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.
Like AirPods 4, the AirPods 5 come in two versions: base model and a high-end model with additional features.
For this review, I'm testing the more expensive AirPods 5 with the wireless charging case. Luckily, audio quality and the active noise cancellation are identical between both models.
AirPods 5 are unchanged in their design. They come in a small charging case that's more pocketable than the AirPods Pro.
The case has a small hidden LED on the front and a USB-C port on the bottom. The more expensive version also supports wireless charging on any MagSafe, Qi, or Apple Watch charger and speakers for Find My.
AirPods 5 review: Holding up the new AirPods 5
There's a reason people call facial tissue Kleenex no matter who it's from. AirPods have the same cultural cachet.
They're white, with short stems and oval-shaped tips that rest in your ears. Only the high-end model adds capacitive sensors to the stems for volume control.
AirPods 5 review: The updated high-end model allows you to slide your finger to adjust volume
You can still squeeze the stems for playback controls or swipe vertically to adjust volume. I use this constantly on AirPods Pro 3, so I expect to use it often here.
Personally, the AirPods Pro 3 with the silicone ear tips fit slightly better in my ears, but your mileage may vary. I know my partner struggles with the silicone ones and finds the AirPods 5 more comfortable.
AirPods 5 review: The new AirPods 5 (left) and the AirPods Pro 3 (right)
Apple did make one notable durability upgrade: AirPods 5 now have IP57 resistance, up from IP54. They can now survive brief immersion in water, making sweat even less of a concern.
AirPods 5 don't sound noticeably different from AirPods 4. That's unsurprising, since Apple uses the same driver.
AirPods 5 review: Listening to music on AirPods 5
For the price point, especially with the base model, AirPods 5 sound excellent. It's a very neutral sound with a controlled bass and clear highs.
Even as I increased the volume, something I needed to do on flights, there was no distortion in the playback. Some users may want more on the low end, but I think Apple played it down the middle to appeal to most users.
Still, iOS 27 provides the ability to adjust the EQ, which can help emphasize the bass further if you prefer it. With the bass pulled all the way up, it can make these more punchy, great for a rhythmic workout.
I was most impressed with transparency mode. This mode lets you hear your surroundings without removing the earbuds.
Their open design means the microphones do less work to amplify outside sound. I held full conversations wearing AirPods 5 and eventually forgot they were there.
With no pressure formed in your ear from silicone ear tips, they don't have any uncanny effects that the AirPods Pro sometimes do in loud environments.
While the open nature of the AirPods 5 aids transparency mode, they work against the active noise cancellation. More outside noise getting in makes it harder to cancel.
AirPods 5 review: Noise cancellation options in Control Center
During a few flights, I went back and forth between the AirPods Pro 3 and the AirPods 5. In my testing, AirPods 5 offered comparable ANC, though AirPods Pro 3 performed better overall.
Apple says a new algorithm allows the upgraded ANC to cancel 50% more noise than before. It's noticeably better and the best ANC I've tested on open-design earbuds.
Best of all, the improved ANC is present on not just the high-end model, but both versions of the AirPods 5.
The list is starting to be cumbersome, but iOS is full of excellent features for AirPods 5. None are new or unique, but are present on other recent versions of AirPods that use the H2 chip on the inside.
There is personalized volume, Spatial Audio with head tracking, conversation boost, adaptive EQ, and live translation. They also support hands-free Siri, too.
