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Apple · iems
Apple AirPods 5
Apple's 2026 open-fit AirPods, and the first regular AirPods where every model has active noise cancellation. Two versions: $129 with a USB-C case, or $149 with a wireless charging case, stem volume swipes, and an extra hour of ANC listening. Reviewers call the ANC the best they have heard from a non-sealing earbud, but the fit is hit or miss and it can't match the AirPods Pro 3 on noise cancelling or battery.
Quick Answer
- Is the Apple AirPods 5 worth buying in 2026?
AirPods 5 bring active noise cancelling to every regular AirPods model for the first time, starting at $129. Most of the eight independent reviewers we read recommend them, praising the comfort, the strongest ANC they have heard from a tip-free earbud, and the price. The catch is fit: if they sit loosely in your ears, the noise cancelling and bass fall apart, and they never match the AirPods Pro 3 on quiet or battery life.
AirPods 5 bring active noise cancelling to every regular AirPods model for the first time, starting at $129.
Aggregated from 351 reviews across YouTube, Reddit, and Amazon
+Pros
- Noise cancelling on both models, starting at $129, which is $50 less than AirPods 4 with ANC launched at
- SoundGuys calls it the best ANC they have tested on an open earbud
- Very comfortable for people who dislike silicone ear tips
- IP57 dust and water rating, up from IP54 on AirPods 4
- ShortCircuit's measurements show strong bass for a non-sealing earbud
- Natural-sounding transparency mode and solid call quality
- Tiny case; the $149 model adds wireless charging and stem volume swipes
−Cons
- Fit is hit or miss, and a loose fit weakens both ANC and bass
- Not enough noise cancelling for flights or power tools
- Battery life of 4 to 5 hours with ANC is short next to AirPods Pro 3
- Upper-midrange dip can make vocals sound recessed
- No ear-tip seal, heart-rate sensor, or hearing-aid features
- Wireless case has no MagSafe magnets, and there is no pairing button
- Android users can't see battery levels or update the firmware
In-depth Review
AirPods 5 Review — The best open-fit noise cancelling yet, as long as they fit your ears
Specifications
| form factor | open-fit (non-sealing) true wireless, stem design |
| chip | Apple H2 |
| wireless | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| anc | true (both models) |
| battery | 4 hrs ANC / 20 hrs with case ($129); 5 hrs ANC / 22 hrs with case ($149) |
| water resistance | IP57 (dust, sweat, and water) |
| weight | 4.3g per earbud, 32g case |
| charging | USB-C; wireless charging on the $149 model |
Why This Earbud
Apple's AirPods 5 went on sale in September 2026 (Amazon lists them as first available on September 8) in two versions. Unlike AirPods 4, where only the $179 model had noise cancelling, both AirPods 5 models have active noise cancellation, which Apple says removes up to 1.5 times as much noise as AirPods 4. The $129 model has a USB-C charging case. The $149 "with Wireless Charging Case" model adds wireless charging, swipe-to-change-volume on the stems, and one more hour of listening per charge. Both keep the open, tip-free shape of AirPods 4 and move up to an IP57 dust and water rating.
Key Specs
| Spec | AirPods 5 ($129) | AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case ($149) |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Open-fit, no ear tips | Open-fit, no ear tips |
| Noise cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| Battery, ANC on | Up to 4 hours | Up to 5 hours |
| Total with case, ANC on | Up to 20 hours | Up to 22 hours |
| Case charging | USB-C | USB-C and wireless (no MagSafe magnets) |
| Volume swipe on stem | No | Yes |
| Water and dust | IP57 | IP57 |
| Chip / Bluetooth | H2 / 5.3 | H2 / 5.3 |
Battery figures are from Apple's Amazon listings. Weight (4.3g per earbud, 32g case) is as stated by Mark Ellis Reviews.
Who It's For
iPhone owners who find silicone ear tips uncomfortable and want noise cancelling for commutes, offices, and around the house. Reviewers who already like the AirPods 4 fit say these will fit the same. They are a poor fit for flights and loud environments where you want real quiet, for long listening days, and for Android users, who lose battery readouts and firmware updates.
Community Signal
The full review synthesizes eight independent English-language YouTube videos published between September 20 and October 10, 2026 (Linus Tech Tips, ShortCircuit, iFixit, Max Tech, zollotech, Steve DOES, SoundGuys, Mark Ellis Reviews), each linked to the exact video. On Amazon US the wireless charging model held 4.5 stars from 351 ratings and the $129 model 4.4 stars from 303 ratings when we checked on October 21, 2026; both showed "10K+ bought in past month".
Last updated: October 21, 2026 · By Jordan Kim
