# Apple AirPods 5 Review: Better Than Before but Not Quite Pro

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/apple-airpods-5-review-better-than-before-but-not-quite-pro/
- Published: 2026-11-03T12:00:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-04T01:22:16+00:00
- Original publisher: Wired
- Original article: https://www.wired.com/review/apple-airpods-5/
- Topics: Software

## Key points

- ANC now comes with both AirPods 5 models.
- The $149 version offers longer battery life and wireless charging.
- AirPods Pro 3 still win for fit and noise isolation.

## Summary

Apple’s AirPods 5 bring active noise cancellation (ANC) to both models, making the feature available at a lower starting price than on the previous generation. After a month of testing, the reviewer found the ANC and transparency mode impressive for semi-open earbuds, but still preferred the AirPods Pro 3 for their stronger isolation, more secure fit and easier-to-tailor ear tips.

The AirPods 5 cost $129 with a standard case or $149 with a wireless charging case; the latter adds support for Apple Watch and Qi chargers, USB-C, and longer battery life of up to five hours per charge and 22 hours with the case. Apple claims ANC removes up to 50 per cent more external noise than on the AirPods 4 with ANC, a figure the reviewer could not verify, though they noticed better noise reduction on a flight. The review also highlights Conversation Awareness, Live Translation, Spatial Audio and Adaptive Audio, while noting the earbuds may slip during sweaty runs.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.