Apple AirPods 5 review: getting closer to the Pros
24/9/2026
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
Pictures: Florian Bodoky
Apple’s AirPods 5 deliver a richer, more detailed sound quality. On top of that, they borrow some features from the Pro model. There’s still room for improvement when it comes to the battery and health features. For fans of open-frame designs, they’re a bargain.
Open-back in-ear headphones are increasingly losing ground, primarily due to issues with noise cancellation. In spite of this, Apple is sticking with its design , and has improved the ANC on its AirPods 5. Peace and quiet on the train, but no annoying silicone earplugs – that’s the idea. In addition, the new AirPods 5 now offer real-time translation and are significantly more resistant to moisture. They’re getting closer to the AirPods Pro, it seems. In this review, I’ll explain how the upgrades really deliver and where Apple’s still holding back.
Design: never change a running system
Visually, everything remains the same with the new AirPods. You get white plastic earbuds with short stems and oval tips that fit in your ears without requiring silicone tips. This open style remains very popular. It’s also suitable for tiny ears and avoids the pressure that bothers many users when wearing silicone earplugs.
Things have changed with the case, however. It’s even smaller than the AirPods 4’s case , measuring just 4.6 × 5.1 × 2.0 centimetres. That way, it fits easily into your trouser pocket.
Apple has included a USB-C port on the bottom for charging. In addition, the case once again includes a small speaker for the «Find My» function. The more expensive model can also be charged wirelessly. You simply place the case on a Qi charger or a MagSafe pad. Alternatively, the Apple Watch charging puck works , too. However, Apple doesn’t include a cable or charger. Not even with the more expensive version.
Apple took ambient conditions into account during the manufacturing process: the AirPods 5 are IP57 certified for protection against dust and water. The latter, however, only applies if the AirPods don’t sink deeper than one metre and aren’t submerged for more than 30 minutes. Previously, only the charging case was protected from splashes. So you don’t have to worry any more if you get caught in a sudden downpour or are working up a sweat during a vigorous workout. Even a dive into the sink won’t be the end of the world.
Everyday use: farewell, annoying apps
You control the AirPods using the stems. You pinch to pause music, skip a song or answer a call (though you can also answer or reject incoming calls by shaking or nodding your head).
There’s one major difference between the two versions when it comes to volume control. In the more expensive version, all you need to do is swipe on the stems. If you swipe up with your finger, the volume gets louder. Swiping down, it gets quieter. With the cheaper model, you’ll have to pull out your iPhone to control the volume. In other words, these swipes are worth their weight in gold.
You still don’t need to install a separate app for the AirPods 5. All settings can be configured directly through iOS. You can select ANC or Transparency mode, control touch gestures and customise Spatial Audio. Of course, you can also connect the AirPods 5 to Android devices, but all the Apple features are only available on the iPhone. For live translation, you’ll even need a model with Apple Intelligence (iPhone 15 Pro or later).
The live translation feature is also cool – and somewhat unexpected – for the open-ear AirPods. You can turn it on using a voice command via Siri, by pressing and holding the stems or by using the appropriately configured action button on your iPhone. However, you’ll still need the translation app. The headphones pick up what another person is saying and play the translation back to you. At the same time, your iPhone transcribes the conversation in case you want to read it later.
Spatial Audio, conversation detection and the «Find My» function are also included. Your iPhone will even alert you if you leave the earbuds outside Bluetooth range. Heart rate monitoring and various hearing health features, on the other hand, are reserved for the Pro models.
Codec support is a bit lacking too. Apple is also using the H2 chip and Bluetooth 5.3 in the AirPods 5, but they don’t support codecs such as aptX or LDAC. You’ll have to make do with SBC and AAC. To enjoy lossless audio, Apple enthusiasts have no choice but to use the AirPods Max with a USB-C cable.
Sound quality? Same as always, only better
In terms of sound quality, the AirPods 5 represent a major leap forward compared to their predecessor. Apple has incorporated new acoustic architecture and revamped the adaptive equaliser. If you have the AirPods 4 on hand, it’s worth doing a side-by-side comparison. But even without them, you can hear the progress. After all, the AirPods 5 deliver what Apple’s headphones have always offered – only one or two notches better than before.
