AirPods 4 vs AirPods 5: the 'price drop' deal math
The $99 AirPods 4 deal lasted about a week. On 25 Sep 2026 the old pair cost as much as the new one, or more. Here are the live prices, Apple's spec…
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Nadia Rahman · Deals Editor
The short answer
As of 25 September 2026, buy the AirPods 5 at $129 (sold by Amazon), not the AirPods 4. The AirPods 4 with ANC costs $129.99 new from Amazon, a penny more than the AirPods 5, even though Apple says…
AirPods 5 (25 Sep): $129, sold by Amazon.com. ANC is standard on both AirPods 5 models.
AirPods 4 with ANC (25 Sep): $129.99 new from Amazon.com. That's more money for less noise cancellation.
AirPods 4, no ANC (25 Sep): Amazon.com isn't selling them new. New from third parties: $137–$156. Used: $91.26–$94.05.
My rule: AirPods 4 ANC only under ~$109 new. Plain AirPods 4 only under ~$89 new.
Nadia's verdict
Buy the AirPods 5 at $129. The launch-week AirPods 4 deals were real for a few days and are gone. What's left is the ANC model at a penny over the new pair and resellers above it. Want the wireless…
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AirPods 4 vs AirPods 5: the 'price drop' deal math