After Apple introduced the AirPods 5 last week, we got a set to take home and review. We've been testing the AirPods 5 for the last week and have some initial thoughts.
The AirPods 5 have the same overall design and fit as the AirPods 4, so they're just as comfortable as the prior-generation model.
Active Noise Cancellation has been improved through new internal acoustic architecture, and it's surprisingly good. The AirPods 5 don't have silicone ear tips so you might not expect ANC to work as well as earbuds with a tighter fit, but there is a noticeable improvement over the ANC version of the AirPods 4.
Apple says the AirPods 5 use low-noise microphones and a new compressor tuned for open-ear ANC. The compressor is tuned to a wider frequency range and can react faster than before when conditions change. Sound is measured for the left and right ears independently, correcting for fit leaks to further improve ANC.
Sound quality on the AirPods 5 was muddier than on the AirPods Pro 3, especially in the low mids. iOS 27 has custom EQ, though, which allows for adjustments. The AirPods 5 support Adaptive Audio and Transparency, so they have most of the same audio features as the AirPods Pro 3.
Apple used to limit ANC to the higher-end version of the AirPods 4, but with the AirPods 5, it's universal. You can now get AirPods with ANC for just $129. There's an upgraded model with a Wireless Charging Case, an extra hour of battery life, and swipe-based controls on the stem for $149. The base model has four hours of battery with ANC, while the upgraded version offers five hours.
Live Translation, Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, and other features that were previously limited to the higher-end AirPods 4 model are now on all models. Dust and water resistance has improved, and the AirPods have an IP57 rating, so they'll hold up better to sweat and moisture exposure.
With the ANC upgrade and the price drop, the AirPods 5 are an excellent value. If you've been hesitant to get AirPods because of the price, this is the version to get. People who have AirPods Pro or AirPods 4 with ANC don't need to upgrade, but it's a big improvement if you have older AirPods.
The AirPods 5 are available for pre-order and will launch on Friday, September 18.
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