# Apple AirPods 5 review: The choice is clear

> Apple's latest regular AirPods bring noise cancellation to all models, but the product strategy is frustratingly confusing.
- Title: Apple AirPods 5 review: The choice is clear · Engadget
- Summary: Apple's latest regular AirPods bring noise cancellation to all models, but the product strategy is frustratingly confusing. Buy the $149 AirPods 5 with…
- Keywords: apple, airpods 5, airpods, earbuds, active noise cancellation, anc, live translation, wireless charging, audio quality, product review, consumer electronics, technology
- Source: Engadget — https://engadget.com/2261751/apple-airpods-5-review
- Author: Billy Steele
- Published: 2026-09-18T14:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: apple, airpods 5, airpods, earbuds, active noise cancellation, anc, live translation, wireless charging, audio quality, product review, consumer electronics, technology
## AirPods 5 arrives with universal ANC
Apple's new regular AirPods now include active noise cancellation on both models, eliminating the choice between budget and noise-blocking versions.
## Two models, frustrating differences
The $129 base model and $149 Wireless Charging Case version both have ANC, but Apple withheld features like volume controls and wireless charging from the cheaper option.

> There should only be one model of the AirPods 5.
## Water resistance gets a real upgrade
AirPods 5 jump from IP54 to IP57 rating, meaning they can now survive full submersion under 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes instead of just splashes.
## Sound and noise blocking both improved
Apple redesigned the acoustic architecture and updated ANC algorithms, resulting in 50 percent more noise blocking and richer, more detailed sound across both models.
## Volume controls finally arrive
The $149 model adds swipeable volume controls, a feature the reviewer says should have been standard years ago on regular AirPods.
## Bass and detail shine through
Despite being open-wear earbuds, AirPods 5 deliver impressive bass and instrument texture that typically struggles in non-sealing designs.
## ANC handles constant hum well
The new ANC excels at blocking steady noises like HVAC systems and white noise machines, though human voices remain harder to eliminate.
## Live Translation works with ANC
The H2 chip and ANC work together to lower speaker volume so you hear Siri's translation through the earbuds, activated via stem press or Siri command.
## Battery life varies by model
The $149 model delivers 5 hours with ANC on, 7 hours with it off. The $129 model gets 4 hours with ANC, 6 hours without.
## AirPods Pro 3 still the premium choice
If budget isn't a concern, AirPods Pro 3 offer heart-rate monitoring, hearing health tools, and superior fit, though rumors of camera-equipped versions loom.
## The $149 model is the real winner
Volume controls and wireless charging make the $149 AirPods 5 worth the extra $20, even if you don't think you'll use those features.

> The $149 AirPods 5 is clearly the better choice, and you can get it for just $20 more than the alternative.
## Open-wear ANC remains impressive
Apple's achievement with noise cancellation on non-sealing earbuds continues to impress, and the $149 price point brings premium features within reach.
## Final verdict: 8.8 out of 10
Despite frustration with the two-model strategy, the $149 AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case is an impressive set of earbuds that deliver real value.
## Key takeaway

Buy the $149 AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case. The extra $20 gets you volume controls, wireless charging, and longer battery life that make the cheaper model hard to justify.