Should you upgrade from AirPods 4 to AirPods 5?

Answer worked out Oct. 30, 2026

Checked Oct. 30, 2026

AirPods 4 vs AirPods 5

AirPods 4
THE PREVIOUS MODEL

AirPods 4

What you own
AirPods 5
THE NEWCOMER

AirPods 5

What you would buy
  1. AirPods 4: AirPods 4 with ANCNoise cancellingImprovedAirPods 5: Removes up to 50 percent more noise
  2. AirPods 4: Up to 4 hours with ANCBattery with caseImprovedAirPods 5: Up to 5 hours with ANC
  3. AirPods 4: IP54Water resistanceImprovedAirPods 5: IP57
  4. AirPods 4: NoSpeaker designAddedAirPods 5: Yes, all-new multiport acoustic architecture
You should upgrade now

You get better noise cancelling, more total battery with the case and better water resistance.

See AirPods 5 prices

All the details

What you gain

FeatureYoursNewChange
Noise cancellingAirPods 4 with ANCRemoves up to 50 percent more noiseImproved
Battery with caseUp to 4 hours with ANCUp to 5 hours with ANCImprovedYours4 hoursNew5 hours
Water resistanceIP54IP57Improved
Speaker designNoYes, all-new multiport acoustic architectureAdded

Is your AirPods 4 still supported?

Software updates
Still supported

Do your accessories fit?

Cases, bands and chargers
Not confirmed

What reviewers say about upgrading

3 publications
Keep yours 3
SoundGuysKeep yoursMacRumorsKeep yoursiClarifiedKeep yours
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