Audio review
Apple AirPods 5 Review
Apple brings active noise cancellation and improved sound to its familiar open-ear design, but fit remains personal—and the cheaper $129 model is the smarter buy for most people.
Steve's verdict
AirPods 5 sound very good and give open-ear fans more of Apple's premium experience for less. I would buy the $129 version, but I still choose AirPods Pro 3 for their more secure fit, stronger ANC, and better overall sound.
Best for
iPhone users who dislike silicone ear tips and want lightweight, open-ear AirPods with useful noise control.
Skip it if
AirPods tend to fall out of your ears, you need strong noise cancellation, or AirPods Pro 3 are on sale close to $199.
Best for
Open-ear AirPods fans
Best value
$129 model
My pick
AirPods Pro 3
What I like
- Very good sound from an open-ear design
- Active noise cancellation reduces steady background noise
- Natural transparency and easy Apple-device setup
- Small, pocket-friendly charging case
- The $129 model delivers the core experience for less
What to know
- The open fit felt loose and could work out of my ears
- ANC is much weaker than AirPods Pro 3, especially at low volume
- Bass can sound heavier than I prefer
- Swiping for volume can shift the earbuds in your ears
- Several smart features are useful only in specific situations
What I tested
Real-world use, not just the spec sheet
- Open-ear fit during normal movement and extended listening
- Sound quality across music, podcasts, and spoken audio
- ANC at both low and normal listening volumes
- Direct comfort, sound, and noise-control comparison with AirPods Pro 3
- Stem controls, volume swipes, and Apple-device features
Specs that matter
Starting price
$129
The standard AirPods 5 model is my value pick.
Wireless model
$149
Adds wireless charging, volume swipe, and longer battery life.
Battery with ANC
Up to 5 hours
Apple rates the wireless-charging model for up to 22 hours with its case.
Charging
USB-C or wireless
The $149 case also supports Qi and Apple Watch chargers.
A smaller case and a familiar open fit
AirPods 5 keep the open-ear shape with no silicone tips, and the charging case is noticeably smaller and easier to pocket. That design is the main reason to buy them if you dislike the sealed feeling of Pro earbuds. Fit is still highly personal, though. In my ears they sat loosely and could work their way out, while other people may find the same shape comfortable for hours.
How they sound
Sound quality is very good for an open-ear earbud. Music has plenty of detail and energy, and the new tuning produces more bass than I expected. That extra low end can be fun, but it also sounded a little bass-heavy to me. AirPods Pro 3 remain my preference for their tighter seal, more balanced presentation, and stronger overall performance.
Active noise cancellation
ANC is impressive considering there is no silicone seal, but it cannot overcome the physics of an open design. It lowers fans, road noise, and other steady sounds; it does not create the quiet bubble that AirPods Pro 3 can. The gap is most obvious when listening to a podcast or music at low volume, where more of the room still reaches your ears.
Transparency and Adaptive Audio
Transparency sounds natural because the open design already lets in a lot of the world around you. Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness can automatically balance noise control and lower media when you speak. They work as intended, although I do not use every smart feature often enough to make it a deciding factor.
Controls and daily use
Stem controls make playback and calls easy. The wireless-charging model also adds a volume swipe, which is convenient, but swiping can nudge a loose-fitting earbud out of position. If volume control on the stem and wireless charging are not must-haves, the standard model keeps the important listening experience while saving $20.
$129 or $149?
For most buyers, I recommend the $129 AirPods 5. The $149 version adds the wireless charging case, on-stem volume control, and longer battery life, but the earbuds' core sound and ANC experience are the same. Spend the extra money only if those convenience features matter to you.
When AirPods Pro 3 make more sense
AirPods Pro 3 are the better choice if you want a secure in-ear fit, stronger ANC, and the best sound Apple offers in an earbud. They were selling for about $199 when I reviewed AirPods 5, which narrows the price gap. I also find the Pro 3 comfortable for long sessions once the correct tip size is installed.
A less expensive alternative
If you want useful ANC without paying Apple pricing, Nothing Ear (3a) are worth a look. They do not have the same tight Apple integration, but they offer a sealed fit, effective noise reduction, and strong value. Your phone ecosystem and preferred fit should decide which compromise makes the most sense.
Compare before you buy
AirPods 5 vs AirPods Pro 3: Which Would I Buy?The Best Premium Earbuds for Your PhoneWatch the full review