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AirPods 5 bring active noise cancellation to an open-ear design without silicone tips, and both versions include ANC. They are a strong value if you want that fit, use Apple devices, and find them at a competitive local price. Their fixed shape will not suit every ear, and the open fit is less isolating than a sealed in-ear design.
What AirPods 5 are—and which version this review covers
Apple announced AirPods 5 in September 2026. The earbuds use an open-ear, silicone-tip-free design, and Apple lists ANC, dual beamforming microphones, and an IP57 dust, sweat, and water-resistance rating on its AirPods 5 product page. Apple’s Australia launch announcement said retail availability would begin September 18, 2026, in Australia and more than 65 other countries and regions (Apple newsroom announcement, September 10, 2026).
There are two versions: AirPods 5 with a standard USB-C charging case, and AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case. Both have ANC. The more expensive version adds wireless charging, a case speaker and location support, and volume swipe controls on the earbud stems, according to RTINGS’ review. The standard case charges by USB-C; do not assume it has the wireless-charging or case-location features of the more expensive version.
How effective is the noise cancellation?
Apple says AirPods 5 reduce up to 50 percent more external noise than AirPods 4 with ANC; its product page also describes the result as up to 1.5 times better at blocking noise than the previous generation. Those are Apple’s own comparative claims, not an independent guarantee. Apple says its comparison test took place in July 2026 with AirPods 5 paired to an iPhone 17, prerelease firmware, and iOS 27, following IEC 60268-24 and comparing against bestselling wireless open-ear headphones then commercially available. Apple also cautions that results depend on settings, environment, and other factors (Apple’s test disclosure).
#1 Best Overall
- WORLD’S BEST IN-EAR ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — Removes up to 2x more unwanted noise than AirPods Pro 2* so you can stay fully immersed in the moment.*
- BREAKTHROUGH AUDIO PERFORMANCE — Experience breathtaking, three-dimensional audio with AirPods Pro 3. A new acoustic architecture delivers transformed bass, detailed clarity so you can hear every instrument, and stunningly vivid vocals.
- HEART RATE SENSING — Built-in heart rate sensing lets you track your heart rate and calories burned for up to 50 different workout types.* With iPhone, you will have access to the Move ring, step count, and the new Workout Buddy,* powered by Apple Intelligence.*
- LIVE TRANSLATION — Communicate across language barriers using Live Translation,* enabled by Apple Intelligence.*
- EXTENDED BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 8 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation on a single charge. Or up to 10 hours in Transparency using the Hearing Aid feature.*
Independent reviewers found ANC useful, with limits. RTINGS reported very good performance against airplane, street, and conversation noise in its testing, while flagging low-frequency engine rumble and fit as considerations. Tom’s Guide found ANC good for earbuds without silicone tips, but said some high-frequency sounds, including horns and indistinct chatter, remained audible during its listening test (Tom’s Guide review). These are reviewer findings under their respective test conditions; what you hear will vary.
Apple also describes Transparency mode as more natural than before. If you need a tightly sealed fit or the strongest possible isolation, an in-ear earbud with adjustable silicone tips is a more relevant category to compare.
Rank #2
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO — Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you, creating a theater-like listening experience for music, TV shows, movies, games, and more.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — AirPods 4 feature the Apple-designed H2 chip. Voice Isolation improves the quality of phone calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
- LONG BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge. And get up to 30 hours of total listening time using the case.*
Will the open fit suit you?
There are no silicone tips to insert or size. That can appeal to people who dislike the pressure or feel of sealed in-ear earbuds, but the fixed shape cannot be adjusted to individual ears. RTINGS describes the earbuds as light and suitable for walking or moderate exercise when the fit works, but less suitable for some intense movements. A secure fit is therefore a personal prerequisite, not something the IP rating can solve.
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Apple’s IP57 rating covers dust, sweat, and water resistance, but it does not mean the earbuds are waterproof for every activity. Check Apple’s care guidance for the limits of use around water before exposing them to it.
