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AirPods 5 Launch Adds ANC for $129, Testing Finds Worse Sound

By Drooid · Sep 28, 2026, 10:53 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Apple launched AirPods 5 with Active Noise Cancellation for $129 in September 2026.
The AirPods 5 adds wireless charging, longer battery life, stem volume controls, and Find My speaker.
AirPods Pro 3 cost $249, provide sealed-in-ear fit, up to three times ANC, and eight-hour battery.
Pro 3 includes hearing-health monitoring and heart-rate sensing without an Apple Watch.
Testing found AirPods 5 sound muddier than Pro 3, especially in the lower midrange.

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Story summary

Apple launched AirPods 5 with Active Noise Cancellation for $129 in September 2026.
The AirPods 5 adds wireless charging, longer battery life, stem volume controls, and Find My speaker.
AirPods Pro 3 cost $249, provide sealed-in-ear fit, up to three times ANC, and eight-hour battery.
Pro 3 includes hearing-health monitoring and heart-rate sensing without an Apple Watch.
Testing found AirPods 5 sound muddier than Pro 3, especially in the lower midrange.