AirPods 5 Review: 5 Big Upgrades Worth Knowing

Apple’s latest earbuds arrive with a significant change to the company’s regular AirPods lineup. In this AirPods 5 review, the biggest story is not simply improved sound. Apple has brought Active Noise Cancellation to both AirPods 5 models while also adding better audio performance, stronger water resistance and new software-powered features such as Live Translation.

The AirPods 5 start at $129 in the United States, while the AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case cost $149. Both models became available in stores on September 18, 2026.

That $20 difference is important because the two versions are much closer than previous generations in several key areas. Both now include ANC, and both benefit from Apple’s redesigned acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ.

However, there are still meaningful differences between them. The more expensive model adds wireless charging, longer battery life, a case speaker for Find My and swipe-based volume controls.

Based on Engadget’s hands-on review, that makes the $149 version the more complete package. Engadget rated the AirPods 5 8.8 out of 10, while highlighting improved audio, better ANC and the arrival of Live Translation.

AirPods 5 Review: What’s New?

The AirPods 5 represent an interesting shift for Apple’s standard earbuds.

Previous generations required consumers to decide whether they wanted standard AirPods or a model with Active Noise Cancellation. With the new generation, Apple has made ANC standard across both AirPods 5 versions.

That is arguably the biggest change.

Apple says the AirPods 5 can remove up to 50 percent more external noise than the AirPods 4 with ANC. The improvement comes from a redesigned multiport acoustic architecture combined with updated computational audio processing and Adaptive EQ.

The open-ear design remains important. Unlike AirPods Pro models, the AirPods 5 do not use silicone ear tips to create a tight seal inside the ear canal.

That makes the noise-cancellation achievement particularly notable.

AirPods 5 Sound Quality Gets a Major Boost

One of the most noticeable improvements in this AirPods 5 review is sound quality.

Apple has redesigned the acoustic system and introduced a new generation of Adaptive EQ. According to Apple, the technology adjusts sound across a wider range of ear shapes while improving clarity, depth and detail.

Engadget’s testing found the improvement immediately noticeable.

The publication particularly highlighted stronger bass, which is often difficult to reproduce convincingly with open-ear earbuds. The review also noted improved texture and nuance across different types of music.

That is an important development because open earbuds have traditionally faced a compromise.

They are comfortable and allow users to remain aware of their surroundings, but their lack of a sealed ear canal can make low-frequency performance more difficult.

Apple appears to have addressed at least part of that limitation through its acoustic redesign and computational audio processing.

The result is a listening experience that can feel more immersive without requiring the sealed fit associated with AirPods Pro.

AirPods 5 ANC Is More Impressive Than Expected

Active Noise Cancellation is another major focus.

The open-ear construction means AirPods 5 cannot physically block sound in the same way as sealed earbuds. Instead, Apple relies heavily on microphones, processing and the H2 chip to counter external noise.

Engadget found that the upgraded ANC was particularly useful against continuous background noise.

That includes sounds such as HVAC systems, office noise and other persistent environmental sounds. Human voices remain more difficult to eliminate, but the earbuds can reduce their volume enough to make music and podcasts easier to hear.

This distinction matters.

Consumers should not expect open-ear ANC to create the same isolation as sealed premium earbuds. Still, Apple’s ability to reduce background noise without physically sealing the ear is one of the most interesting aspects of the AirPods 5.

Apple also includes Transparency mode and Adaptive Audio. These features allow users to stay aware of their surroundings while adjusting the balance between external sound and noise cancellation.

AirPods 5 Bring Live Translation to More Users

Another major feature is Live Translation.

The feature uses Apple Intelligence and compatible Apple devices to help users communicate across supported languages. AirPods 5 can work with the iPhone to provide translated speech through the earbuds while the phone can display a transcription.

Users can activate Live Translation through Siri, the Translate app or by pressing both AirPods stems.

The technology is not entirely contained inside the earbuds. The iPhone remains an important part of the experience, acting as the visual interface and providing additional processing.

Still, bringing the capability to Apple’s more affordable AirPods is significant.

It means consumers no longer necessarily need Apple’s premium Pro earbuds to access some of its newest AI-powered audio features.

Apple says Live Translation availability depends on compatible hardware, software, languages and regions.

AirPods 5 Review: Battery Life

Battery performance depends on which AirPods 5 model you purchase.

The AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case can provide up to five hours of listening with ANC enabled. With ANC turned off, Apple claims up to seven hours. The charging case extends total listening time to as much as 22 hours with ANC.

Engadget’s testing was broadly consistent with Apple’s figures.

During testing with ANC enabled and Spatial Audio disabled, the reviewer still had around 5 to 7 percent battery remaining at the five-hour mark.

The cheaper AirPods 5 are rated for up to four hours with ANC and up to six hours without it. Both versions also provide around an hour of emergency listening after five minutes in the charging case.

