In a review published October 19, 2026, GSMArena measured 5 hours 11 minutes of continuous playback with active noise cancellation (ANC) on and 7 hours 29 minutes with ANC off on AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case. Apple’s stated playback estimates for that version are up to 5 hours with ANC on and 7 hours with ANC or Transparency off. In GSMArena’s test, the results were 11 minutes and 29 minutes above those respective figures.
How long the AirPods 5 battery lasted
Apple separately lists up to 22 hours of playback with the Wireless Charging Case and ANC on. That figure includes playback using the case; GSMArena’s 5-hour-11-minute result is continuous playback from the earbuds in its test.
GSMArena tested AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case, not the standard AirPods 5. The review gives the standard version’s stated estimates as 4 hours with ANC on and 6 hours with ANC or Transparency off, but its battery test covered only the Wireless Charging Case version.
What the two versions cost and include
On September 9, 2026, Apple announced U.S. list prices of $129 for AirPods 5 and $149 for AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case. Apple’s stated playback estimates are an hour longer per charge for the latter in both modes: 5 rather than 4 hours with ANC on, and 7 rather than 6 hours with ANC or Transparency off. That version also has wireless charging and stem-swipe volume control.
Apple Support’s September 14 guidance names AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case as supporting separate lost-item marking for each earbud and the case in Find My. GSMArena judged the tested version’s battery life limited but adequate for shorter daily trips, and says the open-ear fit and comfort depend substantially on individual ear shape. For the separate sound, ANC, and fit considerations, see NeoTeo’s earlier AirPods 5 coverage.
