Apple’s latest AirPods are officially up for preorder, and you don’t have to wait for the Apple Store to place an order. The new AirPods 5 are available at Amazon and Walmart, starting at $129 for the version with a USB-C charging case and $149 for the one with a wireless charging case.
The AirPods 5 bring some meaningful upgrades while keeping the familiar open-ear design that made their predecessor popular. Improved Active Noise Cancellation leads the list, but Apple is also adding a more capable Siri experience, improved sound quality, and smarter features that adjust what you hear based on your surroundings.
Why Choose the Apple AirPods 5?
One of the biggest upgrades in the AirPods 5 is active noise cancellation, which Apple says is now 50% better than the AirPods 4 with ANC. It also features Adaptive Audio, which can automatically balance noise cancellation and transparency based on your surroundings, so you can stay aware when you need to.
Apple also upgraded the listening experience with its next-generation Adaptive EQ and Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. Together, these features make movies, shows, music, and games feel more immersive.
The brand also kept the open-ear design, making it ideal for people who prefer earbuds that don’t seal their ear canals. Plus, the IP57 rating adds protection against dust, sweat, and water for workouts and everyday use.
Battery life reaches up to four hours with Active Noise Cancellation enabled, while the charging case extends total listening time to up to 20 hours. Both versions give you the same core AirPods 5 experience, so the main choice comes down to the case. The $129 model includes an ultra-compact USB-C charging case, while the $149 model adds a wireless charging case for $20 more.
With improved noise cancellation, smarter Apple Intelligence features, and the familiar AirPods design, the AirPods 5 pack plenty of upgrades into their $129 starting price. Preorders are now open at Amazon and Walmart, and the $149 wireless-charging version could be worth the small price jump if you already use wireless chargers at home or in the office. Both versions will be available for shipping starting September 18.