Apple’s AirPods lineup has a new entry, and shoppers looking for an open-ear pair of wireless earbuds now have another decision to make. With the arrival of AirPods 5, Apple has replaced the AirPods 4 generation in its lineup, bringing several hardware and audio improvements while keeping the familiar open-ear design.
The biggest change is the availability of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Unlike the previous AirPods 4 lineup, where ANC was limited to the more expensive version, AirPods 5 includes noise cancellation across both models.
The new AirPods 5 start at $129, while a $149 version adds a wireless charging case and a new volume-control feature built into the stems.
That makes the comparison particularly interesting because AirPods 4 models can still be found at third-party retailers, often at discounted prices. So, should you save money with AirPods 4, or spend a little more on Apple’s newer AirPods 5?
Here’s how the two generations compare.
AirPods 4 vs. AirPods 5: What They Have in Common
Despite the generational change, Apple hasn’t completely redesigned the AirPods. In fact, the physical design of AirPods 4 and AirPods 5 is remarkably similar.
Both models use an open-ear design without silicone ear tips, meaning they don’t create the same sealed fit as AirPods Pro. Each earbud weighs about 4.3 grams, with dimensions of approximately 30.2 x 18.3 x 18.1mm.
Both generations are also powered by Apple’s H2 chip and support Bluetooth 5.3. A force sensor on the stem handles common controls such as playback and calls.
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Charging performance is similar as well. A quick five-minute charge can provide roughly an hour of listening time, making either generation convenient when you need a quick battery boost.
The similarities continue with Apple’s software and audio features.
Both AirPods generations support:
- Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
- Adaptive EQ
- Voice Isolation
- Dual beamforming microphones
- Automatic Switching between Apple devices
- Hands-free Siri access
- Apple’s newer AirPods software features
This means choosing the older AirPods 4 doesn’t necessarily mean missing out on Apple’s latest software capabilities.
Features such as Live Translation are also being made available across Apple’s AirPods lineup with compatible software, rather than being restricted solely to the newest earbuds.
AirPods 4 vs. AirPods 5: The Biggest Differences
While the two generations share plenty of technology, there are some important differences that could make AirPods 5 the better purchase for many people.
Active Noise Cancellation Comes Standard
The biggest upgrade is Active Noise Cancellation.
With AirPods 4, Apple offered two versions. The standard model didn’t include ANC, while the more expensive AirPods 4 with ANC added features such as noise cancellation, Transparency mode, Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness.
AirPods 5 changes that approach.
Both AirPods 5 models include ANC and related listening features. Apple also claims that AirPods 5 can eliminate up to 50% more noise than AirPods 4 with ANC, thanks in part to improvements in computational audio.
That makes the new generation particularly appealing to people who want noise reduction without moving up to the AirPods Pro range.
Improved Transparency Mode
AirPods 5 also benefit from improvements to Transparency mode.
The feature is designed to allow surrounding sounds to pass through so users can remain aware of what’s happening around them without removing their earbuds.
Apple says the newer generation delivers a more natural Transparency mode experience, helped by improvements to its audio processing.
For commuters, office workers and anyone who regularly switches between listening to music and interacting with their surroundings, this can be a useful upgrade.
Better Water and Dust Resistance
Durability is another area where AirPods 5 move ahead.
AirPods 4 have an IP54 rating, providing protection against dust as well as sweat and water exposure.
AirPods 5 improve that rating to IP57.
While neither pair is designed to be treated like waterproof sports equipment, the higher rating gives AirPods 5 an advantage for people who frequently use their earbuds during workouts or in environments where they may encounter moisture.
Battery Life: AirPods 5 Has an Important Advantage
Battery life is slightly more complicated because Apple offers two AirPods 5 configurations.
The standard $129 AirPods 5 provides up to approximately four hours of listening with noise cancellation enabled and up to 20 hours when combined with the charging case.
Those numbers are broadly comparable to the AirPods 4 with ANC.
The more expensive $149 AirPods 5, however, improves on that.
The upgraded version can deliver up to five hours of listening time and as much as 22 hours with the charging case.
That extra endurance comes from a redesigned battery system and makes the $149 model particularly attractive for people who spend long periods wearing their earbuds.
AirPods 5 Adds Stem-Based Volume Controls
One of the more interesting hardware changes is found on the more expensive AirPods 5 model.
Apple has introduced volume control directly on the stem, allowing users to swipe up or down to adjust volume.
This is a convenient addition because changing volume no longer requires reaching for an iPhone, asking Siri or using another connected device.
It also gives the $149 AirPods 5 a feature that wasn’t previously available on Apple’s open-ear AirPods in the same way.
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AirPods 4 Prices Could Make Them Tempting
There’s still a reason to consider AirPods 4: discounts.
Although Apple has moved on from the AirPods 4 generation, retailers can continue selling existing inventory. That means shoppers may find the older models for significantly less than their original prices.
The standard AirPods 4 originally started at $129 but have already appeared at prices around $99. The AirPods 4 with ANC, which originally cost $179, can also be found discounted to around $149.
At first glance, a $99 AirPods 4 looks like an excellent deal.
However, the price difference becomes less compelling when you compare what you’re giving up.
The $99 AirPods 4 lacks ANC, Transparency mode, Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness. Spending $30 more on the standard AirPods 5 gets you those features along with newer hardware and improved durability.
The comparison is even more difficult for the AirPods 4 with ANC.
At around $149, the older ANC model can cost exactly the same as the $149 AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case. The newer model then offers better noise cancellation, longer battery life, improved water resistance and stem-based volume controls.
Which AirPods Should You Buy?
For most buyers, AirPods 5 are the more sensible choice.
The standard $129 AirPods 5 provide a substantial upgrade over the standard AirPods 4, particularly because ANC and other advanced listening features are now included.
If you can find AirPods 4 for $99 or less, they may still be worth considering if you don’t care about noise cancellation and simply want inexpensive Apple earbuds.
The situation changes when comparing AirPods 4 with ANC.
At $149, the older model becomes much harder to recommend when the same amount can get you the more capable AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case.
The $149 AirPods 5 also make sense for users who prioritize battery life and want the convenience of adjusting volume directly from the earbud stem.
Should You Still Buy AirPods 4?
AirPods 4 aren’t necessarily bad earbuds. In fact, they’re still capable wireless earbuds with Apple’s H2 chip, Spatial Audio, Adaptive EQ and many of the same software features found on the newer generation.
The problem is value.
As AirPods 5 become more widely available, the older generation needs a significant price discount to make up for its missing features.
If AirPods 4 eventually drop well below $99 during major shopping events, they could become an attractive budget option. For buyers who don’t need ANC and simply want an affordable pair of Apple earbuds, a heavily discounted AirPods 4 could still make sense.
But at prices close to AirPods 5, the newer model is the stronger purchase.
Final Verdict
The AirPods 5 are the better choice for most shoppers.
Apple has retained much of the familiar AirPods experience while improving the areas that matter most, including noise cancellation, durability and battery life on the higher-end model.
The $129 AirPods 5 are particularly compelling because they make ANC standard rather than requiring buyers to pay extra for it.
Meanwhile, the $149 model adds a Wireless Charging Case, longer battery life and stem-based volume controls, making it an appealing option for people who want the most features from Apple’s open-ear design.
AirPods 4 only become the better deal when their price falls substantially below the AirPods 5. If you find a major discount and don’t need ANC, the previous generation can still be a capable choice.
For everyone else, however, AirPods 5 offer the better combination of features, performance and long-term value.
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