The inclusion of ANC in both AirPods 5 models is the biggest upgrade here. You no longer have to pay extra just to get noise cancellation, and even the $129 model is a better deal than the standard AirPods 4 were at launch. Both versions also support Conversation Awareness, Live Translation, and Spatial Audio, along with Apple’s Siri features.
And, for semi-open earbuds, the AirPods 5 have exceptional ANC. Apple says the noise cancellation removes up to 50 percent more external noise than the AirPods 4 with ANC, due to a redesigned multi-port acoustic architecture and improved audio processing. I can’t verify that percentage, but the improvement was noticeable during my testing.
I was especially impressed on a domestic flight, where the AirPods 5 did a stellar job at suppressing the sound of the airplane engines. They didn’t make the cabin totally disappear, and the AirPods Pro 3 still deliver stronger isolation, but it was a huge improvement compared to the AirPods 4 with ANC.
Transparency mode sounds even more natural. I found this especially useful with Adaptive Audio, which automatically balances ANC with Transparency mode based on your surroundings. On a run, for example, footsteps approaching from behind prompted the earbuds to lower my music and let more environmental sound through. The transition felt smooth enough that the outside noise almost blended into the song. I could stay aware of my surroundings without getting distracted by every little thing happening around me.
For people who run outdoors or commute, the open-ear design can be more appealing than the tighter seal of the Pros. You sacrifice some isolation, but you get a more natural sense of what’s happening around you.
The Open-Ear Trade-Off
Photograph: Harry Rabinowitz
The notable improvements can’t overcome the simple fact that I generally prefer the silicone tips of the AirPods Pro 3 to the semi-open fit of the AirPods 5. The AirPods Pro 3 create a snug seal without making my ears feel clogged, and the interchangeable sizes let me tailor the fit. That seal also makes a noticeable difference when I’m working out. During longer runs, I found the AirPods 5 could start slipping as sweat built up. The Pros stayed put. Their more secure fit also naturally improves noise cancellation.