Apple’s AirPods 5 raise the bar for open-fit earbuds
Apple’s AirPods 5 improve noise cancellation and sound while keeping the open-fit design, which avoids silicone tips that some people find uncomfortable. They set a new standard among open-fit earbuds, with cancellation that competes with many similarly priced in-ear models.
The earbuds start at £119, £10 less than their predecessors’ launch price, and come with either a standard case or a wireless-charging case with swipe volume controls. Battery life is four to five hours with noise cancellation, rising to 20 or 22 hours with the case. They are comfortable for everyday use, but may not stay secure during vigorous exercise; cancellation also struggles with some high-pitched sounds and does not match the best tip-equipped earbuds.
- Better noise cancellation and fuller sound for open-fit earbuds.
- Prices start at £119, with two case options.
- Comfortable for daily use, but battery life is limited.
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Open-fit earbuds are wireless earpieces that sit in the ear without using silicone tips that seal the ear canal. Some people find traditional in-ear earbuds uncomfortable or isolating because the tips block external sound, so open-fit models appeal to those who prefer to hear their surroundings. However, the open design has historically come with trade-offs in sound quality and noise cancellation.
Apple's AirPods have become one of the most popular earbud ranges globally, particularly among iPhone users. The AirPods range includes various models at different price points, from standard AirPods through to the premium AirPods Pro, which use silicone tips for better sound isolation. The market for earbuds is competitive, with rivals like Sony, Bose and Samsung also offering high-quality wireless options.
This release matters because most advances in earbud technology have favoured sealed, in-ear designs. If Apple can deliver strong noise cancellation and sound quality in open-fit earbuds, it could shift how the industry approaches this segment and give consumers more genuine choices between comfort and performance.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “Apple AirPods 5 review: the best open-fit earbuds yet”.