Apple’s cheapest earbuds no longer feel like the compromise they used to be.
In a new review, Bloomberg News’ Chris Welch writes that the surprise of the new AirPods 5 is that buyers are getting more for less. While other Apple products have climbed in price amid a persistent memory-chip shortage, the latest “regular” AirPods start at $129 and now include active noise cancellation, transparency mode, and live translation — features that used to sit higher in the lineup.
A $149 version adds longer battery life, a wireless charging case and on-stem swipe controls for volume. Welch, who tested that higher-end pair, says the extra $20 is worth it for almost anyone who isn’t strictly shopping on price. He also predicts Apple will eventually drop the $129 model. The $149 AirPods 5 are cheaper than the comparable AirPods 4 with noise cancellation, which launched at $179 and had no physical volume controls.
Both versions improve on sound and noise cancellation versus the last generation, Welch reports. Apple says the new open-ear design can cut up to 50% more outside noise than AirPods 4 with ANC, using a multiport acoustic architecture and updated computational audio. Transparency mode is also more natural, and Adaptive Audio can switch between cancellation and awareness as surroundings change.
The $129 pair is rated for about four hours with ANC on and up to 20 hours with the USB-C case. The $149 model stretches that to about five hours per charge and 22 hours with the case, and the case works with Qi pads and Apple Watch chargers. Both models are due in stores Friday, September 18th.
MacDailyNews Take: Welch’s takeaway is on the money: the base AirPods 5 finally feel complete, but the $149 pair is the better buy — more capable than last year’s step-up model, and $30 cheaper.
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