Weight
- Apple AirPods 4 ANC
- 34.7 g for the case
- Apple AirPods 5
- 32.3 g for the case
Earbud comparison
Apple AirPods 4 vs Apple AirPods 5
Compare sound, battery life, fit, controls and connections.
01Selected  Apple AirPods 4 ANC
KSh 24,000In Stock | 02  Apple AirPods 5
KSh 23,500In Stock |
|---|
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Apple AirPods Pro 3KSh 32,500
Apple AirPods Pro 2KSh 28,500
Sony WF-1000XM5KSh 25,500
Beats Fit ProKSh 25,000
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2KSh 28,000
AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging CaseKSh 26,500
Sony WF-1000XM4KSh 29,500
2 of 4 products
Our quick verdict
The Apple AirPods 5 has better water and dust protection (IP57), while the Apple AirPods 4 ANC offers wireless charging and case wireless charging.
Controls
- Apple AirPods 4 ANC
- Press once to play or pause media
- Apple AirPods 5
- Force sensor for playback, calls and listening modes
Water resistance
- Apple AirPods 4 ANC
- IP54 water and dust resistance
- Apple AirPods 5
- IP57 water and dust resistance
Audio
- Apple AirPods 4 ANC
- Custom high dynamic range amplifier
- Apple AirPods 5
- H2 chip
Transparency / ambient mode
- Apple AirPods 4 ANC
- Adaptive Audio, transparency mode
- Apple AirPods 5
- Transparency and Adaptive Audio
Key differences
The main differences to help you choose.
Apple AirPods 4 ANC
- Wireless charging.
Apple AirPods 5
- IP57 water and dust resistance (vs IP54).
- Newer model: released in 2026 (vs 2024).
- Lower price: KSh 23,500 (vs KSh 24,000).
- Lighter charging case: 32.3 g versus 34.7 g.
What matters most to you?
6 priorities selected.
| Priority | Apple AirPods 4 ANC | Apple AirPods 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Open-fit design | Open-fit design |
| Weight | 4.3 grams | 4.3 g per earbud |
| Battery life | Up to 4 hours per charge | Up to 4 hours per charge; 20 hours with the case |
| Controls | Press once to play or pause media | Force sensor for playback, calls and listening modes |
| Noise cancellation | Noise cancellation for listening | Noise cancellation for listening |
| Connections | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Water resistance | IP54 water and dust resistance | IP57 water and dust resistance |
| Audio | Custom high dynamic range amplifier | H2 chip |
| Charging | 5 minutes in the case provides around 1 hour of listening time | 5 minutes in case provides around 1 hour |
| Transparency / ambient mode | Adaptive Audio, transparency mode | Transparency and Adaptive Audio |
| Case type | Charging Case (USB-C) with speaker | Charging Case (USB-C) |
| Case features | Includes a speaker for use with Find My proximity view | USB-C charging and status indicator |
Tick a topic above to see how each product answers it.
Detailed comparison
Explore the full specifications, section by section.
These products have the same published specifications.
Similarities
- Both are rated for up to 4 hours per charge.
- Both have active noise cancellation.
- Both have an ambient mode to hear your surroundings.
- Both charge over USB-C.
- Both have built-in microphones for calls.
- Both connect over Bluetooth.
In summary
Get the Apple AirPods 5 if you want better water and dust protection, or the Apple AirPods 4 ANC if you would rather have wireless charging and case wireless charging.
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