AirPods 5 vs AirPods 4 UK (2026): Are the New AirPods Worth It?

Apple has announced AirPods 5, and this generation creates an unusually difficult problem for AirPods 4.

Active Noise Cancellation is now included on both AirPods 5 models, Apple has redesigned the acoustic architecture, durability improves to IP57, Siri AI is built into the new experience and the upgraded version adds on-stem volume control and longer battery life.

Even more importantly, Apple's UK pricing starts at just £119.

That is the same price Apple currently lists for standard AirPods 4 without Active Noise Cancellation.

So are AirPods 4 now obsolete — or can a refurbished pair still be the smarter buy?

AirPods 5 vs AirPods 4: Specs at a Glance

Prices shown are Apple's UK prices checked in September 2026 and can change. Refurbished prices vary with condition, availability and seller.

1. The Biggest Change: Every AirPods 5 Model Gets ANC

The most important AirPods 5 upgrade is extremely simple:

You no longer have to buy the more expensive version just to get Active Noise Cancellation.

With AirPods 4, Apple sells a standard model without ANC and a more expensive model with ANC.

AirPods 5 include ANC on both versions.

That completely changes the value calculation for anyone comparing the generations new.

2. How Much Better Is AirPods 5 Noise Cancellation?

Apple says AirPods 5 can remove up to 50% more external noise than AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation.

That is impressive because both generations use an open-ear design rather than the silicone ear tips used by AirPods Pro.

Apple attributes the improvement to redesigned computational audio and a new multiport acoustic architecture rather than a completely new headphone chip.

Remember that Apple's 50% figure is a manufacturer claim under its testing methodology. Real-world performance depends on fit, environment and the type of noise around you.

3. AirPods 5 Still Use the H2 Chip

Interestingly, Apple has not moved AirPods 5 to an H3 chip.

Both AirPods 4 and AirPods 5 use the H2 headphone chip.

So the improved audio and noise cancellation do not come from simply replacing H2 with a newer-numbered processor.

Instead, Apple has changed the acoustic architecture and computational processing around the H2 platform.

This is also why an AirPods comparison based purely on chip names would miss many of the actual differences.

4. Sound Quality: What's Different?

Apple describes AirPods 5 as using an all-new multiport acoustic architecture combined with next-generation Adaptive EQ.

The company says this produces richer and more detailed sound across a wider range of ear shapes.

AirPods 4 already use Apple's custom high-excursion driver, high-dynamic-range amplifier, Adaptive EQ and Personalised Spatial Audio.

So AirPods 4 should not suddenly be considered poor-sounding earbuds.

But on paper, AirPods 5 have the stronger acoustic system.

Because AirPods 5 have only just been announced, long-term independent testing should also be considered once the product reaches customers.

5. Open-Ear Design vs AirPods Pro

AirPods 5 remain open-ear AirPods.

There are no interchangeable silicone tips creating a physical seal inside the ear canal.

For many buyers, that is exactly the attraction.

If maximum isolation is your highest priority, you should also compare AirPods Pro 3.

Read our AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods Pro 2 guide for the Pro comparison.

6. Battery Life: AirPods 5 Are Not Better in Every Way

Battery life is more complicated than simply saying the newer model wins.

Standard AirPods 5 provide up to four hours on a charge with ANC enabled and up to 20 hours with their charging case.

AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case increase this to up to five hours with ANC and up to 22 hours with the case.

AirPods 4 with ANC are rated for up to four hours with ANC and up to 20 hours with the charging case when ANC is used.

Standard AirPods 4, which do not have ANC, reach up to five hours per charge and up to 30 hours with their case.

7. Is the £139 AirPods 5 Version Worth the Extra £20?

For many buyers, we think this is the strongest AirPods 5 configuration.

The additional £20 buys several practical improvements.

The last feature is particularly useful.

For the first time on Apple's open-ear AirPods, the upgraded AirPods 5 configuration lets you swipe on the stem to adjust volume without reaching for your phone or asking Siri.

8. Charging Case Differences

Do not assume both AirPods 5 packages contain the same case.

9. Volume Control Is Finally Available

One long-standing frustration with standard AirPods has been the lack of direct swipe volume adjustment found on AirPods Pro.

Apple addresses that with AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case.

You can swipe up or down on the stem to adjust volume.

The £119 AirPods 5 version does not include this volume-swipe feature.

Neither AirPods 4 model provides the same stem volume swipe.

10. AirPods 5 Are More Resistant to Dust, Sweat and Water

Apple has increased the resistance rating from IP54 on AirPods 4 to IP57 on AirPods 5.

That makes the newer generation more appealing for:

That does not mean AirPods 5 should be treated as waterproof swimming earbuds.

Dust, sweat and water resistance is not permanent and can decrease through normal wear.

11. Siri AI on AirPods 5

AirPods 5 are launching alongside Apple's new Siri AI experience.

When paired with a compatible Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone, Apple says users can access the more conversational and personalised Siri experience hands-free through AirPods.

Examples include asking questions based on information contained in your Messages, Mail, Photos and other supported sources.

The important requirement is the paired iPhone.

Buying AirPods 5 does not magically add Apple Intelligence to an unsupported iPhone.

Read our Apple Intelligence and Siri AI compatible iPhone guide before upgrading specifically for AI features.

12. Live Translation

AirPods 5 also support Apple's Live Translation experience when paired with compatible Apple hardware and software.

This can help users communicate across supported languages while wearing their AirPods.

It is not completely exclusive to AirPods 5 — AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation also supports Live Translation under Apple's current requirements.

So do not upgrade from AirPods 4 ANC purely because you think Live Translation exists only on AirPods 5.

13. What Hasn't Changed?

Several core elements remain familiar.

The earbuds are also extremely similar in physical size and weight on Apple's published specifications.