Rank #3
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation help reduce outside noise before it reaches your ears, so you can immerse yourself in what you’re listening to.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU — The powerful H2 chip comes to AirPods 4. Adaptive Audio seamlessly blends ANC and Transparency mode — which lets you comfortably hear and interact with the world around you exactly as it sounds — to provide the best listening experience in any environment.* And when you’re speaking with someone nearby, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — Voice Isolation improves the quality of calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
Battery life: Apple’s rating versus an independent test
For AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case, Apple rates playback at up to five hours with ANC on per charge and up to 22 hours with the case. RTINGS measured 5.1 hours of continuous playback and 22.5 hours including case recharges on its tested Wireless Charging Case unit (RTINGS, published October 5, 2026). Apple’s figures are manufacturer ratings; RTINGS’ figures are results from its test, not a promise for every listener or usage pattern.
RTINGS considers the earbuds compact for travel, but notes that the per-charge runtime may require a top-up on longer trips. For long stretches away from a charging opportunity, compare the continuous runtime—not only the total that includes case recharges—with alternatives that fit your needs.
Rank #4
- Automatically on, automatically connected
- Easy setup for all your Apple devices
- Quick access to Siri by saying “Hey Siri”
- Double-tap to play or skip forward
- New Apple H1 headphone chip delivers faster wireless connection to your devices
What the two cases change
| Feature | AirPods 5 | AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case |
|---|---|---|
| Charging case | USB-C | USB-C, Qi, and Apple Watch charger support, according to Apple’s launch announcement |
| Stem volume swipe | Not listed for this version | Included, according to Apple |
| Case speaker and location support | Not listed for this version | Included, according to RTINGS |
| ANC | Included | Included |
The Wireless Charging Case version makes sense if you will use wireless charging, stem volume controls, or the case’s speaker and location functions. If you charge by USB-C and do not need those extras, the standard version retains ANC and avoids paying for features you may not use. Compare the actual price difference where you shop rather than assuming the launch premium still applies.
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Prices vary by market and date. Apple’s September 10, 2026 Australia announcement listed recommended retail prices including GST of A$219 for AirPods 5 and A$249 for AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case, with availability from September 18. Tom’s Guide reported prices observed at the time of its review of $124 and $149 in the United States, and £119 and £139 in the United Kingdom. Those Tom’s Guide prices are time-specific observations, not a guarantee of current retail pricing (Tom’s Guide).
Best Value
- Excellent Noise Reduction Function: YUWAKAYI Airpods pro replacement ear tips have two noise reduction holes on the side, which are almost the same as the original(other silicone ear tips do not have them), which can reduce noise to keep the best noise reduction effect of the original headphone
- Dust Guard Screen: Each airpod pro tips has a built-in dust guard screen, Same as Originals,The one-piece molding process makes it more firm and not easy to fall off. There is no need to worry about sweat letting him fall off
- Ultra Comfortable to Wear: The ear tips are made of high-quality soft silicone material with ultra-light weight, ensuring long-lasting comfort to your ears,3 different sizes can meet the different needs of you and your family
- Fits the Airpods Pro Seamless: Perfectly fit into Airpods pro and Airpods Pro 2nd generation, the connection with the ear buds is closer and seamless, you don’t need to worry about the ear tips fall off. At the same time fit for the original AirPods Pro charging case
- Storage Box: 2xSmall,2xMedium,2xLarge, equipped with a storage box for storing 6 ear buds to protect unused ear buds from being lost or soiled
AirPods 5 can be a notably good buy when the local price is right and you value open-ear comfort, ANC, and Apple-device integration more than sealed isolation or longer uninterrupted battery life. The case upgrade is worthwhile only if its charging and control extras matter to you. Check current local pricing for both versions before choosing; a discount can change the value equation.
Apple-device features and availability
Apple’s launch announcement promotes Siri AI, head-gesture responses, and Live Translation, but access depends on supported Apple devices, operating-system versions, firmware, languages, and regions. Apple says some features are unavailable in some languages or regions; its September 2026 announcement said Siri AI was rolling out in beta and initially unavailable in the EU (Apple newsroom). Confirm current regional and device compatibility on Apple’s feature pages before buying for a specific software feature.
Quick Recap
Who should buy AirPods 5?
- Consider them if you prefer earbuds without silicone tips, want ANC in an open fit, and already use Apple devices.
- Choose the Wireless Charging Case version if you will use Qi or Apple Watch charging, stem volume swipe, or the case speaker and location support.
- Look at sealed in-ear alternatives if you need a fit you can adjust, stronger isolation, or better security during intense movement.
- Compare battery needs and price if your listening sessions are long or you travel without frequent charging access.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
