The impressive AirPods 5 debuted alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, and they pack more value and better noise cancellation in the same tiny form factor, for less money.
Similar to their predecessor, the AirPods 4, the AirPods 5 are available in two versions: a base model for the casual listener and a high-end model loaded with advanced features.
For this review, I’m putting the pricier AirPods 5 with the wireless charging case to the test. Fortunately, both models share identical audio quality and active noise cancellation, ensuring a consistent experience regardless of which one you choose.
AirPods 5 Review: Design and Comfort
The design of the AirPods 5 remains familiar. They come snugly housed in a compact charging case that’s more portable than the AirPods Pro’s. The case now includes a discreet LED light on the front and a USB-C port on the bottom, which is a welcome upgrade.
AirPods 5 review: Holding up the new AirPods 5
AirPods have become a cultural icon, akin to how we refer to facial tissue as “Kleenex,” demonstrating their widespread appeal. They maintain their classic white color, short stems, and oval tips that sit comfortably in your ears. The high-end model introduces capacitive sensors on the stems for volume control, enhancing user interaction.
AirPods 5 review: The updated high-end model allows you to slide your finger to adjust volume
Controls remain user-friendly; you can squeeze the stems for playback or swipe vertically to adjust the volume. I’ve relied heavily on these controls with the AirPods Pro 3, and I anticipate frequent use here as well. Comfort is subjective; while I find the silicone tips of AirPods Pro 3 fit me slightly better, my partner prefers the comfort of the AirPods 5.
AirPods 5 review: The new AirPods 5 (left) and the AirPods Pro 3 (right)
A notable enhancement is the IP57 rating, an upgrade from the previous IP54. This means the AirPods 5 can withstand splashes and brief immersion in water, making them even more resilient against sweat during workouts.
AirPods 5 Review: Audio Quality & ANC
Sound-wise, the AirPods 5 don’t stray far from the AirPods 4; this isn’t surprising given the shared driver technology. For their price category, especially in the base model, the audio quality is outstanding, with a neutral sound profile that features controlled bass and clear treble.
AirPods 5 review: Listening to music on AirPods 5
I found no distortion even at high volumes, which is ideal for noisy environments like flights. While some users may seek heavier bass, Apple appears to aim for a balanced sound profile to satisfy the general audience.
AirPods 5 review: Settings for AirPods
For those who crave a little extra thump, iOS 27 offers EQ settings that can amplify the bass, making them great for energetic workouts. The transparency mode, which allows you to hear your surroundings without removing the earbuds, impressed me the most. Its open design enables conversation without the unsettling pressure that silicone tips may cause.
Testing both the AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 5 on flights, I found the active noise cancellation (ANC) on the AirPods 5 to be surprisingly effective, though the Pro 3 did outperform them slightly in overall noise cancellation. However, Apple claims that the new algorithm enhances the ANC, offering a 50% improvement in noise cancellation and making this the best ANC for open-design earbuds so far.
AirPods 5 Review: More Features with iOS
iOS brings a plethora of features for AirPods 5, many of which are also found in other recent AirPods equipped with the H2 chip. Features like personalized volume, Spatial Audio with head tracking, conversation boost, adaptive EQ, and live translation continue to elevate the user experience. Hands-free Siri functionality has also seen improvements, making interactions smoother than ever.
The enhanced Siri uses AI for better responses, which encouraged me to rely on it more frequently. You can now have extended conversations with Siri without having to keep invoking its name.
AirPods 5 review: Holding the new AirPods 5
The setup process is seamless and intuitive, with the AirPods automatically syncing across all your devices via iCloud. You can also control listening modes directly from the Control Center, giving you convenient access while using the earbuds.
AirPods 5 Review: Should You Buy the AirPods 5?
The AirPods 5 represent a significant gain, especially as costs in Apple’s lineup tend to increase. Unlike the AirPods 4, both versions now come equipped with ANC, with a starting price of $129.
AirPods 5 review: The pricing breakdown for the old AirPods 4 and the new AirPods 5
The high-end models are now $30 less, priced at $149, and come loaded with volume controls, superior noise cancellation, and extended battery life. With only a marginal price difference of $20 between the two models, I find it surprising that there are two options; the additional features certainly justify the cost.
It would have been nice to see the inclusion of a lanyard anchor on the battery case, as it’s a useful feature found on the AirPods Pro 3. The newly launched wristlet lanyards for the iPhone 18 Pro would pair perfectly with the AirPods.
AirPods 5 review: The new AirPods 5 boxed up
While the AirPods 5 may not be compelling enough to upgrade from the AirPods 4, they certainly make a strong case for anyone wanting to purchase a new pair of earbuds.
AirPods 5 Review: Pros
- Exceptional transparency mode
- ANC is markedly better than last-generation
- Voice controls are a welcomed addition
- ANC battery life is longer
- Compact case is more convenient than AirPods Pro
- Open ear design is comfortable
AirPods 5 Review: Cons
- Two models feel unnecessary
- Missing lanyard anchor
AirPods 5 rating: 4.5 out of 5
You can buy the new AirPods 5 on Amazon for $129 for the base model or $149 for the high-end model. Shipping begins September 18th.