Apple AirPods 5 review: the best open-fit earbuds yet

Apple AirPods 5 review: the best open-fit earbuds yet

The full report

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, according to The Guardian — Technology. The AirPods 5 have the same design as 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).

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. However, 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 AirPods 5 have 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).

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.

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