Apple AirPods 5 Are Up for Preorder, Featuring Active Noise Cancellation and Starting at $129

Updated: Sep 10, 2026 7:38pm UTCAnnounced at the recent Apple event, Apple’s AirPods 5 are set to release on September 18, starting at $129. They’re available for preorder now (see at Amazon). These are Apple's...

September 10, 2026

Updated

: Sep 10, 2026 7:38pm UTC

Announced at the recent Apple event, Apple’s AirPods 5 are set to release on September 18, starting at $129. They’re available for preorder now (see at Amazon). These are Apple's latest iteration of its baseline earbuds, the ones without the silicone tips. The biggest new feature is that both AirPods 5 models now have active noise canceling. In fact, Apple says the noise cancellation on AirPods 5 is 50% better than the previous model.

AirPods 5

AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case

The main difference between the two AirPods 5 models is that the $149 one comes with a wireless charging case, meaning you can charge it on a wireless Qi charger, like Apple’s MagSafe charging disc (which happens to be on sale at Amazon). The pricier model also has volume control on the earbuds’ stems, which the $129 model does not.

Wireless charging might not sound like a huge improvement, but I find it super useful to charge my AirPods Pro. You just set the AirPods case on it – it sticks via magnets – and let it hang out there until the light turns green (it can also charge an iPhone). It’s a small convenience, but I think it's easily worth the extra $20 to get the model with the wireless charging case.

Whichever model you choose, you’ll get features like spatial audio and Apple’s live translation. AirPods 5 can also automatically switch between transparency mode and noise cancellation mode, depending on what’s going on with the background noise.

As I mentioned above, I own a pair of AirPods Pro, and I use them daily and love them dearly. I actually lost my first pair, and I immediately ran out to buy a second pair because I couldn’t live without them. If you don’t like the silicone tips on the AirPods Pro, or you want a cheaper alternative, AirPods 5 look like an excellent choice – and they're out just next week.

In other news, you can also preorder other newly announced Apple products, including Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4. Preorders are coming soon for the iPhone Duo, as well as iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.

Chris Reed

Senior Commerce Editor

Chris Reed is a senior commerce editor and deals expert for IGN. He also runs IGN's LEGO coverage and maintains the upcoming release dates articles for video games, LEGO sets, and 4K Blu-rays. You can follow him on Bluesky.