Compared to AirPods 5 vs AirPods 4, the biggest changes are not in the earbuds themselves, but in how much you have to pay for their best features. Active noise cancellation is now available in both versions and reduces 50% more noise than in AirPods 4 with ANC. It also gained IP57 resistance instead of IP54.
The headphones went on sale on September 18, 2026. In Poland, they cost 599 PLN for the USB-C case version and 699 PLN for the wireless charging case.
There is one more thing that no presentation mentions: the casing has not changed by a millimeter. The earbuds and case have the same dimensions as in AirPods 4, so a protective case purchased two years ago will fit the new model.
A short answer on who should choose what: AirPods 5 for any new purchase and when switching from basic AirPods 4, and AirPods 4 ANC only if you find them significantly cheaper. Owners of AirPods 4 ANC have no reason to upgrade.
Below is the full table of both generations, an explanation of what really separates the USB-C case version from the wireless case version today, and a fair list of things that AirPods 5 do not improve at all.
AirPods 5 vs AirPods 4: full comparison table
We compare four variants, as both generations come in two versions. We have bolded the positions where the new generation actually makes a change.
| Parameter | AirPods 4 (USB-C case) | AirPods 4 ANC (wireless case) | AirPods 5 (USB-C case) | AirPods 5 (wireless case) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active noise cancellation | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| ANC effectiveness (against AirPods 4 with ANC) | no ANC | reference point | +50% noise reduction | +50% noise reduction |
| Acoustic architecture | classic | classic | multi-port | multi-port |
| Adaptive EQ | ✅ | ✅ | next generation | next generation |
| Transparency mode | ✅ | ✅ | more natural | more natural |
| Adaptive sound | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Conversation awareness | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Studio-quality recording | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Live translation | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Volume control by touch | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Chip | H2 | H2 | H2 | H2 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Headphone and case resistance | IP54 | IP54 | IP57 | IP57 |
| Case charging | USB-C | USB-C, wireless | USB-C | USB-C, wireless |
| Speaker in case for Find My app | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Earbud dimensions | 30.2 × 18.3 × 18.1 mm | = | = | = |
| Case dimensions | 46.2 × 50.1 × 21.2 mm | = | = | = |
| Case weight | 32.3 g | 34.7 g | 32.3 g | 34.7 g |
| Price in Poland | dependent on store | dependent on store | 599 PLN | 699 PLN |
| Release | September 2024 | September 2024 | September 18, 2026 | September 18, 2026 |
The conclusion from the table is one: the changes are in acoustics and water resistance, not in electronics. The chip, Bluetooth, dimensions, and weight are exactly the same as two years ago. The symbol “=” indicates a value identical to the first column. We have listed the operating times separately in the battery section, and you will find a complete list of things that remain unchanged below.
ANC 50% more effective: what does it mean in practice
Apple claims that the AirPods 5 remove 50% more external noise than the AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation. This is not the result of a new chip, as it has not changed, but rather a redesign of the construction itself.
The new multi-port acoustic architecture directs air differently inside the earbud. Additionally, improved computational audio algorithms respond faster to changes in the environment.
It is important to understand the starting point. The AirPods 4 ANC were the first open earbuds from Apple with active noise cancellation, and the noise reduction worked decently in the subway or on a plane, but clearly weaker than in the in-ear AirPods Pro. The design without a rubber tip does not seal the ear canal, so some noise enters from the side.
One and a half times better noise reduction in the same open design is a real leap, but it still doesn’t reach the level of AirPods Pro 3. If you’re looking for maximum silence rather than comfort for long hours of wear, the in-ear model remains the right choice. We described the differences between the Pro generations in the comparison of AirPods Pro 3 and Pro 2.
The transparency mode has also improved, sounding more natural, as well as the sound itself, thanks to the new generation adaptive EQ. A new feature is studio-quality recording, meaning a better audio track when recording video with your phone.
USB-C case or wireless: what separates both versions today
This question has changed its meaning with this release and is worth discussing separately, as the difference between the variants is no longer about sound.
In AirPods 4, the extra cost primarily led to ANC, along with wireless charging and a speaker in the case. The cheaper version had no noise cancellation at all, so the choice was simple: either pay more or give up the most important feature.
In AirPods 5, both versions sound the same and both have full ANC. The extra cost leads solely to convenience:
- Volume control with a tap of the foot, swipe up or down instead of reaching for your phone
- One hour more listening, 5 hours with ANC instead of 4, and 7 hours without ANC instead of 6
- Wireless charging, with a Qi charger or the one from Apple Watch
- Speaker in the case, helps find the lost case in the Find app
Tip: if you have a wireless charger at home or frequently lose your case, the upgrade is worth it. If you charge everything with a USB-C cable and keep the case in the same pocket, the cheaper version gives exactly the same sound.
Case with wireless charging: on the left AirPods 5, on the right AirPods 4. Photos: Apple.
This is, by the way, the essence of this release. Two years ago, ANC in open AirPods required upgrading to a more expensive variant; today you get it in the basic version. Active noise cancellation is no longer an optional extra.
