HardwareNov 4, 2026, 6:02 AM UTC·2 min read

Apple AirPods 5 Review: Better Value, but Pro 3 Still Wins

The AirPods 5 finally bring noise cancellation to every model at a lower price. After a month of testing, the AirPods Pro 3 still come out ahead.

Apple AirPods 5 earbuds resting beside their compact wireless charging case on a table. — Image: WIRED

SUMO

Dialo

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Verdict: The AirPods 5 are the better value, but the AirPods Pro 3 remain the better earbuds, especially for people who exercise and travel often.

What changed

Apple now includes active noise cancellation (ANC) in both AirPods 5 models: $129 with a standard case and $149 with a wireless charging case that works with Apple Watch chargers, Qi chargers and USB-C. On the AirPods 4, ANC cost extra, at $179. Both versions support Conversation Awareness, Live Translation and Spatial Audio.

The tester recommends the $149 model. It adds an hour of earbud battery life (up to five hours) and two more hours from the case (up to 22 hours) compared with the $129 version. That matches the AirPods 4 without ANC, so listening time effectively improved.

Strengths

Apple says the noise cancellation removes up to 50 percent more outside noise than the AirPods 4 with ANC, thanks to a redesigned multi-port acoustic architecture and better processing. The reviewer could not verify the figure but noticed a clear improvement. On a domestic flight, the AirPods 5 muted engine noise well, though the Pro 3 still isolate more strongly.

Transparency mode sounds more natural, and Adaptive Audio balanced it with ANC on a run, lowering music when footsteps approached from behind. The open-ear design suits runners and commuters, and the smaller case fits pockets more easily. The IP57 rating allows brief immersion in water.

Weaknesses

The semi-open fit is the main drawback. During longer runs, the AirPods 5 began slipping as sweat built up, while the Pro 3 stayed in place. The short, slim stems also make the swipe volume controls tricky, and finding the right spot to press often meant removing an earbud.

The Pro 3 add integrated heart-rate sensing, hearing aid features and longer battery life with ANC on.

Who should buy

With a $100 gap to the $249 Pro 3, the AirPods 5 suit casual listeners, tweens and teens, and anyone who dislikes silicone ear tips. Daily exercisers and frequent travelers will get more from the Pro 3.