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7h ago

Apple Launches AirPods 5 With Active Noise Cancellation and Lower Entry Price

Pushing pro-grade noise control into a cheaper tier, this launch shifts buyer choices through immediate retail discounts.

The AirPods 5 in the Tom's Guide testing lab.
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The AirPods 5 in the Tom's Guide testing lab.
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Overview

  • Apple began selling the AirPods 5 on Sept. 18 in two models: a base pair with a USB-C case and a higher-tier pair with a wireless charging case and on-stem volume controls.
  • The new models add active noise cancellation to both SKUs, use a multiport acoustic architecture borrowed from the AirPods Pro 3, and carry IP57 dust and water resistance on the wireless-case version.
  • Apple set list prices at $129 for the base AirPods 5 and $149 for the AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case, which cuts the entry cost for ANC-equipped AirPods compared with the prior generation.
  • Retailers posted launch-day discounts and promotions, including Amazon listings around $124.99 and concurrent deals that narrowed the gap with discounted AirPods Pro 3 offers, creating immediate trade-offs for buyers.
  • Early hands-on reviews praise the AirPods 5 as strong value for iPhone users, but independent lab tests to verify Apple’s ANC and performance claims have not yet been published.