Battery: an hour more where it matters most
The changes in the battery are minor, but placed exactly where the user will notice them.
| Mode | AirPods 4 ANC | AirPods 5 (USB-C case) | AirPods 5 (wireless case) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening with ANC | 4 hours | 4 hours | 5 hours |
| Listening without ANC | 5 hours | 6 hours | 7 hours |
| Total with case, with ANC | 20 hours | 20 hours | 22 hours |
| 5 minutes of charging | about 1 hour | about 1 hour | about 1 hour |
The second row is the most interesting. Listening without ANC has been extended in both versions, even though this is a mode that Apple doesn’t boast about at all. For someone who wears open headphones mainly for podcasts in the office, this is a gain that will be felt more often than better ANC.
It is worth knowing, however, that the basic version of AirPods 5 does not extend the time with ANC. Four hours is exactly what the AirPods 4 provided with noise cancellation. The additional hour is available only in the variant with the wireless case.
IP57 instead of IP54: what it really changes
This change appears in the table as a shift by one degree, but in practice, it means a completely different category of resistance.
IP54 provides protection against water splashes from any direction. Rain, sweat during a run, splashes while washing dishes. The headphones can survive this, but immersion is another story.
IP57 offers protection against immersion up to one meter for 30 minutes. Falling into a sink, puddle, washbasin, or into a jacket pocket left in the rain is no longer a sentence.
Dust resistance has also been increased: a five in the first position means that particles can penetrate, but will not disrupt functionality. For someone who wears headphones at the beach or on a construction site, this is a concrete argument.
During training, however, it’s not just resistance that matters, but also whether the headphones will stay in the ear at all. An open design can be risky, which we detailed in the guide how to choose headphones for the gym.
The standard applies to both headphones and the case, which was not always obvious for buyers of the AirPods 4.
Note: IP resistance is not eternal. Seals wear out over time, and the manufacturer’s warranty does not cover damage caused by liquid. Treat IP57 as protection against accidents, not as an invitation to swim.
What AirPods 5 Do Not Improve
An honest list of things that remain exactly the same:
- H2 chip, the same layout that debuted in AirPods Pro 2 in 2022
- Bluetooth 5.3, no change in standard
- Open design without rubber tips, with the same advantages and limitations
- Dimensions and weight of the earbud: 30.2 × 18.3 × 18.1 mm and 4.3 grams, exactly the same as in AirPods 4
- Dimensions of the case: 46.2 × 50.1 × 21.2 mm, unchanged
- Spatial audio with head tracking, the same implementation
- Voice isolation and personalized volume, transferred unchanged
- Fast charging: 5 minutes still gives about an hour of listening
There is no heart rate measurement, which the AirPods Pro 3 received. There are no interchangeable tips or a switch to an in-ear design. There is also no new chip, so the range and connection stability remain at the level of its predecessor.
One detail is worth noting before purchase: the speaker in the case for the Find My app is only available in the wireless case version. The division here is exactly the same as in AirPods 4, where the speaker was also only available in the more expensive variant.
AirPods 5 price: how much do they cost in Poland
Prices in the Polish Apple store look like this:
| Version | Price |
|---|---|
| AirPods 5 with USB-C case | 599 PLN |
| AirPods 5 with wireless charging case | 699 PLN |
The box does not include a cable or charger, so if you are buying your first Apple device, add a USB-C cable right away. The case for both versions charges via cable, and the more expensive one additionally with a wireless charger.
AirPods 4 have disappeared from the forefront in the Apple store, but they remain in retail chains, usually much cheaper than the new model. This is their only, but strong argument.
AirPods 5 Case: Does the old one fit?
Case compatibility is the only point where Apple hasn’t messed up, and it’s worth knowing this before making a purchase.
The charging case has identical dimensions of 46.2 × 50.1 × 21.2 mm in both generations. The weight also matches: 32.3 g for the USB-C version and 34.7 g for the wireless version. This means that a silicone or plastic case purchased for AirPods 4 will fit AirPods 5 without any looseness.
This is confirmed by the manufacturers themselves. Tech-Protect has introduced the Lamano series described directly as “AirPods 4 / 5″, without separating the generations.
| Element | Compatibility with AirPods 5 |
|---|---|
| Protective case for AirPods 4 | ✅ fits, identical dimensions |
| Case for AirPods 3 | ❌ different shape of the housing |
| Case for AirPods Pro 3 | ❌ different shape of the housing |
| Clips and carabiners for AirPods 4 | ✅ fit |
The only thing to keep in mind: if you buy the wireless charging version, choose a slim case without metal inserts to avoid blocking energy transfer.
Tech-Protect Lamano for AirPods 4 and 5
Tech-Protect Lamano case is the simplest answer to the question of compatibility, as the manufacturer lists both generations in the product name. You don’t have to guess anything.
The finish mimics leather, and the attachment allows you to clip the case to a bag or backpack strap. There is also a Nature Muse version available in a lighter color scheme.
