Choosing between AirPods 5 and AirPods 4 is not as simple as picking the newer model. AirPods 5 bring stronger noise cancellation and acoustic improvements, but whether that makes them worth upgrading to depends on which AirPods 4 you already own and what matters most to you.
The decision also changes when design comes into the picture. Craft by Merlin offers artist finished AirPods 5 alongside a broader range of painted AirPods 4 designs, giving you another factor to consider beyond the hardware. Here is how the two compare, and which one makes more sense for you.
Quick verdict
If you have standard AirPods 4 and want Active Noise Cancellation, AirPods 5 are the more meaningful upgrade. If you already own AirPods 4 with ANC, the difference is less dramatic because both generations use the H2 chip and support many of the same core features.
|
Feature |
AirPods 4 |
AirPods 4 with ANC |
AirPods 5 |
|
H2 chip |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Open ear design |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Active Noise Cancellation |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Adaptive Audio |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Personalised Spatial Audio |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Voice Isolation |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
USB C charging |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Battery with ANC |
Not applicable |
Up to 4 hours |
Up to 4 hours |
|
Wireless Charging Case |
No |
Yes |
Optional |
|
Stem swipe for volume |
No |
No |
Yes, with Wireless Charging Case |
The takeaway: AirPods 5 are the more compelling choice if you want stronger noise cancellation and the latest generation. If you already own AirPods 4 with ANC, the upgrade is more incremental.
What is actually new in AirPods 5?
The clearest hardware upgrade is Active Noise Cancellation. Apple says AirPods 5 deliver up to 1.5 times more noise cancellation than AirPods 4 with ANC. The improvement is most relevant if stronger noise reduction is one of your priorities.
AirPods 5 also feature an updated acoustic system, Adaptive EQ and an improved Transparency mode. These changes are designed to make music, voices and surrounding sounds feel more natural while keeping the familiar open ear design.
It is also worth knowing what has not changed. AirPods 5 use the same H2 chip found in AirPods 4 and retain features such as Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking and Voice Isolation. These features are therefore not the main reason to upgrade.
AirPods 5 battery life
Battery life depends on the AirPods 5 configuration. The standard model provides up to 4 hours of listening with ANC on and up to 20 hours with the charging case. The version with the Wireless Charging Case offers up to 5 hours with ANC on and up to 22 hours with the case.
The Wireless Charging Case also adds stem swipe controls for adjusting volume.
For a closer look at the hardware, features and pricing, read our guide to AirPods 5 specs and price in 2026
AirPods 5 vs AirPods 4: Painted Finishes Compared
Once the hardware comparison is clear, the finish becomes another part of the decision. Apple keeps its standard AirPods in white, while Craft offers artist finished versions of both generations, giving you more choice if you want something beyond the standard white finish.
AirPods 5 painted finishes
The current AirPods 5 collection features four core finishes: Glacier, Burgundy, Black and Silver.
Craft's painted AirPods 5 start with genuine Apple AirPods 5 and are hand finished by artists in Dubai. Current prices range from AED 865 to AED 985, approximately $236 to $268, depending on the finish and configuration. They also include a 1 year warranty and worldwide free shipping.
Explore the Custom Painted AirPods 5 collection
Painted AirPods 4
AirPods 4 offer a wider selection if your priority is colour and design variety. The collection includes matte, glossy, metallic and more artistic finishes, with options such as Black Matte, Blue Matte, Metallic Gold, Metallic Silver, Watermelon and Blue Wave.
Applicable designs are also available with AirPods 4 or AirPods 4 with ANC, so you can choose the hardware configuration alongside the finish.
If you are choosing primarily for appearance, the AirPods 4 finish guide offers a closer look at the different styles. You can then explore the painted AirPods 4 collection to view the current designs.
Who should upgrade, who should stay?
Upgrade to AirPods 5 if you want stronger ANC
If you currently have standard AirPods 4 without ANC, AirPods 5 offer the clearest reason to upgrade. You gain Active Noise Cancellation along with the newer acoustic improvements, making AirPods 5 the more substantial upgrade from the standard AirPods 4.
If you already have AirPods 4 with ANC, the upgrade is more incremental. AirPods 5 offer stronger noise cancellation, but both generations use the H2 chip and share several core features.
Choose AirPods 5 if you want newer hardware and a painted finish
If you are buying a new pair rather than replacing a perfectly good one, AirPods 5 combine the latest generation hardware with Craft's current painted finishes. This makes them the better fit if you want the newer AirPods experience and a distinctive painted finish in the same purchase.
Stay with AirPods 4 if your current features are enough
If your AirPods 4 already give you the sound, features and noise control you need, replacing them may not offer enough practical benefit.
Choose AirPods 4 if design variety is your priority
AirPods 4 have the advantage if design variety is your priority. The collection offers a broader mix of colours, finishes and artistic styles than the current AirPods 5 range.
Price difference in AED
Price also varies by finish and configuration, so there is no simple generation to generation price gap.
Craft's painted AirPods 5 currently range from AED 865 to AED 985, approximately $236 to $268, depending on the finish and configuration. Painted AirPods 4 have a wider price range, with current listings starting at around AED 771 and some artistic designs reaching around AED 977.
There is therefore no fixed price difference between the two generations. An AirPods 4 design can cost less than an AirPods 5, while some painted AirPods 4 designs sit within a similar price range.
The price difference reflects the tradeoff between newer hardware and a wider selection of painted designs.
The final verdict
AirPods 5 are the stronger choice if you want newer hardware, improved noise cancellation and a current generation painted finish. If you already own AirPods 4 with ANC and are happy with their performance, the upgrade is less essential. AirPods 4 remain worth considering if a wider choice of painted designs matters more to you than having the latest hardware.
