Apple’s AirPods 5 Set a New Standard for Open-Ear Earbuds
It’s a common trend for new product versions to hit the market at the same price or even higher than their predecessors. However, Apple has taken a different approach with the AirPods 5. Priced at $149, the AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case are actually $30 less than the AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation (ANC) that they replace. They offer slightly improved ANC and are the first non-Pro AirPods to feature volume controls on the stem. This makes the base AirPods 5, which are $20 cheaper but lack wireless charging and volume controls, seem unnecessary.
The AirPods 5, like all non-Pro models, utilize an open-ear design, meaning they don’t have silicone ear tips to create a seal in your ear. Previously, Apple offered two versions of the AirPods: one with ANC and one without. This time, both models of the AirPods 5 come equipped with ANC, along with adaptive audio, transparency mode, live translation capabilities with an iPhone 15 Pro or later, and an improved IP57 rating (up from IP54 on the AirPods 4). The main distinctions between the $129 AirPods 5 and the $149 version with Wireless Charging Case are the volume controls, battery life, and the $20 price difference.
That extra $20 is definitely worth it. The wireless charging case is a nice touch (though it’s not MagSafe, it does work with the magnetic Apple Watch charger). The standout feature is the addition of swipe volume controls, which have been absent from all non-Pro AirPods until now. The convenience of wireless earbuds is diminished without volume control on the earbuds themselves, as it forces you to reach for your phone. Given the close pricing of the two models, it’s puzzling why Apple even introduced the base AirPods 5.
Apple claims that both models of the AirPods 5 provide up to 50 percent better noise cancellation than the AirPods 4 with ANC, although specifics on which frequencies are affected are still awaited. While the overall size and appearance of the AirPods remain unchanged, Apple has revamped the internal acoustic architecture, adjusted the algorithm, and used denser mesh on the ports for improved passive noise reduction, contributing to the ANC enhancement. In my own testing, I noticed slight improvements in noise cancellation, particularly with low-end sounds like airplane engines and in busy environments like restaurants.
The AirPods 4 with ANC already outperformed other open-ear designs, and the AirPods 5 take that a step further. However, don’t expect the same level of isolation as you would get from sealed earbuds like the AirPods Pro 3, which are often available for just $50 more.
Apple has always excelled in transparency mode, and with the AirPods 5, the difference between transparency mode and not wearing the earbuds at all is nearly indistinguishable. Other earbuds typically amplify high-frequency ambient sounds, but the new AirPods maintain a natural sound. A reviewer even found transparency mode preferable during a run, as it provided excellent awareness without wind interference, and the earbuds felt secure throughout.
The redesigned internals also enhance the sound quality of the AirPods 5. There’s a noticeable improvement in bass response, which was lacking in the AirPods 4, and vocals are clearer and more distinct. Tracks like “Gigantic” by The Pixies showcase clean vocals amidst the heavy guitar distortion, and the separation of instruments across the soundstage is impressive. Overall, the AirPods 5 deliver superior sound compared to other open-ear earbuds.
With the introduction of iOS 27, Apple has added a 3-band EQ for those who want to customize their audio experience. This feature isn’t exclusive to the AirPods 5 and is also available for AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Max 2. While the EQ adjustments don’t drastically alter the sound profile, it’s a welcome addition for those who enjoy tinkering with their audio settings.
Call quality has also seen improvements over the AirPods 4. While my voice may have sounded slightly compressed to others, they had no trouble understanding me, and background noise was minimal. Occasionally, sounds from passing conversations or strong winds would break through, but they were not overly distracting.
The biggest letdown with the AirPods 5 is their battery life. While the earbuds are compact, five hours of use with ANC on is below average and won’t even last through a long flight. The total battery life with the case has also dropped from 30 hours to 22. For the base model AirPods 5, the battery life is even shorter—up to four hours on the earbuds and 20 hours with the case. A quick five-minute charge in the case provides an additional hour of listening time.
If you’re simply looking for reliable earbuds, there are plenty of more affordable options that offer similar features. Models like the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC and the Nothing Ear 3A are priced around $100 and provide better noise cancellation with sound quality that’s nearly on par. However, neither of those options offers the same seamless integration with Apple devices as the AirPods 5. Additionally, both are sealed earbuds, while the AirPods maintain an open design, which some users find more comfortable.
Apple’s open-ear design has never been my top choice. Silicone tips tend to provide a more secure fit and superior ANC, though they come with their own fitting challenges. However, the redesign of the AirPods 4, which felt more comfortable, started to win me over. Now, with ANC at a lower price that includes volume control and a wireless charging case, the $149 AirPods 5 are an excellent choice for those who prefer an open fit. I wouldn’t even consider the less expensive AirPods 5.
