Apple AirPods 5 Review: Better Sound, Improved Noise Cancellation and One Major Drawback
Apple’s AirPods 5 bring meaningful improvements to the company’s popular wireless earbuds, combining enhanced sound quality, active noise cancellation (ANC), and smarter software features in a familiar open-ear design. However, despite the upgrades, battery life remains a significant limitation, and buyers must choose carefully between the two available versions.
Introduced in September 2026, the AirPods 5 continue Apple’s strategy of delivering premium features without requiring users to move to the more expensive Pro lineup. With prices starting at $129, the new earbuds aim to appeal to iPhone owners who want convenient everyday listening without silicone ear tips.
Design and Comfort
The AirPods 5 retain the familiar design of their predecessors, featuring short stems, a lightweight construction and an open-ear fit. Apple has chosen to preserve the established appearance rather than introduce a completely new design.
The absence of silicone ear tips is one of the product’s biggest advantages for users who dislike the pressure associated with traditional in-ear earbuds. The lightweight construction also makes the AirPods 5 suitable for extended listening sessions.
However, comfort depends heavily on individual ear shape. While some users will find the fit secure and comfortable, others may struggle to keep the earbuds in place during movement.
Apple has also improved durability, with the AirPods 5 carrying an IP57 rating for dust and water resistance. This makes them better equipped to handle sweat and everyday exposure to the elements.
Sound Quality: A Noticeable Improvement
Sound quality is one of the AirPods 5’s strongest selling points. Apple has introduced a new multiport acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ, designed to improve audio reproduction and adjust the listening experience to the user.
Music sounds engaging, with clear vocals and a generally enjoyable presentation across different genres. The earbuds also offer personalised spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, creating a more immersive experience when listening to compatible content.
Nevertheless, the open-ear design introduces some unavoidable limitations. Bass reproduction lacks the depth and physical impact available from earbuds that create a seal inside the ear canal. Certain high-frequency sounds can also sound less balanced.
Despite these shortcomings, the AirPods 5 deliver impressive sound for their design category. Listeners who prioritise a natural, less intrusive fit will find plenty to appreciate.
Active Noise Cancellation
One of the biggest changes is the improved active noise cancellation. Apple claims the AirPods 5 reduce external noise by up to 50% more than the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation.
Both AirPods 5 versions include ANC, making the feature more accessible than before. Adaptive Audio automatically balances noise cancellation and environmental awareness, while Transparency mode allows surrounding sounds to remain audible.
Independent reviews suggest that the noise cancellation performs well for an open-ear design, particularly against some lower-frequency background sounds. However, it cannot consistently match the isolation offered by Apple’s AirPods Pro models, which use silicone ear tips to create a physical seal.
For commuters, office workers and people who want to remain aware of their surroundings, the AirPods 5 offer a useful balance. Those who frequently travel in noisy environments may still prefer the Pro range.
Call Quality and Smart Features
The AirPods 5 use Apple’s H2 headphone chip and feature beamforming microphones designed to improve voice capture during calls.
Call quality is another strong point, with clear speech reproduction in relatively quiet environments. In noisier surroundings, background sounds may remain more noticeable than they do with some competing premium earbuds.
The new models also support hands-free access to Siri AI and Live Translation, alongside features such as Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation and personalised spatial audio.
Live Translation can be particularly useful for travellers and multilingual conversations, although supported languages, compatible Apple devices and software requirements should be checked before purchasing.
As expected, many of these capabilities work best within Apple’s ecosystem. Android users can use the AirPods 5 as Bluetooth earbuds, but they will not enjoy the same level of integration.
Battery Life: The Biggest Weakness
Battery life remains one of the most noticeable compromises.
According to Apple’s specifications, the standard AirPods 5 deliver up to four hours of listening with ANC enabled, while the version with the Wireless Charging Case offers up to five hours per charge.
Turning off noise control increases those figures to six and seven hours, respectively.
| Feature | AirPods 5 | AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case |
|---|---|---|
| Listening time with ANC | Up to 4 hours | Up to 5 hours |
| Listening time without ANC | Up to 6 hours | Up to 7 hours |
| Total listening with case and ANC | Up to 20 hours | Up to 22 hours |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C, Qi wireless and Apple Watch charger |
| Case speaker for Find My | No | Yes |
These figures are based on Apple’s stated specifications; actual results depend on usage and settings.
The charging case helps extend listening time throughout the day, but the relatively short single-charge endurance may frustrate users who frequently take long flights or spend hours away from a charging source.
A quick five-minute charge provides approximately one hour of listening, which is helpful when time is limited.
Which AirPods 5 Version Should You Buy?
Apple offers two versions, and the difference goes beyond the charging case.
The standard model costs $129, while the AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case costs $149 in the US. The more expensive option adds wireless charging, a case speaker for Apple’s Find My network and swipe-based volume controls on the stems.
Considering the $20 price difference, the upgraded model offers better overall value for most buyers. It also provides an additional hour of claimed listening time with ANC enabled.
The standard version remains an option for people who want the lowest entry price and do not need wireless charging or the extra controls. However, its four-hour battery limit makes it less appealing for frequent travellers.
Verdict: Are the Apple AirPods 5 Worth Buying?
The Apple AirPods 5 represent a solid improvement to Apple’s open-ear wireless earbud lineup. Better sound, improved noise cancellation, useful smart features and excellent integration with Apple devices make them attractive for everyday listening.
Their biggest strengths are comfort for users who dislike silicone tips, dependable call quality and a more comprehensive feature set than the price might suggest.
However, battery life is disappointing, noise cancellation remains limited by the open-ear design, and the fit will not suit everyone. Buyers who need stronger isolation or longer listening sessions should consider alternatives, including Apple’s AirPods Pro range.
Final verdict: The AirPods 5 are a strong choice for iPhone users who prefer an open-ear design and want premium features at a lower price than the Pro models. The $149 version with the Wireless Charging Case is the better purchase for most people, while the standard model makes sense only for buyers who are comfortable with its shorter battery life and fewer features.
Sources: https://www.apple.com/uk/newsroom/2026/09/apple-introduces-airpods-5-with-best-in-class-open-ear-active-noise-cancellation/ · https://support.apple.com/en-euro/148759 · https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/apple/airpods-5
