Apple AirPods 5 vs AirPods 4

The Apple AirPods 5 vs Apple AirPods 4 comparison comes down to one important change: Apple has made active noise cancellation standard.

Add stronger noise cancelling, redesigned acoustics, better durability, an upgraded wireless-case model, and the AirPods 5 feels like Apple fixed the biggest weakness of its open-ear earbuds.

For anyone who loves the comfortable, no-silicone-tip design of regular AirPods but has always envied the noise cancelling of AirPods Pro, things have just become much more interesting.

AIRPODS 5 MAKE ANC THE MAIN EVENT

AirPods 4 offered a choice between a standard version and one with active noise cancellation (ANC). AirPods 5 simplify this by including ANC in both versions.

Apple claims AirPods 5 can remove up to 50% more external noise than AirPods 4 with ANC, a significant improvement given that they are open-ear earbuds without the silicone seal used to block outside sound.

Think taxis, Gautrain commutes, busy offices, coffee shops, airports, or that neighbour who has apparently declared war on silence with a leaf blower.

Open earbuds will never isolate quite like sealed in-ear headphones, but AirPods 5 are making a stronger argument that perhaps they don’t need to.

SAME H2 CHIP, BETTER SOUND

Apple hasn’t upgraded the processor, so both generations use the H2 headphone chip. However, the improvement comes from what surrounds it.

AirPods 5 introduce a new multiport acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ. Apple says the system has been redesigned to produce richer, more detailed audio across a wider variety of ear shapes.

Unlike silicone-tipped earphones, regular AirPods cannot create exactly the same seal in everyone’s ears. Better acoustic compensation could therefore make a bigger real-world difference than simply throwing another processor into the stems.

BATTERY LIFE BUT WITH A CATCH

Before ordering, pay attention to these details:

• The standard AirPods 5 offer up to four hours of listening time with ANC enabled, matching the AirPods 4. Their USB-C case extends that to around 20 hours.
• The more expensive AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case increase that to five hours per charge and 22 hours with the case.
• This version also introduces volume control directly on the stem, allowing you to adjust the volume without reaching for your iPhone.

While it may seem like a small feature, it’s likely to be used frequently.

AIRPODS 5 BETTER PREPARED FOR SA LIFE

Durability quietly receives a useful upgrade too. The AirPods 4 carry an IP54 rating, while AirPods 5 move to IP57 dust, sweat, and water resistance.

That doesn’t mean you should start swimming in them, but it provides extra reassurance for workouts, sudden Highveld thunderstorms, sweaty summer walks, and the general abuse tiny earbuds experience in pockets and bags.

SHOULD AIRPODS 4 OWNERS UPGRADE?

If you own the basic AirPods 4 without ANC, AirPods 5 are a fairly compelling upgrade. You gain noise cancelling as standard, improved acoustics, better resistance to dust and water, and access to Apple’s latest open-ear audio experience.

The decision isn’t as obvious if you already own AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (like I do).

You still get meaningfully stronger ANC and improved sound, but many familiar features remain, including the H2 chip, Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode, Conversation Awareness, and Personalised Spatial Audio.

In that case, the Wireless Charging Case version of AirPods 5 is more tempting because its longer battery life and volume swipe add practical benefits beyond improved noise cancelling. Personally, I’m not rushing to the iStore anytime soon.

AIRPODS 5 ARE ABOUT FIXING THE COMPROMISES

AirPods 5 maintain the open-ear fit, H2 chip, and recognisable design of previous models.

However, they introduce improvements that address common frustrations: stronger ANC, re-engineered sound, enhanced durability, and a premium charging case with a volume-swipe feature.

While AirPods 4 ANC owners may find these changes incremental, AirPods 5 could be the ideal choice for those seeking comfort and effective noise cancellation.

The AirPods 5 start at R2 599, while the Wireless Charging Case model is R2 999 via iStore.