Apple’s latest AirPods set a new standard for open-fit buds with upgraded noise cancelling that now rivals many plugged-in designs of the same price. The AirPods 5 have the same design the popular AirPods 4 offering an option for those that do not like silicone ear tips used by most noise cancelling earbuds. They come in two versions, with or without a wireless charging case and swipe controls, costing from £119 (€149/$129/A$219) – £10 cheaper than the launch price of their predecessors.
The earbuds and case are almost indistinguishable from the AirPods 4, which makes the case very small and easy to pocket, fitting in the watch pocket of a pair of jeans. The buds are some of the most comfortable open-fit designs available and stayed put when commuting, running for the train and generally going about the day. But for those that didn’t get on with the previous design of the AirPods, these are unlikely to change that, and they have no stability wings or similar to keep them in place for vigorous exercise.
The stalk has a pressure-sensitive panel you squeeze once, twice or thrice for playback controls. A squeeze and hold changes the noise cancelling mode or activates Siri. On the more expensive versions with a wireless charging case, the panel is also touch-sensitive for swipe volume controls – the same system used in the AirPods Pro to great effect.
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, SBC, AAC, H2 chip Battery life: four or five hours with ANC (22 hours with case) Water resistance: IP57 (up to 1 metre for 30 minutes) Charging case dimensions: 46.2 x 50.1 x 21.2mm Case charging: USB-C or wireless (Qi or Watch) The cheapest AirPods 5 have up to four hours playback with noise cancelling and a case that can charge them four times for a total of 20 hours playback. The AirPods 5 with wireless charging case have longer battery life lasting slightly more than five hours of playback with noise cancelling with a total of 22 hours playback using charges in the case. That’s long enough for a week of commuting, but far behind the best in the business.
A compromise for the design and super-compact case. The new AirPods have noticeably improved noise cancelling and sound. They produce fairly detailed sound with good separation of tones and can handle complex and overlapping tracks very well.
But it is the additional bass that helps them produce a fuller, more rounded sound that wipes the floor with most other open-fit rivals and compares well to many decent earbuds with silicone tips. They may not satisfy audiophiles but they are a great listen. The noise cancelling is equally effective, managing to quiet busy roads, the drone of engines or fans, and dampen background chatter.
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