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Apple AirPods 4 ANC vs Apple AirPods 5: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Apple AirPods 4 ANC comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 80. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Apple AirPods 4 ANC - Outstanding overall at around $179.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Apple AirPods 5 leads on 6 of 7 measures.

  • Apple AirPods 4 ANC
  • Apple AirPods 5
HearWiki score
80
75
Sound
7.6
8.0
Noise cancelling
6.7
8.0
Battery
5.9
6.5
Calls
7.9
8.0
Value
7.1
8.5
Price (USD)
$180
$130

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

The Apple AirPods 5 is 2 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. The platform is level; the newer hardware shows up in convenience features instead - the Apple AirPods 5 adds Multipoint pairing and Water resistance IP57 against IP54.

  • AirPods 4 ANC2024
  • AirPods 520262 yr newer
What differsAirPods 4 ANCAirPods 5

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Water resistance
IP54
IP57

Level on: Bluetooth, ANC type, Wireless charging, USB-C, Wear detection, Transparency mode, Custom EQ, Companion app.

Specifications

AirPods 4 ANCAirPods 5
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$180
$130
HearWiki score
80
75
Released
2024
2026
Availability
Still sold new
Sold new
Driver
11 mm dynamic
dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
11 mm
-
Drivers per side
1
-
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
-
Bluetooth
5.3
5.3
Codecs
SBC, AAC
-
Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Battery life
4 h
5 h
Battery life (ANC on)
4 h
4 h
Battery incl. case
20 h
22 h
Wireless charging
Yes
Yes
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
adaptive
adaptive
Transparency mode
Yes
Yes
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
Yes
Wear detection
Yes
Yes
Controls
both
both
Voice assistant
Siri
Siri
Weight
4.3 g
4.3 g
Case weight
34.7 g
32.3 g
Water resistance
IP54
IP57
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Connector
-
USB-C
Microphones
3
3
Microphone type
-
beamforming
Call noise reduction
-
Yes

What reviewers said

Apple AirPods 4 ANC

The Apple AirPods 4 ANC deliver adaptive noise cancellation and a balanced, bass-improved sound in a compact, IP54-rated design. They offer solid performance for Apple users, with a comfortable fit for active use, though battery life is on the shorter side and multipoint is absent.

  • Pro:Effective adaptive ANC for the price
  • Pro:Improved bass response and overall clarity
  • Pro:Comfortable, stable fit for workouts
  • Con:Battery life is limited to 4 hours per charge
  • Con:No multipoint Bluetooth connection
  • Con:ANC is decent but not class-leading

Apple AirPods 5

The Apple AirPods 5 are true wireless earbuds that deliver adaptive active noise cancellation and a transparent listening mode, backed by a custom high-excursion driver for improved audio. They support Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint connectivity, offer an IP57 water-resistance rating, and come with a USB-C charging case that supports wireless charging. With three beamforming mics, hands-free Siri AI, and a custom EQ via the companion app, these earbuds aim to provide a versatile and smart listening experience.

  • Pro:Adaptive ANC and transparency mode for flexible noise control
  • Pro:IP57 water resistance for sweat and light rain protection
  • Pro:Multipoint Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless device switching
  • Con:Battery life is modest at 4 hours with ANC on
  • Con:Total case playback of 22 hours may require frequent recharging for heavy users
  • Con:Open-ear design may not suit those wanting a sealed fit

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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New comparisonApple AirPods 4 ANCApple AirPods 5