Apple AirPods 5 vs Apple AirPods 4 ANC

Updated Nov 2026 · Scored by the Let’s Compare Data Engine · How we score

  • Sound quality isn't scored yet (we have no measured audio data), so the score covers features, battery, noise cancelling and build.

Verdict

Key takeaways

  • Apple AirPods 5 and Apple AirPods 4 ANC are closely matched overall (within 1 points).
  • Key differences: battery life per charge, where Apple AirPods 5 has 6 vs 4 h; only Apple AirPods 4 ANC has wireless charging case; IP rating, where Apple AirPods 5 has IP57 vs IP54.
Apple AirPods 5 and Apple AirPods 4 ANC are closely matched
Apple AirPods 5 · 81 overall, #18 of 68
76
Apple AirPods 4 ANC · 80 overall, #20 of 68
76
Key differences
  • Battery Life per ChargeApple AirPods 5 6 vs 4 h
  • Wireless Charging CaseApple AirPods 4 ANC only
  • IP RatingApple AirPods 5 IP57 vs IP54

Scores by Category

Evenly split — each wins 1 of 6 categories

CategoryAirPods 5AirPods 4 ANCLead
Noise Cancelling
Tie
Battery
+5
Connectivity
Tie
Build
+11
Audio
Tie
Calls
Tie

Physical Comparison

AirPods 5
32.3g
Weight
AirPods 4 ANC
34.7g
Weight
AirPods 5
4.3g
Weight
AirPods 4 ANC
4.3g
Weight

Value for Money

Launch prices — enter today's prices (same currency for both).

Detailed Specifications

Audio

Feature
AirPods 5
AirPods 4 ANC
Spatial Audio with Head Tracking
Yes
Yes

Noise Cancelling

Feature
AirPods 5
AirPods 4 ANC
Active Noise Cancelling
Yes
Yes
Transparency Mode
Yes
Yes

Battery

Feature
AirPods 5
AirPods 4 ANC
Battery Life per Charge
6 h50% more
4 h
Total Battery Life with Case
N/A
20 h
Quick Charge
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging Case
No
Yes

Connectivity

Feature
AirPods 5
AirPods 4 ANC
Bluetooth Version

Calls

Feature
AirPods 5
AirPods 4 ANC
Microphones per Earbud
3
3

Build

Feature
AirPods 5
AirPods 4 ANC
IP Rating
Weight per Earbud
4.3 g
4.3 g
Case Weight
32.3 g7% less
34.7 g

Specification Note

Specifications are compiled from official manufacturer data and other reliable internet sources. Some features may vary by region or model configuration.

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