Apple AirPods 5 vs AirPods 4: what's the upgrade here?
Did we need an annual AirPods update? Well, the price-to-value is definitely better now
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Graphic showing the AirPods 5 and AirPods 4 models | Image by PhoneArena
Apple just announced a refresh of the base AirPods line only a year since the release of the AirPods 4. Curious.. why?
They sure look the same but do come with an upgraded ANC. And, this time around, there's no "non-ANC" variant. Yet the price stays the same!
Let's explore what the AirPods 5 bring to the table and whether it's worth it. Or if AirPods 4 are still good through 2027.
Table of contents:
Table of contents:
AirPods 5 vs AirPods 4 specs:
| AirPods 5 | AirPods 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Color options | White | White |
| Audio | Single driver: Custom Apple driver Redesigned acoustic chambers | Single driver: Custom Apple driver |
| Connectivity and codecs | Bluetooth 5.3, AAC Auto-switch on iCloud devices | Bluetooth 5.3, AAC Auto-switch on iCloud devices |
| Battery life | Base model with ANC on: Buds - 4 hours With case - 20 hours | ANC model with ANC On: Buds - 4 hours With case - 20 hours |
| Ingress protection | IP57, buds and case | IP54, buds and case |
AirPods 5 vs AirPods 4 design
On the outside, it looks like this is going to be a very short chapter. The AirPods 5 follow the same shapes and forms of the AirPods 4, the short stems and bulky pods included.
There are a few minor intricacies to consider, though.
For one, we get two versions of AirPods 5 yet again. A "cheaper" $130 model and a slightly more expensive $150 model. The latter one has a MagSafe wireless charging case, and volume controls on the AirPod stems. Like AirPods Pro 3, there's a small touchpad that accepts swipe controls. The $130 AirPods 5 and the 2025 AirPods 4 do not have that.
Secondly, there's a small improvement in durability with the AirPods 5 (any variant). They now come with IP57 rating, meaning they can survive minor submersion under water as well. This goes for the case and buds.
The AirPods 4 have IP54, only guaranteed to survive splashes of water.
There is a big internal upgrade with the AirPods 5 — Apple claims fully redesigned acoustic chambers. This should improve detail, depth, and bass, but we will have to hear them in person to judge.
AirPods 5 vs AirPods 4 Sound and ANC
There is a big internal upgrade with the AirPods 5 — Apple claims fully redesigned acoustic chambers. This should improve detail, depth, and bass, but we will have to hear them in person to judge.
There's also an upgrade on the ANC. Now, first of all, even the base $130 AirPods 5 now have ANC. Great! And it's been improved by about 50% according to Apple.
Independent measurements of the AirPods 4 said their ANC reduces noise by about 10 to 15 dB. That'd mean that the AirPods 5 should hit up to minus 20 dB on ambient noise. Not a lot, sure, but still impressive considering they are an open design, not in-ear buds with sealing tips.
Of course, AirPods work seamlessly with Siri on your iPhone. And, since Apple's assistant is finally getting that major AI upgrade, you will be able to freely converse with Siri, or request information, or ask for Maps navigation and other queries, simply by speaking into your AirPods. Plus, a live translator mode that will speak right into your ear like a Babel Fish.
Special features
Of course, AirPods work seamlessly with Siri on your iPhone. And, since Apple's assistant is finally getting that major AI upgrade, you will be able to freely converse with Siri, or request information, or ask for Maps navigation and other queries, simply by speaking into your AirPods. Plus, a live translator mode that will speak right into your ear like a Babel Fish.
There's no reason to believe that this feature is exclusive to the new AirPods 5. In fact, they should be supported by the full portfolio of AirPods models, logic dictates.
Now, the $150 AirPods have a couple of upgrades. The aforementioned touch pads for volume control are a great addition. Their case supports MagSafe wireless charging. And they have a slightly longer battery life — 5 hours on the buds, 22 hours with case, up from 4 hours on the buds, 20 hours with case.
Now, the $150 AirPods have a couple of upgrades. The aforementioned touch pads for volume control are a great addition. Their case supports MagSafe wireless charging. And they have a slightly longer battery life — 5 hours on the buds, 22 hours with case, up from 4 hours on the buds, 20 hours with case.
Multi-device
Of course, all AirPods models, even legacy ones down to the OG, support multi-device connectivity. This is not limited like Bluetooth Multipoint — you can literally swap your AirPods connection to any iDevice that's logged in with your iCloud account. Technically, you don't pair them to your device, you pair them to your iCloud.
Granted, it's always a bit finnicky when swapping from a mobile iPhone or iPad to a desktop iMac or MacBook. Still works better than Bluetooth swaps.
The AirPods 5 come with a couple of nice upgrades and definitely a better price-to-value ratio. ANC across the board, touch controls on the more expensive model (which is still cheaper than last year's wireless case model), and supposed better sound.
AirPods 5 vs AirPods 4: which ones to get?
Should you run and upgrade your AirPods 4 ASAP? Can't say yet. I don't think that the improved acoustic chambers would make a huge difference, but I am ready to be pleasantly surprised. Hang tight for the full review.
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