AirPods 5 and AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging are like a greatest hits rollout of AirPods Pro — just without the hearing health or heart-rate modules

Apple's letting us pick our must-haves!

by · TechRadar

News By Becky Scarrott Published 10 September 2026

(Image credit: Apple)

Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter

  • Two AirPods 5 models: 50% better ANC, Adaptive Audio and Live Translation
  • A step up model boasts wireless charging and volume swipeable stems
  • $129 / £129 for AirPods 5; $149 / £149 for AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging

If you watched our Apple event coverage, you'll know that Apple's decided to double up on its non-Pro AirPods rollout as it did before, and each model within the new AirPods 5 duo features ANC, whether you really felt you wanted it or not.

And Apple definitely wants you to want it, because along with an "all-new multiport acoustic architecture" in this open-fit style, the company claims the new onboard ANC will remove up to 50% more external noise compared to AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation.

One of the key upgrades here is Live Translation inclusion in both sets (previously the sole preserve of the Pro lineup) as well as Personalised Spatial Audio and Adaptive EQ. And the new battery now offers up to 20 hours in total with ANC (up to five hours from the buds themselves, which is an hour more than their older siblings, or four with ANC) or up to 22 hours if listening without ANC.

Latest Videos FromTechRadarWatch full video here:

True, it's still not great in the stamina stakes. But this really is Apple's entry-level AirPods offering and for some, cash (not battery life) is king.

(Image credit: Apple)

Also, it's worth pointing out while Live Translation and Adaptive EQ is here, there are none of those rumored cameras, low-res or otherwise — even in the top-tier option. We didn't expect them 'til 2027 and it turns out we were right to stick to that.

Although Audio Intelligence and Siri Recap did launch at the event, these are software upgrades meant to help enhance what you hear (and in some cases, transcribe it, although the promise is that Apple will neither record, nor store said information). Anyway, no, Apple eyes in your ears are still a way off yet.

It's been nearly two years since AirPods 5's predecessors launched (where does the time go?) but the original AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation were priced at $179 / £179 / AU$299 when they landed on September 20, 2024. And no such pricing exists now. That's right, both models are cheaper.

Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox

Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more.

Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors