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Apple AirPods 5 Review: Better Than Before but Not Quite Pro
I’ve owned AirPods since the original pair launched in 2016. Over the years, I’ve tested earbuds from many brands, but I always come back to my trusty AirPods. They’re easy to pair, they integrate well with the Apple ecosystem, and they deliver some of the best-sounding active noise cancellation (ANC) on the market. The latest AirPods 5 continue the trend and deliver more of Apple’s best audio features at a lower price than their predecessor.
The AirPods 5 come in two models: $129 with a standard case and $149 with a wireless charging case that works with Apple Watch chargers, Qi-compatible chargers, and USB-C. Both include ANC, which is a welcome change from the AirPods 4, where you had to pay extra ($179) for the privilege of a feature that’s increasingly standard on most wireless earbuds.
For $149, the AirPods 5 (with a wireless charging case) are an easy recommendation. But after a month of testing, I’d still pay extra to get the AirPods Pro 3. The difference comes down to noise cancellation, fit, and controls.
First and foremost, if you’re buying the AirPods 5, spend the extra $20 on the version with a wireless charging case. You’ll get an extra hour of battery life (up to five hours) on the earbuds and an extra two (up to 22 hours) with the charging case compared to the $129 model. That's the same battery life as the AirPods 4 without ANC, so you’re actually getting more listening time even with noise cancellation.
The inclusion of ANC in both AirPods 5 models is the biggest upgrade here. You no longer have to pay extra just to get noise cancellation, and even the $129 model is a better deal than the standard AirPods 4 were at launch. Both versions also support Conversation Awareness, Live Translation, and Spatial Audio, along with Apple’s Siri features.
And, for semi-open earbuds, the AirPods 5 have exceptional ANC. Apple says the noise cancellation removes up to 50 percent more external noise than the AirPods 4 with ANC, due to a redesigned multi-port acoustic architecture and improved audio processing. I can’t verify that percentage, but the improvement was noticeable during my testing.
I was especially impressed on a domestic flight, where the AirPods 5 did a stellar job at suppressing the sound of the airplane engines. They didn’t make the cabin totally disappear, and the AirPods Pro 3 still deliver stronger isolation, but it was a huge improvement compared to the AirPods 4 with ANC.
Transparency mode sounds even more natural. I found this especially useful with Adaptive Audio, which automatically balances ANC with Transparency mode based on your surroundings. On a run, for example, footsteps approaching from behind prompted the earbuds to lower my music and let more environmental sound through. The transition felt smooth enough that the outside noise almost blended into the song. I could stay aware of my surroundings without getting distracted by every little thing happening around me.
For people who run outdoors or commute, the open-ear design can be more appealing than the tighter seal of the Pros. You sacrifice some isolation, but you get a more natural sense of what’s happening around you.
The notable improvements can't overcome the simple fact that I generally prefer the silicone tips of the AirPods Pro 3 to the semi-open fit of the AirPods 5. The AirPods Pro 3 create a snug seal without making my ears feel clogged, and the interchangeable sizes let me tailor the fit. That seal also makes a noticeable difference when I’m working out. During longer runs, I found the AirPods 5 could start slipping as sweat built up. The Pros stayed put. Their more secure fit also naturally improves noise cancellation.