Spigen Rugged Armor
Spigen Rugged Armor case is a classic that works exactly like it does for phones in its version for AirPods. The flexible TPU with embossed pattern does not slip from your hand, and the matte surface does not collect fingerprints.
The cutout at the bottom provides easy access to the USB-C port, and the status LED remains visible through the case.
ESR Orbit HaloLock with MagSafe
ESR Orbit HaloLock case adds to AirPods what Apple did not provide: a magnetic ring compatible with MagSafe. The case attaches to a car mount or a magnetic stand on the desk.
This solution makes sense especially paired with the version with a wireless case, as the magnet helps align with the induction charger coil on the first try.
UAG Scout
UAG Scout Case is the choice for a backpack and construction site. The design with raised edges absorbs impact instead of the case hinge, which is the most vulnerable element in AirPods.
The set includes a carabiner. If you prefer a version with a more distinct pattern, the same manufacturer offers UAG Plasma.
UNIQ Clyde Lock Case
UNIQ Clyde Case solves the most common problem of open cases for AirPods: the lid accidentally opening in your pocket. The clasp keeps the lid closed until you open it yourself.
Tech-Protect MagMat
Tech-Protect MagMat case is the second option with magnets, thinner than the Orbita and closer to the raw look of the Apple case itself. A good choice when you want protection that is almost invisible.
If you care about natural materials, check out the NOMAD Modern Leather case, which develops a patina over time.
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We have compiled a complete list with descriptions in the article about the best cases for AirPods 4. All the models mentioned there are also compatible with the fifth generation.
AirPods 5 or AirPods 4: which model to choose?
The comparison comes down to five situations and five clear answers.
You have AirPods 4 ANC. Stick with them. The same chip, the same shape, the same spatial sound. You gain better noise cancellation and water resistance, but that’s not enough to replace functional headphones.
You have AirPods 4 without ANC. Upgrading makes sense. You get a feature that your model doesn’t have at all, and it’s in a version that’s fifty percent more effective than the one you had to pay extra for two years ago.
You have AirPods 2 or 3. Get AirPods 5 without hesitation. The jump includes ANC, transparency mode, spatial sound, USB-C case, and IP57 resistance.
You are buying your first Apple headphones. AirPods 5 in the basic version. Since ANC is available in both variants, and the sound is identical, only pay extra if you really use wireless charging.
You care about maximum silence. Choose an in-ear model. The open design has limits that no acoustic architecture can overcome. Check out cases and accessories for AirPods Pro 3 or our guide on in-ear or over-ear headphones.
Summary
AirPods 5 vs AirPods 4 is a launch where the most important change is the price, not the technology. Apple took the most expensive feature from the previous generation and put it into the base model.
Five conclusions to end:
- ANC is in every version and reduces 50% more noise than in AirPods 4 with noise cancellation
- The choice of case no longer concerns sound, but wireless charging, speaker in the case, volume control by tapping, and listening time
- IP57 instead of IP54 changes the category from “splash resistant” to “survives immersion”
- Chip, Bluetooth, dimensions, and weight are identical to AirPods 4
- The case from AirPods 4 fits unchanged, as the charging case has the same dimensions
If you stick with AirPods 4, invest in a good case instead of new headphones. If you switch to the fifth generation, don’t buy a case anew. The one you have will fit without any problem.
FAQ: frequently asked questions
When were the AirPods 5 released?
The AirPods 5 went on sale on September 18, 2026, with pre-orders starting on September 9. The launch took place alongside the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4.
Does the case for AirPods 4 fit AirPods 5?
Yes. The charging case has identical dimensions of 46.2 × 50.1 × 21.2 mm in both generations, so a protective case purchased for AirPods 4 will fit AirPods 5 snugly. Some manufacturers, like Tech-Protect, describe their cases directly as “AirPods 4 / 5”.
Do the AirPods 5 have ANC in both versions?
Yes. This is the main change of this generation. Both the version priced at 599 PLN and the one at 699 PLN have full active noise cancellation. In AirPods 4, noise cancellation was only available in the more expensive variant.
How much do AirPods 5 cost in Poland?
The AirPods 5 with USB-C case cost 599 PLN, while the version with a wireless charging case is priced at 699 PLN. The box does not include a cable or charger.
What is the difference between the 599 PLN AirPods 5 and the 699 PLN version?
Nothing in terms of sound. The more expensive version adds wireless charging, a speaker in the case for the Find My app, volume control by tapping the stem, and an hour longer listening time on a single charge.
Is it worth buying AirPods 4 instead of AirPods 5?
It’s worth it if you find them clearly cheaper and accept weaker ANC and IP54 resistance. The chip, spatial sound, and shape are the same, so the biggest loss concerns noise cancellation effectiveness.
Are AirPods 5 waterproof?
They have an IP57 rating, meaning they can withstand immersion up to one meter for 30 minutes. This is clearly more than the IP54 in AirPods 4, which only protected against splashes. The standard applies to both the earbuds and the case.
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