Apple's $129 AirPods 5 Arrive With Upgraded Noise Cancellation

Apple has released the AirPods 5, priced at $129, according to Ars Technica. The new open-ear earbuds bring improved active noise cancellation and a better transparency mode compared with earlier models, the outlet reported.

Apple itself describes the AirPods 5 as offering "best-in-class open-ear Active Noise Cancellation," according to the company. The open-ear design means the earbuds sit outside the ear canal rather than sealing it, a form factor that has traditionally limited how much outside sound can be blocked.

CNET's review of the AirPods 5 called the device a better upgrade than the reviewer had anticipated. The Verge also published guidance on where to preorder the new earbuds, indicating Apple has opened early sales ahead of general availability.

Buyers weighing their options now have a second recent Apple audio product to consider. Mashable published a comparison of the AirPods 5 against the AirPods Pro 3, framing the two as a choice for shoppers rather than a clear upgrade path. The AirPods Pro 3 differ from the AirPods 5 in design, since the Pro model uses silicone tips that seal the ear canal.

apple airpods 5

The $129 price point places the AirPods 5 below Apple's Pro-tier earbuds, though the reporting does not specify the AirPods Pro 3's current price.

What to watch next: independent testing of the AirPods 5's noise cancellation in real-world conditions, and whether the open-ear design narrows the gap with sealed models.