You’ll hear the improvement most clearly in the bass. Open-back headphones usually come up short here, because without a seal in the ear canal, the low-frequency range is lost. The AirPods 5 have this problem to a much lesser extent than their predecessors or other open-ear models. In my review, this is particularly evident with electronic music that has a deep sub-bass foundation. The sound remains steady. But, of course, they’re not really as powerful as a closed-back headset or even an over-ear model.
In the mids, vocals are particularly compelling. Voices sound natural, and even with distortion, guitars retain their character without sounding shrill. There’s no mushiness either. You can clearly make out vocals and instruments.
With synthesisers, on the other hand, I sometimes find that subtle details are missing. There’s also progress in the trebles. They’re more refined and easier to hear at higher frequencies than with the AirPods 4. They sound more nuanced. Even without Spatial Audio, a certain sense of spatial depth emerges that surprisingly draws me in.
All things considered, though, I have to be clear: in a direct comparison with the AirPods Pro 3, the AirPods 5 still come up short when it comes to sound quality. The details and basses are noticeably less pronounced. So unless you really hate silicone tips, it’s worth reconsidering your purchase.
But, at 139 or 119 francs, the AirPods 5 are definitely among the best open-ear headphones out there, whether from Apple or not. What’s particularly noteworthy is how closely Apple is bringing the open design to the Pro line. The reasons for choosing silicone anyway are becoming clear.
ANC in open-ear designs: from marketing myths to implementation
Apple promises up to one and a half times more noise cancellation than with the AirPods 4. So, 50 per cent more noise blocked. Both are wonderfully meaningless figures, unless you have access to an acoustics lab to perform the necessary measurements.
In everyday use, the situation here is the same as with many other ANC headphones, regardless of their design. The AirPods block out the most noise when dealing with steady sounds. Whether there’s an air conditioner humming in the office or steady traffic noise from the street, the AirPods 5 give you a noticeable sense of peace and quiet. Even if not at the highest level.
Sudden noises remain a weak point. There’s a delay that lets you hear the sounds but doesn’t react until the sound is already over. You’ll also hear voices in particularly noisy environments. They’re definitely quieter, but they don’t go away completely. This is especially unfortunate on public transport, where human voices are the number one source of irritation.
But the open-ear design also has its advantages. For example, AirPods are great for jogging because they let you stay aware of traffic or hear sounds behind you. The same goes for cycling. The AirPods 5 also perform great – almost better than the Pro version – during phone calls. Their microphones do a good job of blocking out ambient noise, and the person on the other end can hear you clearly. A proper selling point.
Apple has continued to skimp on the battery. With ANC turned on, the earbuds in the less pricey version last only four hours, while the more expensive model lasts five hours. That’s 20 and 22 hours, respectively, with recharging in the case. The Pro model offers eight hours of battery life on the earbuds and 24 hours with the case. Even the competition is operating in entirely different leagues.
In a nutshell
Everything you loved about the AirPods 4 – but better
The AirPods 5 are the clear choice for iPhone owners who are fans of open-ear headphones. Compared to their predecessors, the bass, level of detail, ease of use and ANC have all improved. On top of that, there’s live translation. I’d recommend going with the more expensive option. The swipe gestures for volume control, the slightly better battery life and wireless charging alone make up for the price difference. Especially since it’s only 20 francs extra. You should only consider buying the cheaper headphones if your budget really leaves no wiggle room. When it comes to sound quality, the two models are on par with each other.
Pro
- Improved sound quality
- Better ANC
- Live translation
Contra
- Battery life still poor
- ANC performs poorly with voices
Header image: Florian Bodoky
Florian Bodoky
Senior Editor
Florian.Bodoky@digitecgalaxus.chI've been tinkering with digital networks ever since I found out how to activate both telephone channels on the ISDN card for greater bandwidth. As for the analogue variety, I've been doing that since I learned to talk. Though Winterthur is my adoptive home city, my heart still bleeds red and blue.
These articles might also interest you
Show all
These articles might also interest you
7 comments
later