Are AirPods 5 the right earbuds for you?
AirPods 5 cost $129, or $149 with the Wireless Charging Case, at Apple and Amazon as of October 2026. They are Apple's open-ear earbuds, now with Active Noise Cancellation on both models, but they last up to 4 or 5 hours per charge with it on. Tick how you would use them and see which side you are on.
How will you use them?
What you get for $129
| Type | Open-ear wireless earbuds |
|---|---|
| Chip | Apple H2 |
| Noise control | Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency and Adaptive Audio on both models |
| Battery, ANC on | Up to 4 hours ($129 model); up to 5 hours ($149 model) |
| Battery, ANC off | Up to 6 hours ($129 model) |
| With case, ANC on | Up to 20 hours ($129 model); up to 22 hours ($149 model) |
| Quick charge | 5 minutes gives about 1 hour of listening |
| Case charging | USB-C ($129); USB-C, Qi and Apple Watch chargers ($149) |
| Controls | Force sensor; volume swipe on the $149 model |
| Water resistance | IP57 dust, sweat and water resistant |
| Weight | 0.15 oz (4.3 g) per earbud; USB-C case 1.14 oz (32.3 g) |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 |
| Release | September 18, 2026 |
Pros and cons
Pros
- Noise cancellation on the $129 model
- IP57 dust, sweat and water resistance
- Open-ear fit with no tips to clean
- Same $129 price as AirPods 4 at launch
- Live Translation and Adaptive Audio on compatible iPhones
Cons
- Up to 4 to 5 hours per charge with ANC on
- No ear tips for a sealed fit
- Wireless charging only on the $149 model
- No heart rate sensor
- Limited features on Android
AirPods 5 vs AirPods 4 with ANC vs AirPods Pro 3
The two models shoppers most often weigh against them: the previous AirPods and Apple's in-ear Pro.
| AirPods 5 | AirPods 4 with ANC | AirPods Pro 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $129 / $149 | $119.99 at Best Buy (list $179) | $199 at Amazon (list $249) |
| Fit | Open-ear | Open-ear | In-ear, 5 tip sizes |
| Battery, ANC on | Up to 4 h / 5 h | Up to 4 h | Up to 8 h |
| With case, ANC on | Up to 20 h / 22 h | Up to 20 h | Up to 24 h |
| Water resistance | IP57 | IP54 | IP57 |
| Heart rate sensor | No | No | Yes |
| Wireless charging | $149 model only | Yes | Yes, including MagSafe |
Prices as of October 2026. Pick AirPods 4 with ANC if you find one at clearance price. Pick AirPods Pro 3 for longer battery, ear tips and heart rate tracking. Pick AirPods 5 for the newest open-ear model at $129.
Before you buy
Check how AirPods fit you
Open-ear AirPods sit in the ear without tips. If they fall out for you, go for AirPods Pro 3.
Decide on wireless charging
If you already own a Qi pad or Apple Watch charger, the $149 model is the one that uses it.
Buy from Apple or Amazon itself
On Amazon, pick the listing sold by Amazon so you get genuine AirPods and Apple's warranty.
Look at Black Friday
They were new in September 2026 and had no Prime Day discount, so holiday sales may bring the first cut.
Where AirPods 5 fall short
They are Apple's cheapest AirPods, and the trade-offs are about battery and fit.
Short battery with ANC
Up to 4 hours on the $129 model and 5 hours on the $149 model. AirPods Pro 3 list up to 8 hours.
Open-ear fit
There are no ear tips. If AirPods have never stayed in your ears, the Pro 3 come with five tip sizes.
The $129 model skips extras
Wireless charging and volume swipe are only on the $149 model.
Best with Apple devices
On Android they work as plain Bluetooth earbuds, and features like Live Translation need an Apple Intelligence device.
New, so few deals yet
AirPods 4 with ANC sold for $119.99 at Best Buy in October 2026, below the AirPods 5 price.
$129 or $149 model?
AirPods 5
USB-C charging case, ANC and up to 4 hours per charge. The pick for most iPhone owners.
AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case
Adds wireless charging, volume swipe and up to 5 hours per charge. Worth it if you charge on a pad.
AirPods 4 with ANC (previous model)
Replaced by AirPods 5 in September 2026, and some retailers sell remaining stock below list. IP54 instead of IP57.
Apple, Amazon and Best Buy list AirPods 5 at $129 and $149 as of October 2026, and no early discount had shown up during Prime Day. AirPods 4 with ANC sold for $119.99 at Best Buy while stock lasted. Expect the first cuts around Black Friday, and check today's price before you buy.
Prices checked October 17, 2026.
See today's price on AmazonCommon questions
When did AirPods 5 come out?
Apple announced them on September 9, 2026, and they reached stores on September 18, 2026.
How much are AirPods 5?
$129 with a USB-C case and $149 with the Wireless Charging Case, at Apple and Amazon as of October 2026.
Do the $129 AirPods 5 have noise cancellation?
Yes. Apple lists Active Noise Cancellation and Adaptive Audio for both models.
What is the difference between AirPods 5 and AirPods 4?
Apple says AirPods 5 remove up to 50 percent more noise than AirPods 4 with ANC. They are rated IP57 instead of IP54.
AirPods 5 or AirPods Pro 3?
AirPods Pro 3 list up to 8 hours with ANC, ear tips and a heart rate sensor for $249. AirPods 5 are open-ear and start at $129.
How long does the AirPods 5 battery last?
Up to 4 hours with ANC on the $129 model and up to 5 hours on the $149 model. The case brings it to 20 or 22 hours.
Do AirPods 5 work with Android?
Yes, as Bluetooth headphones, but Apple says features are limited outside its own devices.
Are AirPods 5 waterproof?
No. They are rated IP57 dust, sweat and water resistant, for non-water sports and exercise.
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