Archive · 7 Oct 2026
Apple AirPods 5 Improve Noise Cancellation and Sound
Apple’s new AirPods 5 come in two versions, and both can reduce outside noise.
A reviewer says they cancel noise better than other open-style earbuds they have tried.
The earbuds also sound clearer and have stronger, better-defined bass than the previous version.
They do not block as much noise as Apple’s AirPods Pro 3, which use ear tips that seal the ear.
The more expensive AirPods 5 can charge wirelessly and last longer with noise cancellation turned on.
Both versions resist water better than before, but Apple says you should not swim or shower in them.
They can also help with calls, translations, and conversations.
Some features work best if you use other Apple products.
Both AirPods 5 versions include active noise cancellation, unlike the previous generation’s entry-level model.
Apple says noise cancellation is up to 50% more effective than on the previous generation; the reviewer calls it the best among open earbuds tested.
The earbuds use an H2 chip and bring cleaner sound, more defined bass, IP57 water resistance, and strong call quality.
The higher-priced version adds wireless charging, stem swipe volume controls, a speaker in its charging case, and longer battery life.
Shared features include Adaptive Audio, spatial audio with head tracking, Live Translation, Conversation Awareness, and head-gesture controls.
- Who
- Apple, which introduced the AirPods 5; the article’s reviewer assessed their performance.
- What
- A review of the AirPods 5, which add active noise cancellation to both versions and improve sound and water resistance.
- When
- The article provides no publication date.
- Where
- The reviewer tested them on a flight and on streets in Calcutta and Philadelphia.
- Why
- The article assesses whether the new earbuds offer improved noise cancellation, sound, and features, especially for people who prefer an open-ear fit.
Benefits
Limitations
Noise cancellation
Benefits
The reviewer found the AirPods 5’s ANC notably effective for open earbuds and better than the AirPods 4’s.
Limitations
The reviewer says the AirPods Pro 3 cancel noise significantly better, and some outside sound still gets through in noisy places.
Model choice
Benefits
Both versions offer the same ANC, sound quality, and call performance, so the entry-level model delivers the core experience.
Limitations
The entry-level model has shorter battery life and lacks wireless charging, stem swipe volume controls, and a speaker in its case.
Features and compatibility
Benefits
The AirPods 5 include features such as Adaptive Audio, Live Translation, and Conversation Awareness.
Limitations
The article says the full feature set requires Apple products; the AirPods 5 do not include Apple’s hearing aid feature.
- Price
- Starting at ₹14,900.
- Noise cancellation
- Both versions have ANC; Apple says it is up to 1.5 times better at blocking noise than the previous generation.
- Chip
- H2.
- Water resistance
- IP57, upgraded from IP54.
- Battery life, higher-priced version
- Up to five hours with ANC on and seven hours with it off.
- Battery life, entry-level version
- Up to four hours with ANC on and six hours with it off.
- Quick charge
- Five minutes in the case provides about one hour of listening.