Apple AirPods 5 Cut Wireless Price to $149 as ANC Jumps 1.5x

Q: Can AirPods 5’s stronger ANC finally make open-fit earbuds a real alternative to AirPods Pro for everyday commuters?

Yes—for many commuters, AirPods 5 look like the first open-fit AirPods that can realistically replace AirPods Pro, but not for everyone. The key change is active noise cancellation. Apple says AirPods 5 cut up to 50% more outside noise than AirPods 4 with ANC, and early reviews say the improvement is clearly noticeable. That matters because open-fit earbuds usually struggle with commuting noise. Testers described AirPods 5 as the strongest open-style earbuds yet for noise cancellation, especially useful on trains, buses, and city streets. But the physical limit remains: without an in-ear seal, AirPods 5 still cannot isolate sound as well as AirPods Pro. For very loud environments such as subways, airplanes, or crowded stations, the Pro model should still block more low-end rumble and deliver a quieter listen at lower volume. Where AirPods 5 become a serious alternative is comfort and value. Some users dislike the pressure or fit of silicone tips, and Apple now offers adjustable ANC strength, Adaptive Audio, Transparency features, and Conversation Awareness in an open design. At $129, or $149 with wireless charging, Find My, volume swipes, and slightly better battery life, they are also more aggressively priced than before. For everyday commuters who want awareness, comfort, and decent noise reduction without a sealed earbud, AirPods 5 may be enough—and arguably the best option Apple has offered in that category. For maximum isolation, AirPods Pro still hold the advantage.

3 articles · Updated · Business Insider · Sep 28

$149 AirPods 5 with a wireless charging case and $129 wired version both add active noise cancellation, with Apple claiming ANC is 1.5 times stronger than the previous generation.
That upgrade is the review's biggest takeaway: the open-fit earbuds block noticeably more outside noise than AirPods 4 while keeping users more aware of their surroundings than in-ear AirPods Pro models.
Apple also improved sound with tighter bass, a wider soundstage and clearer mids, while the $149 model adds on-stem volume swipes, longer battery life and Find My support.
Pricing strengthens the pitch: the wireless-case model launches $30 below the comparable AirPods 4 at $149 versus $179, while the wired model keeps the same $129 price and now includes ANC.