For everyday use, that should be enough for commuting, workouts, work sessions and typical travel.

The more expensive model nevertheless has an advantage for people who regularly use ANC throughout the day.

The $149 AirPods 5 Has Important Extras

The biggest question in this AirPods 5 review is whether the $20 upgrade is worthwhile.

The answer depends on how you charge and control your earbuds.

The AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case adds several features missing from the $129 version.

First is wireless charging. The case can be charged using an Apple Watch charger or a Qi-compatible charger.

Second is the ability to adjust volume by swiping on the stem.

This is a surprisingly useful addition. Instead of reaching for an iPhone or asking Siri to change the volume, users can swipe up or down directly on the AirPods stem.

Engadget specifically identified the volume gesture as one of its favorite improvements.

The premium version also has a built-in case speaker that works with Find My, making it easier to locate the charging case if it gets misplaced.

These features may appear minor individually. Together, however, they make the $149 model substantially more convenient.

AirPods 5 Get Better Water Resistance

Durability is another area where Apple has made a notable improvement.

The AirPods 5 lineup moves from the IP54 rating used by AirPods 4 to IP57. Engadget notes that the newer rating provides protection against submersion in water up to 1 meter for as long as 30 minutes under specified testing conditions.

That does not mean the earbuds should be treated like dedicated waterproof sports equipment.

However, the improved protection gives users more confidence around sweat, rain and accidental exposure to water.

For people who use wireless earbuds during workouts or outdoor activities, that is a meaningful upgrade.

AirPods 5 vs. AirPods 5: Which Version?

The unusual part of Apple’s strategy is that both AirPods 5 models already include ANC.

That reduces the difference between the two versions.

The $129 model gives buyers ANC, improved sound, Live Translation and the open-ear design.

The $149 model adds:

• Wireless charging
• Swipe-based volume control
• Longer battery life
• A Find My speaker in the case
• Additional charging options

The $20 price difference therefore buys more than just a different charging method.

It adds several convenience features that are likely to be used regularly.

Engadget’s review argues that Apple could have simplified the lineup by offering only the $149 version as the regular AirPods option.

For shoppers, this creates an interesting situation.

The cheaper model is more affordable, but the more expensive model appears to remove several compromises for a relatively small additional cost.

AirPods 5 vs. AirPods Pro 3

The AirPods 5 are not designed to replace Apple’s premium Pro earbuds.

The AirPods Pro 3 remain the more feature-rich option, particularly for consumers interested in advanced hearing-health functions and additional sensors.

The Pro design also seals the ear canal, which gives it a different approach to noise isolation and sound reproduction.

Engadget notes that the AirPods Pro 3 include heart-rate monitoring and Apple’s Hearing Health features in addition to Live Translation.

That makes the choice relatively straightforward in terms of product positioning.

AirPods 5 are aimed at consumers who prefer the open-ear form factor and want many modern AirPods features without moving into the Pro price and design category.

AirPods Pro 3 remain aimed at people who want Apple’s more advanced feature set.

AirPods 5 Review: The Bigger Picture

The AirPods 5 are more than a routine refresh.

Apple has taken several features that were previously associated with more expensive earbuds and pushed them further down its lineup.

ANC is now available on both AirPods 5 models. Live Translation is available as part of the broader Apple ecosystem. Sound quality has improved, while durability has also received an upgrade.

The $129 starting price is particularly important because it places ANC-equipped AirPods at a relatively accessible point within Apple’s lineup.

At the same time, the $149 model creates a second decision for buyers.

For an additional $20, users get wireless charging, longer battery life, volume controls and a speaker in the case.

That makes the cheaper model somewhat difficult to distinguish beyond its lower price.

Final Verdict

The key takeaway from this AirPods 5 review is that Apple has significantly improved its standard open-ear earbuds.

Sound quality is better. Active Noise Cancellation is more capable. Live Translation expands the feature set, while improved water resistance makes the earbuds more practical for everyday use.

The biggest question is not whether the AirPods 5 are an improvement.

It is which version makes the most sense.

The $129 AirPods 5 provide the core experience and bring ANC to Apple’s lower-priced open-ear model. However, the $149 AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case adds several useful features for only $20 more.

For buyers who want wireless charging, longer battery life and stem-based volume control, those extras make the premium version considerably more complete.

Apple’s official specifications confirm that both versions use the H2 chip, support ANC, Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode, Personalized Spatial Audio and Live Translation.

Ultimately, the AirPods 5 show Apple refining a familiar formula rather than reinventing its earbuds.

The open-ear design remains comfortable and familiar, but the technology behind it has moved forward.

For consumers already invested in the Apple ecosystem, that combination of improved sound, ANC, AI-powered features and seamless device integration makes the AirPods 5 one of the more significant updates to Apple’s regular AirPods range in recent years.