Apple offers two AirPods 5 models: a $129 version with a USB-C Charging Case and a $149 version with a Wireless Charging Case. The $20 premium adds longer battery life, swipe volume controls, and enhanced Find My features.
Both models share Active Noise Cancellation, the H2 chip, Transparency mode, Adaptive Audio, Personalized Spatial Audio, IP57 resistance, and Live Translation. They have identical earbud dimensions and weight, though the Wireless Charging Case is slightly heavier at 34.7 grams versus 32.3 grams.
The higher-tier model offers up to five hours of listening time with ANC enabled (seven with it off) and 22 hours with the case, plus a case speaker and separate Find My tracking for each earbud and the case. The standard model delivers up to four hours with ANC (six with it off) and 20 hours total.
For most users, the Wireless Charging Case version is the better buy. However, the standard AirPods 5 suit those on a strict budget or wanting a secondary pair, as core audio and noise cancellation features remain identical. Note that the charging cases are not interchangeable between the two models.
Source: MacRumors · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing