AirPods 5 Bring Standard ANC to the Base Model for the First Time at $129

Summary

Apple announced AirPods 5 at Tuesday’s event with Active Noise Cancellation included in the base model at $129, eliminating the $50 upcharge that had separated the two AirPods 4 tiers. Both models ship September 18. Apple says AirPods 5 reduce background noise by 50% more than the previous generation, courtesy of a redesigned multiport acoustic architecture and updated Adaptive EQ. The higher-tier model with a Wireless Charging Case runs $149. Live Translation is also included when paired with an Apple Intelligence-capable iPhone running iOS 27.

Why it matters

The most meaningful change here is the pricing shift. ANC used to cost extra. It no longer does. For anyone shopping for AirPodsPods at any tier, the calculus just changed, and the base $129 model is now a significantly stronger value than any previous entry-level AirPods.

HTD Says

Apple just removed the noise-cancellation upcharge on AirPods 5, and the base $129 model now does what used to cost $179, making this the easiest AirPods upgrade decision in years. I’m guessing that this will be in a lot of gifts this coming holiday season.

I think the $149 version is the one to get since it has wireless charging. Both versions have ANC, which is a game changer. I haven’t been able to try live translation as my AirPods Pro are a version behind what is supported. One feature that people haven’t talked about much is the simple addition of the volume slider. I have been waiting for that for ages.

This will be a popular item. The price point is right at that sweet spot and truly competitive with other ANC earbuds on the market.

Source:

Apple Newsroom