Key facts
- The AirPods 5 feature improved active noise cancellation (ANC) and on-stem volume controls.
- Both wired and wireless charging case versions of the AirPods 5 now include ANC.
- The AirPods 5 with a wireless charging case are priced at $149, a $30 decrease from the previous generation's launch price.
- The wired charging case version of the AirPods 5 costs $129 and includes ANC.
- The earbuds maintain an open-fit design and offer improved durability with IP57 dust and water resistance.
Apple's new AirPods 5 deliver notable improvements in audio quality and active noise cancellation (ANC) despite their familiar design. The earbuds are available in two variations: a $129 model with a wired charging case and a $149 model with a wireless charging case. Both versions now include ANC, a feature previously exclusive to the higher-end model of the prior generation. The wireless charging case version also offers slightly longer battery life and on-stem volume controls. The reviewer, Tyler Hayes, noted that the ANC performance is significantly better than the AirPods 4, claiming it's 1.5 times stronger, making it the best encountered in an open-style earbud. While the open-fit design may cause a sense of pressure for some users due to the strong ANC, an adaptive mode can help mitigate this. The pricing of the AirPods 5 is also highlighted as a positive, with the wireless charging case model being $30 cheaper than its predecessor at launch.