Apple AirPods 5 review

AirPods 5 bring active noise cancellation to Apple's open-ear design on both models, which makes them the cheapest way into this list at $129. Apple says the cancelling is up to 1.5x stronger than on AirPods 4 with ANC, and Adaptive Audio blends noise cancellation and Transparency as your surroundings change. Voice Isolation targets calls in wind and noise, and Live Translation works with an Apple Intelligence iPhone. Both models carry an IP57 rating and charge over USB-C. The $149 model adds a wireless charging case with a speaker for finding it, a force sensor with volume swipe and up to an extra hour per charge. That battery is the weak spot: Apple lists up to 4 hours with noise cancellation on the base model and up to 5 hours on the wireless case model. Because there are no tips, the seal is looser than on AirPods Pro 3, so expect less quiet on a plane. For short commutes and calls they are an easy, affordable choice.

Who it is for

iPhone owners who dislike ear tips and want noise cancelling at a lower price.

Price

From $129; $149 with the Wireless Charging Case.

AirPods 5 $129.00 AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 7, 2026.

Key features

• Active noise cancellation on both models, up to 1.5x more than AirPods 4 with ANC
• Open-ear design with no silicone tips
• Adaptive Audio, Voice Isolation for calls and Live Translation with a compatible iPhone
• Up to 4 hours with ANC, or up to 5 hours with the Wireless Charging Case model
• IP57 dust, sweat and water resistance and USB-C charging

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Cheapest pair in this list at $129
• Strength: No ear tips to fit, which suits people who find tips uncomfortable
• Strength: IP57 rating at an entry price
• Weakness: Up to 4 to 5 hours with ANC is the shortest here
• Weakness: An open-ear design cannot seal out noise like tipped earbuds
• Weakness: Volume swipe and wireless charging only on the $149 model

Key facts

• Price: $129, or $149 with Wireless Charging Case
• Battery: Up to 4 hours ANC, 5 with Wireless Charging Case model
• Water resistance: IP57
• Fit: Open-ear, no tips

Where it ranks

Apple AirPods 5 is No. 8 in our Best Wireless Earbuds verdict.