Apple has updated its range of open-back headphones with the AirPods 5This new generation might initially appear to be a carbon copy of the AirPods 4, but it hides far more significant changes than its exterior suggests. The Cupertino company maintains the design without silicone ear tips and takes the opportunity to improve aspects that many users have been requesting. Active noise cancellation is now available on all versions, something that previously forced you to choose a superior and more expensive model.
In Spain, the range is divided into two configurations: one with a USB-C charging case for €149 and another with a wireless charging case for €169. The €20 difference not only changes the charging method but also adds features and slightly longer battery life. The most complete model includes a speaker for Search, compatibility with Qi chargers and Apple Watch., in addition to a gesture to raise or lower the volume from the earphone itself.
Continuity of design and improvements that go unseen
Externally, the AirPods 5 maintain the same dimensions as the AirPods 4: 30,2 x 18,3 x 18,1 millimeters per earbud and 4,3 grams in weight. The charging case also has very similar dimensions, at 46,2 x 50,1 x 21,2 millimeters. Where there is a practical change is in durability, because The certification level increases from IP54 to IP57.which improves protection against dust, sweat and water.
On the technical side, Apple has retained the H2 chip and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. The company claims to have introduced a new multi-port acoustic architecture and a new generation of Adaptive Equalization, although initial tests don't reveal a radical improvement in sound. Custom Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking is still present in both models, as well as other features of the Apple ecosystem.
The open-back design is a hallmark of this family of headphones. Because they don't have silicone ear tips, these headphones don't seal the ear canal, so the physical isolation is less than with in-ear headphones. The fit may be loose for some people.And comfort will depend a lot on the shape of each ear. For those looking for a tighter seal, Apple continues to reserve that role for the AirPods Pro 3.
The company has also improved Ambient Mode, which now aims to make voices and ambient sounds sound more natural. Adaptive Audio and Conversation Detection are now available across the entire AirPods 5 range. Real-time translation is also supported by both modelsThis is possible provided a compatible iPhone is used and the necessary software conditions are met. Siri integration has been enhanced with hands-free access via 'Hey Siri' and new features linked to iOS 26 and Apple Intelligence.
Noise cancellation: the most talked-about improvement
The most talked-about change is active noise cancellation. Apple includes ANC in both configurations and claims that performance is up to 1,5 times better than that of the AirPods 4 with ANC, which equates to 50% more noise reduction. It's a significant improvement for headphones that don't seal the ear.because the open design greatly limits insulation from the outset.
The practical tests published so far describe a noticeable reduction in noise in environments such as the New York subway or an office with a mechanical keyboard. In both cases, the headphones reduce background noise, but do not eliminate it completely. They help to reduce ambient noise, but they don't make it completely silent.Something that should be clear before buying them.
More powerful noise cancellation can also have consequences for those sensitive to this type of technology. Some people notice a feeling of pressure in their ears, even though there is no actual physical change. Adaptive mode allows you to adjust the intensity to let more or less sound through depending on the situation, which can help on the street or in an office.
Compared to the AirPods Pro 3, the difference remains in the design. The Pro 3 are in-ear headphones with silicone ear tips, and Apple claims their noise cancellation is up to three times better than that of the AirPods 5. If maximum isolation is the priority, the Pro 3s have an advantage.If you prefer to avoid ear tips, the AirPods 5 offer ANC in an open-back design.
Price, versions and repairability
Battery life varies depending on the model. The standard AirPods 5 offer up to four hours of playback with noise cancellation enabled and six hours with it disabled. The version with the wireless charging case extends that to five hours with ANC and seven hours without. With the case, the figures reach 20 hours in the basic model and 22 hours in the most complete one.always with cancellation enabled.
The €169 model adds wireless charging compatible with Qi chargers and the Apple Watch charger, a speaker in the case to locate it with Find My, and volume control by sliding your finger along the stem. That 20 euro difference buys you amenities that aren't in the 149 euro version, plus an extra hour of playback with ANC per charge.
Compared to the AirPods 4, Apple's move is interesting. Previously, noise cancellation was only available on a more expensive model; now, the AirPods 5 include it as standard even on the entry-level model. The starting price is lower than that of the AirPods 4 with ANC., although the design and measurements are virtually identical.
There's another area that has attracted attention: repairability. iFixit gave the AirPods 5 a score of 2 out of 10, which is still low, but it's the first time a model in this family hasn't received a zero. The battery in each earbud can be removed and replaced. without necessarily destroying the device, something that was previously unthinkable.
The process is not something to be improvised. Disassembly showed that controlled heat, such as from a hairdryer, is enough to soften the adhesive and separate the pieces, although there is still a risk of breaking something. Furthermore, The batteries in the left and right earbuds are not interchangeable.because they have reversed polarity and the contacts in different positions.
The other side of the coin is the charging case. While the earbuds allow limited access to the battery, the charging case remains a sealed unit and cannot be repaired. The European context must also be considered: regulations on portable batteries will require them to be replaceable from 2027 onwards. The AirPods 5 seem like a first technical step towards that obligation., rather than a completely voluntary concession.
With all this in mind, the AirPods 5 appear to be a less superficial update than they initially seem. They maintain the open design but introduce ANC across the entire range, improve durability, add features to the wireless charging case, and, for the first time, allow you to replace the battery in each earbud. The decision between the two versions depends on whether it's worth paying 20 euros more. They offer wireless charging, volume control, and slightly longer battery life. Compared to the AirPods Pro 3, they remain a viable option for those who prefer not to use ear tips, even if it means sacrificing superior noise isolation.
