At first glance, Apple’s new AirPods 5 appear to be more of the same. They don’t look any different than the AirPods 4 or make any earth-shattering changes. But looks can be deceiving. Despite the familiar design, there are several reasons to be excited about these new wireless earbuds.
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For one, Apple continues to refine its audio quality. I’ve owned and tested every pair of AirPods and AirPods Pro since the first-gen model hit stores in 2016. I’ve been impressed by how Apple has improved the bass and soundstage with each release. The AirPods 5 are no exception. They also offer stronger active noise cancellation (ANC) and improved durability with IP57 dust and water resistance. At the same time, the AirPods 5 keep the same open-fit design as the AirPods 4, which some prefer over in-ear buds like the AirPods Pro.
The AirPods 5 are available in two variations: one with a wired charging case for $129 and one with a wireless charging case for $149. Unlike the previous generation, both versions now support ANC. I reviewed the model with a wireless charging case, which also offers slightly longer battery life and on-stem volume controls. But otherwise, both versions perform the same.
In a year filled with tons of new headphones from various brands, the AirPods 5 stand out from the pack. Here are my top four reasons to consider the AirPods 5, either as an upgrade or for people new to Apple earbuds.
This step-up version of the AirPods 5 includes a wireless charging case and longer battery life than the standard model. It also has on-stem swiping controls for volume.
What we like
What we don’t like
The ANC improvement is real and meaningful
Before I tried the new AirPods 5, I put the AirPods 4 with ANC in my ears to get a baseline for their active noise cancellation. The moment I put the 5s in my ears, it was immediately obvious just how much better they are.
Apple claims the ANC performance is 1.5 times better than the previous generation. After spending time going back and forth, I don’t doubt that assessment. Getting good noise cancellation with open-style earbuds is always tricky since they don’t create a complete seal in your ear. Though you’ll still get stronger noise cancellation from in-ear models, like the AirPods Pro 3, the AirPods 5’s ANC is the best I’ve encountered from any open-style buds so far.
In comparison, the previous-generation AirPods 4’s ANC is more subdued. The AirPods 5 have a much more substantial level that will benefit more people in more situations. Their ANC cuts out enough outside noise that I don’t have to turn their volume up to the highest levels. This helps with hearing health. I also like how the AirPods 5’s combination of ANC and an open fit reduces outside chatter without fully disconnecting me from my surroundings or plugging up my ears.
However, be aware that you may feel a sense of pressure in your ears due to the powerful ANC. The earbuds aren’t actually creating any physical change in pressure, but the reduction in noise can trick our brains into feeling like there is. This is common with a lot of noise-canceling headphones, and some people are more sensitive to it than others. Since the AirPods 5’s ANC is a lot stronger than the 4’s, they’re more prone to creating this sensation.
Using the AirPods 5’s adaptive mode is one way to alleviate perceived pressure if you experience it. The adaptive mode intelligently quiets your surroundings when loud noises happen suddenly. You can also now adjust the adaptive strength in the settings to let more or less sound through.
The price went down instead of up
It’s not often that Apple products get praised for their pricing, but this is a rare case where fans can celebrate. The AirPods 5 with wireless charging case are actually $30 cheaper than the AirPods 4 with wireless charging case were at launch, with an MSRP of $149 versus $179, respectively.
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Meanwhile, the AirPods 5 with wired charging case cost the same as the AirPods 4 with wired charging case at launch, at an MSRP of $129. But despite costing the same, the AirPods 5 with wired charging case now include ANC support, which was previously exclusive to the $179 wireless charging case edition of the AirPods 4.
Phone-free volume control is a nice perk
My favorite feature of Apple’s pricier AirPods Pro series has long been their on-stem volume control, and for the first time, this function is now available on a pair of standard AirPods. Both variants of the AirPods 5 have on-stem media controls to pause, play, and skip tracks, but the AirPods 5 with wireless charging case take this further by adding volume swiping.
To raise or lower the volume, you simply swipe up or down on the left or right stem. This means you never have to take out your phone to adjust the volume. I’m usually not a fan of touch controls on audio products, but Apple’s volume swiping works flawlessly. I’ve used it while stationary, sitting at my desk, and while running, and it’s worked well in every situation. The addition of this feature is a big “finally” for me, and it’s something I use daily.
The audio quality keeps evolving and improving
I’m always thoroughly impressed by the increased bass and airiness that each new AirPods model brings. The 5s are no different. The audio dynamics are subtler than in some years, but the sound quality has improved overall thanks to a redesigned acoustic architecture.
Going back and forth between the 4s and 5s, it’s clear that the new AirPods 5 have a bit more impact in lower frequencies thanks to tighter bass response. The soundstage is also wider and more open, which helps the earbuds feel nearly invisible in my ears.
The earbuds’ midrange is also clear and easily audible. Crunchy rock guitars never sounded muddy, while vocals were present and natural. Background singers and supplemental instrumentation were easy to pick up as well, and never faded too much into the background.
Should you buy the Apple AirPods 5?
They may look just like the AirPods 4, but the new AirPods 5 deliver a meaningful jump in ANC performance while still sounding as good as ever. Whether you buy the $129 edition with a wired charging case or the $149 version with a wireless charging case, they both deliver tremendous value for their feature set.
However, I do give the $149 option an edge for most people. Its added benefits are well worth the extra $20. Having a wireless charging case is handy, especially if you already have an Apple Watch charger or a Qi-certified charging pad. The step-up edition also has a few other perks, including volume swiping, an extra hour of playtime, two extra hours of battery life from the charging case, and Apple Find My support.
Ultimately, no matter which version you get, the AirPods 5 are a solid step forward, even if they don’t look like one. With better ANC, improved sound, and competitive pricing, they’re the most compelling standard AirPods Apple has made yet.
For more Apple headphones recommendations, check out our guide to the best AirPods.
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