Apple AirPods 5 review: the best open-fit earbuds yet

Apple’s AirPods 5 are open-fit earbuds with improved active noise cancelling that, in the review, competes with many models using silicone tips.

The earbuds retain almost the same design as the AirPods 4 and come with a compact case. Prices start at £119, while the version with a wireless charging case and touch controls costs £139.

They remain comfortable during commuting and running, but have no stability wings. Users who disliked the previous AirPods design are therefore unlikely to find this version a solution.

Improved sound and noise cancelling

The AirPods 5 deliver detailed sound with stronger bass and handle complex tracks with good separation. Noise cancelling reduces engine, fan and road noise, but is less effective against higher-pitched sounds such as keyboard clicks.

Transparency mode sounds close to wearing no earbuds at all, and call quality is strong. The earbuds pick up some wind noise and do not match the isolation of the best models from Sony, Bose or the AirPods Pro.

Battery life and versions

The standard version lasts up to four hours with ANC enabled, while its case raises total playback to 20 hours. The wireless-charging version provides slightly more than five hours from the earbuds and up to 22 hours with the case.

The case charges via USB-C or wirelessly using Qi or Apple Watch charging. The earbuds support Bluetooth 5.3, SBC and AAC, use Apple’s H2 chip and have IP57 protection for up to one metre of water for 30 minutes.

Features and repairability

With an iPhone, iPad or Mac, users get Siri, live translation, spatial audio, automatic volume adjustment, audio sharing and optimised battery charging. Some features are unavailable with other Bluetooth devices, and the earbuds lack multipoint and higher-quality audio-format support.

iFixit gave the AirPods 5 a repairability score of two out of 10. Apple offers battery service for £49 per earbud or case, while replacements cost from £69. The earbuds use 40% recycled material.