Wireless earbuds have become packed with features that once sounded far beyond reach. Modern AirPods can offer noise cancellation, health sensors and built-in live translation, while Apple’s latest AirPods 5 bring active noise cancellation to the cheapest model in the range.
Yet Apple still sells its classic wired EarPods, and there is a clear reason for that. They cost $19, compared with $129 for the cheapest AirPods, and they avoid the small problems that come with wireless audio. For people who want earbuds that work without charging, pairing or extra setup, that simplicity still has value.
Why wired EarPods remain useful
EarPods are regular earbuds without fancy gestures or voice commands. That may sound limited next to modern AirPods, but it also means there is less to manage. EarPods require zero maintenance, and their lack of a battery means there is no charging routine to remember. They are ready whenever you are.
The cord also removes Bluetooth pairing issues. There is no waiting for earbuds to connect, no concern about whether the correct device has been selected and no battery warning interrupting a listening session. Plug them in, and they are available for use.
EarPods also have a built-in microphone that delivers better voice quality than AirPods. That gives the wired model a practical advantage for calls and voice recording, even though it does not offer the wireless freedom or extra features found on AirPods.
Apple sells EarPods with three connection types: 3.5mm, Lightning and USB-C. That gives buyers options, but Lightning and USB-C versions come with one clear limitation on modern iPhones: you cannot charge the phone while using the earbuds unless you use an adapter.
For some people, that trade-off is easy to accept. The choice comes down to whether simplicity matters more than high-end technology, and a niche group of buyers still prefers the straightforward experience that wired earbuds provide.
What the AirPods 5 add for $129
The AirPods 5 change the value equation for Apple’s entry-level wireless earbuds by adding active noise cancellation. The feature uses microphones and other technology to block sound from around the wearer. The new AirPods will remove up to 50 percent more noise than previous models.
Apple has offered noise cancellation on its other earphones and headphones, but the cheapest AirPods did not include it before. That is notable because noise cancellation is one of Apple’s “most beloved features”. With AirPods 5, the lowest-end AirPods gain access to the feature without a higher starting price.
The standard AirPods 5 cost $129, or the same in pounds. They also bring better sound quality, while Apple offers a $149 version with more features. That model includes a wireless charging case, longer battery life and touch controls for adjusting volume by sliding on the stems.
The two prices create a simple split. The $129 model adds active noise cancellation at the lowest AirPods price, while the $149 model adds the wireless charging case, longer battery life and stem-based volume adjustment. Buyers who want fewer features can spend less, while those who want more convenience can pay the extra $20.
Choosing between the two Apple earbud options
AirPods are better in many ways, especially for anyone who wants wireless listening and noise cancellation. The AirPods 5 also offer better sound quality, and the higher-priced version adds longer battery life, wireless charging and touch controls. They are designed for people who want technology to handle more of the listening experience.
EarPods take the opposite approach. They do not include noise cancellation, health sensors, live translation, fancy gestures or voice commands. They do not need a battery, though, and the wired connection avoids Bluetooth pairing problems while their microphone can deliver better voice quality than AirPods.
That makes the $19 EarPods more than a low-cost alternative. They serve people who want a dependable pair of earbuds without charging or setup, even if they accept the limitation around charging a modern iPhone during use. The $129 AirPods 5 offer more features, but not everyone needs them.
The AirPods 5 are available for preorder at Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart and Apple. They will be available from Friday, 18 September, and will hit shelves on September 18. That gives buyers a new wireless option, while Apple’s $19 wired earbuds remain available for anyone who values simple, ready-to-use audio.
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