AirPods 5th Gen Launches With Price Held Steady

Active noise cancellation (ANC) is built in as standard on both the wired-charging and wireless-charging models. Choosing the wired-charging model lets you buy it for about 70,000 won less than the previous AirPods 4th generation.

The 4th generation blocked noise gently, in a natural passive-isolation way, while the 5th generation gives a clear sense of distance from noise the moment you put the earbuds in. Its ability to control mechanical sounds, such as air-conditioner hum, has improved markedly.

The AirPods 5th generation uses the same H2 chip as its predecessor, yet the performance gain is still noticeable.

The stem swipe volume control that debuted on AirPods Pro 2nd generation is now brought to the 5th generation. Users can slide up or down on the earbud stem to adjust the volume.

In a blind test, listeners were able to tell the 4th and 5th generations apart thanks to the improved noise cancellation and low-frequency expression.

The noise cancellation of the AirPods 5th generation feels roughly on par with AirPods Pro 2nd generation.

It blocks low-frequency noise, such as car engine rumble, especially well, which is a considerable technical achievement for open-type earbuds. However, compared with Pro 3rd generation, high-frequency noise blocking is somewhat more open.

This was barely noticeable on AirPods Pro 3rd generation, but it is similar to the AirPods 4th generation. Sensitive listeners may notice it, but it is not uncomfortable enough to bother in everyday use.

Beyond the convenience of wireless charging, the stem swipe volume control praised on the Pro series is included only on the wireless-charging model, which makes it more convenient. In addition, the wireless-charging model lasts one hour longer on the earbud battery alone.

Compared with AirPods Pro 3rd generation, the AirPods 5th generation's default sound balance is strong enough that it may not need adjustment. You can finely tune the sound to your music taste using the 3-band EQ settings.