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In its October 13 review, The Guardian awarded the AirPods 5 4 out of 5 stars, praising their audio performance and impressive noise cancellation for an open-fit design.
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Comfortable Open-Fit Design
Unlike the AirPods Pro 3, the AirPods 5 don’t use silicone ear tips. Instead, they rest in your ears without creating a tight seal.
The design is nearly identical to the AirPods 4, with compact earbuds and a pocket-friendly charging case.
This makes them an appealing option for people who dislike the plugged-in feeling of traditional noise-cancelling earbuds. However, comfort and sound quality still depend on how well they fit your ears.
Better Noise Cancellation and Sound
One of the biggest improvements is active noise cancellation (ANC), now included in both AirPods 5 versions.
According to The Guardian’s review, the earbuds deliver detailed audio, stronger bass and effective noise reduction, particularly against everyday background sounds.
They still can’t match the isolation of the AirPods Pro 3, but their performance is impressive considering the open design. Transparency mode and call quality are additional strengths.
AirPods 5 Price and Battery Life
AirPods 5
$129
USB-C charging case, ANC, approximately 4 hours of listening with ANC.
AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case
$149
Wireless charging, swipe volume controls and approximately 5 hours of listening with ANC.
Both versions offer a compact charging case and IP57 dust and water resistance. Battery life remains one of their weaker points compared with longer-lasting earbuds.
Should You Buy the AirPods 5?
The AirPods 5 are an excellent choice for iPhone users who want good sound and noise cancellation without silicone ear tips.
The $149 wireless charging model is particularly appealing because it adds convenient volume swipe controls and longer battery life for just $20 more.
However, if maximum noise cancellation, longer listening time or a secure in-ear seal matters most, the AirPods Pro 3 remain the better option.
Final Takeaway
The AirPods 5 offer a compelling combination of comfort, improved sound, effective noise cancellation and Apple ecosystem integration.
Their battery life isn’t exceptional, and the open design won’t suit everyone. But for listeners who dislike silicone tips, they’re among the strongest wireless earbuds available in 2026.
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