Apple AirPods 5 Review: Top Open-Fit Earbuds to Date

Apple has launched the latest AirPods, setting a new standard for open-fit earbuds with enhanced noise-cancelling capabilities that now rival many in their price range. The AirPods 5 retain the design of the popular AirPods 4, catering to users who prefer not to use silicone ear tips, which are common in most noise-cancelling models. Available in two versions—with or without a wireless charging case and swipe controls—they are priced at £119 (€149/$129/A$219), £10 less than their predecessors' launch price.

The earbuds and their case look almost identical to the AirPods 4, resulting in a compact, pocket-friendly design. They fit comfortably in a watch pocket, making them suitable for daily activities like commuting or running errands. While they are among the most comfortable open-fit designs, those who didn’t favor the previous model may not find these more appealing, as they lack stability wings for vigorous exercise.

The earbuds feature a pressure-sensitive panel on the stalk for playback controls, with a squeeze activating Siri. The higher-end models with a wireless charging case include touch-sensitive swipe controls for volume, similar to those in the AirPods Pro.

Specifications:

- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, SBC, AAC, H2 chip
- Battery life: four or five hours with ANC (22 hours with case)
- Water resistance: IP57 (up to 1 meter for 30 minutes)
- Earbud dimensions: 30.2 x 18.3 x 18.1mm
- Earbud weight: 4.3g each
- Charging case dimensions: 46.2 x 50.1 x 21.2mm
- Charging case weight: 32.3g/34.7g
- Case charging: USB-C or wireless (Qi or Watch)

The basic AirPods 5 offer up to four hours of playback with noise cancellation, while the wireless charging version provides slightly over five hours, totaling 22 hours with the case.

Upgraded sound and noise cancelling

The AirPods 5 deliver improved noise-cancelling and sound quality, producing detailed audio with good tonal separation. The added bass enhances the overall sound, making it fuller and more rounded compared to other open-fit earbuds. While they may not meet audiophile standards, they offer an enjoyable listening experience. The noise-cancelling feature effectively reduces ambient noise, though it struggles with higher frequencies. Wind noise remains an issue, but they still perform well against open-fit competitors.

Transparency mode offers excellent clarity, almost making it feel like not wearing earbuds at all, which is useful for street awareness. Call quality is clear, with minimal background noise interference.

The AirPods 5 support Apple's smart features, including Siri access, live translation, and spatial audio, when used with an iPhone.

Sustainability

The earbuds maintain at least 80% of their original capacity for 500 charge cycles. Apple provides a battery service for £49 per earbud or case, with replacements costing from £69. They scored two out of 10 for repairability on iFixit. Made with 40% recycled material, Apple offers trade-in and recycling schemes.

Price

The AirPods 5 are available for £119 or £139 with a wireless charging case and touch controls. In comparison, the AirPods Pro 3 cost £219, and the AirPods Max 2 cost £499. The Google Pixel Buds 2a and Shokz OpenFit Air 2 are priced at £129.

Verdict

The AirPods 5 enhance the open-fit design with improved sound and noise-cancelling capabilities, rivaling many plugged-in earbuds. They offer a rich sound experience and effective noise reduction, though they fall short of the best plugged-in models. The transparency mode and call quality are excellent, making them suitable for daily use. However, their battery life is somewhat limited, and they are best paired with Apple devices. For those considering an upgrade, the additional features in the wireless charging version justify the extra cost. While marginally more repairable than previous models, they remain largely disposable.