So AirPods 5 are more of an acoustic, software, battery and durability upgrade than a radical visual redesign.

14. Should AirPods 4 Owners Upgrade?

That depends heavily on which AirPods 4 you own.

If You Own Standard AirPods 4

AirPods 5 are a much easier upgrade to justify because ANC is now standard.

You also gain the redesigned acoustic system, Adaptive Audio, Transparency, Conversation Awareness, stronger resistance and new Siri AI integration with supported iPhones.

If You Own AirPods 4 With ANC

The decision is less urgent.

You already have ANC, Adaptive Audio, Transparency, Conversation Awareness, wireless charging and a Find My speaker in the case.

Upgrade mainly if the stronger ANC, improved sound architecture, IP57 resistance, better battery on the £139 configuration or volume swipe matter enough to you.

15. Are Refurbished AirPods 4 Still Worth Buying?

Yes — but the price matters much more now.

Before AirPods 5, a refurbished AirPods 4 deal could be judged mainly against AirPods 4's own retail pricing.

That benchmark has changed.

With new AirPods 5 starting at £119 and including ANC, a refurbished AirPods 4 pair needs to be sufficiently cheaper to make the compromise worthwhile.

16. Refurbished AirPods Battery Condition Matters

AirPods contain small rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

Like other rechargeable batteries, their available capacity can decline with age and use.

Apple's quoted battery figures refer to its test conditions for the products when new and should not be treated as a guaranteed runtime for every pre-owned pair.

When buying refurbished, price, condition and expected battery requirements should therefore all be considered.

17. AirPods 5 or AirPods Pro 3?

Before buying AirPods 5, decide whether you actually prefer an open-ear design.

You can compare the wider market in our Best Refurbished Wireless Earbuds UK guide.

18. Which AirPods 5 Should You Buy?

The £119 AirPods 5 are exceptionally competitive because ANC is included.

But the £139 version may actually represent the better complete package.

19. Which Are Better for Commuting?

AirPods 5 win.

Stronger ANC is particularly valuable on trains, buses and busy streets, while Transparency and Adaptive Audio provide flexibility when you need to hear your surroundings.

If buying refurbished AirPods 4 ANC at a significant saving, they remain perfectly capable commuting earbuds.

20. Which Are Better for the Gym?

AirPods 5 have the stronger published resistance rating at IP57 compared with IP54 for AirPods 4.

That makes the newer model more attractive for sweat-heavy workouts.

Fit remains personal, however.

Some users find Apple's open-ear design extremely secure while others prefer the silicone-tip fit of AirPods Pro.

21. Which Are Better for Calls?

Both generations include dual beam-forming microphones and Apple's Voice Isolation technology.

AirPods 5 also arrive as part of Apple's newer Siri AI generation, but ordinary call quality should not be the sole reason to replace functional AirPods 4.

22. AirPods 5 UK Price and Release Date

Apple announced AirPods 5 on 9 September 2026.

These are Apple's announced UK prices and availability details as of September 2026.

AirPods 5 vs AirPods 4: Final Verdict

Frequently Asked Questions

Are AirPods 5 better than AirPods 4?

Overall, yes. AirPods 5 include ANC on both versions, stronger noise cancellation, redesigned acoustics, IP57 resistance and newer intelligent features. The £139 version also adds longer ANC battery life and volume swipe.

Do all AirPods 5 have Active Noise Cancellation?

Yes. Apple includes Active Noise Cancellation on both AirPods 5 models.

Do standard AirPods 4 have ANC?

No. Apple sells a separate AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation version.

How much better is AirPods 5 ANC?

Apple says AirPods 5 remove up to 50% more external noise than AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation under its testing conditions.

Do AirPods 5 use H3?

No. AirPods 5 continue to use Apple's H2 headphone chip.

Do AirPods 5 have volume control?

The AirPods 5 model sold with the Wireless Charging Case includes a force sensor with volume swipe. The standard £119 version does not.

How long does AirPods 5 battery last?

Apple rates standard AirPods 5 for up to four hours with ANC and up to 20 hours with the case. AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case increase this to up to five hours and 22 hours respectively.

Are AirPods 5 waterproof?

They should not be described as waterproof. Apple gives AirPods 5 an IP57 dust, sweat and water-resistance rating. Resistance can decrease through normal wear.

Do AirPods 5 support Siri AI?

Yes, when used with compatible Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone hardware and the required software. Siri AI is part of Apple's iOS 27 generation.

Do AirPods 5 support Live Translation?

Yes, with compatible Apple devices, software, languages and Apple Intelligence requirements.

Are refurbished AirPods 4 still worth buying?

They can be. The key is price. With new AirPods 5 starting at £119, a refurbished AirPods 4 pair needs to offer a worthwhile saving to remain the stronger value purchase.

Should I buy AirPods 5 or AirPods Pro 3?

Choose AirPods 5 if you prefer an open-ear design and strong value. Consider AirPods Pro 3 if you prefer silicone ear tips, stronger physical isolation and Apple's more premium in-ear feature set.

Shop Refurbished AirPods at Tech Market

The newest AirPods are not automatically the best-value AirPods.

Tech Market stocks professionally checked Apple AirPods across standard, Pro and Max models, with available generations and conditions changing regularly.

Browse current Apple AirPods →

Also read our Best Refurbished Wireless Earbuds UK guide to compare AirPods with Samsung Galaxy Buds, Google Pixel Buds and other alternatives.

Specifications, prices and availability in this article are based on information published by Apple and available on 10 September 2026. Manufacturer battery-life and noise-cancellation figures are based on controlled testing and actual results vary according to volume, environment, settings, fit, device, software and battery condition. Dust, sweat and water resistance is not permanent. Refurbished stock and prices change regularly.