Apple AirPods 5 review

AirPods 5 are the cheapest way into Apple's noise cancelling, at $129 for the USB-C case or $149 with the Wireless Charging Case. Both models include Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency and Conversation Awareness, and Apple says they deliver up to 1.5x more ANC than AirPods 4 with ANC. Calls use Voice Isolation, dual beamforming microphones, an inward-facing microphone and a speech-detecting accelerometer, the same mic setup Apple lists for AirPods Pro 3. Siri Interactions let you nod or shake your head to answer or decline a call, and Live Translation is included. Apple rates the earbuds IP57. Battery is the main compromise: the base model lists up to 4 hours with ANC on and 20 hours with the case, and the wireless case model 5 and 22 hours. Commuters with long rides should step up to AirPods Pro 3, which reach 8 hours with ANC on, and Android owners should consider Soundcore Liberty 5 at $129.99.

Who it is for

iPhone owners who want ANC under $150

Price

From $129; $149 with Wireless Charging Case.

AirPods 5 $129.00
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 13, 2026.

Key features

• Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio and Transparency on both models
• Voice Isolation with dual beamforming mics and a speech-detecting accelerometer
• Up to 4 hours with ANC on, 20 hours with the case
• Live Translation and Siri Interactions with head gestures
• IP57 dust, sweat and water resistance

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Lowest price on this list at $129
• Strength: Apple says it has up to 1.5x more ANC than AirPods 4 with ANC
• Strength: Wireless Charging Case model adds volume swipe and up to 5 hours per charge
• Weakness: Only up to 4 hours per charge with ANC on for the base model
• Weakness: Wireless charging and volume swipe cost $20 more
• Weakness: No heart rate sensor or Hearing Aid feature, unlike AirPods Pro 3

Key facts

• Price: $129, $149 with wireless case
• Battery (ANC on): Up to 4 hours, 20 with case
• Water resistance: IP57
• Chip: H2
• Bluetooth: 5.3

Where it ranks

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