apple.

Not a new AirPods Pro in that keynote slot. If you need tip-seal isolation, Pro is still the other lane.

AirPods 5 vs AirPods 4

Public announce comparison only.

Biggest paper delta: Apple’s open-ear ANC improvement claim vs AirPods 4 with ANC.

If you already own AirPods 4 with ANC and like them, wait for real wear reviews before flipping. I have not A/B’d them.

AirPods 5 vs AirPods Pro

Different fit jobs. Pro = in-ear tips and stronger isolation story. AirPods 5 = open-ear shape with ANC pitched on Apple’s slide.

Pick Pro if seal and max quiet matter. Pick 5 if you want open-ear comfort and Apple’s new ANC claim without jumping to Pro money — once you check live Apple pricing.

Spec strip

Public Apple / announce specs (Spec, not a test I ran):

AirPods 5 open-ear with ANC
Apple claim: up to 50% more noise removal vs AirPods 4 with ANC
$129 base · $149 Wireless Charging Case (stem volume + longer battery claim) — Apple lists; check live
Preorder from announce · available Sep 18 (Apple)
Not a new AirPods Pro at that event

Pros

Open-ear ANC is the headline Apple wants you to notice
Entry price Apple lists is below Pro lane
Wireless Charging Case tier adds stem volume + battery claim
Ships with a firm Sep 18 availability window
Stays in Apple one-tap pairing land
Clear upgrade story from older non-ANC AirPods

Cons

I have not worn them for ANC, call, or gym fit
“50% more” is Apple’s claim, not my meter
Not Pro — tip-seal shoppers should not expect Pro isolation
Amazon speaker/audio ASINs locked — Apple-only CTA here
From AirPods 4 ANC the jump may feel thin until hands-on
Case tier choice ($129 vs $149) is easy to overthink — check live

Who it’s for / not for

For: People on AirPods 3 / older who want open-ear ANC. Shoppers comparing airpods 5 vs airpods 4 on announce facts. Anyone skipping Pro tips.

Not for: Anyone who needs my filmed ANC / call week. Buyers who want max seal — look at AirPods Pro instead.

FAQ

Did you test AirPods 5?
No. First thoughts from Apple’s announce only.

Are AirPods 5 worth it vs AirPods 4?
On paper if you want the new open-ear ANC claim. If you already have 4 with ANC, wait for wear reviews.

AirPods 5 vs AirPods Pro — which?
Pro for tip seal. 5 for open-ear + Apple’s ANC pitch. Different fit.

What does Apple list for price?
$129 base · $149 Wireless Charging Case. Check live — prices move.

When can I get them?
Preorder from announce day. Available September 18 per Apple. Confirm on apple.com/airpods.

Is this the new AirPods Pro?
No. Not a new Pro at that event.

Close