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The verdict
This page is a consensus of published reviews, not hands-on testing. Across five critics the AirPods 5 land at 8.6 out of 10, which we rate worth it. Scores range from 6.4 to a perfect 10, and most of the spread comes down to fit and how much each reviewer values a sealed design over an open one. The typical US price in reviews is $129, with a $149 model that adds a wireless charging case.
What critics loved
Active noise cancellation is now standard on every model, and reviewers were pleasantly surprised by how well it works. SoundGuys called it the best ANC it has tested on open-ear earbuds and rated the transparency mode among the best. Engadget said it blocks 50 percent more noise than the AirPods 4 and handles constant background noise well. Expert Reviews also found the ANC surprisingly effective.
Sound improved too. Tom's Guide said the sound is much better than the AirPods 4, and Macworld described it as warm and clear. Expert Reviews said it comes close to silicone-tipped earbuds. Comfort and calls drew praise as well: Expert Reviews called the buds extremely comfortable for long wear with excellent microphone quality, and Tom's Guide found call quality near perfect and the fit good for small ears. IP57 dust and water resistance is cited by nearly every critic.
Where it falls short
Battery life is the most common complaint. Tom's Guide called it very disappointing at 4 to 5 hours in the buds, and Macworld measured 4 hours 43 minutes of continuous playback. SoundGuys also flagged it as limiting for long travel.
Fit is the big divider. SoundGuys warned that comfort and bass depend heavily on fit, and that a poor fit thins out low frequencies. Macworld noted a loose fit for swipe control and a fiddly volume slider. Tom's Guide heard a fizzing or hissing noise with ANC on and no music playing.
Compared with the best, the ANC trails. Expert Reviews placed it behind the AirPods Pro 3 and Sony WF-1000XM6, and Macworld agreed on both noise cancelling and bass versus the AirPods Pro 3. Expert Reviews also noted AAC is the only codec, and SoundGuys said many features do not work on Android or Windows. Engadget disliked the two-tier split, saying the base model cuts features for only $20 in savings, and recommended the wireless charging case version.
Who should buy it
iPhone owners who want an affordable, comfortable pair with real ANC and strong call quality will find the most to like. Anyone who needs a sealed fit, long battery life, lossless audio or Android compatibility should look at alternatives, including the AirPods Pro 3 or sealed rivals SoundGuys suggests.