A laboratory assessment published October 2 reports 25 dB of noise reduction from AirPods 5 in the 2–8 kHz band. That figure measures active noise cancellation (ANC) in a specific frequency range; the assessment describes the overall result against AirPods 4 with ANC as better, but its comparison is qualitative rather than a numerical head-to-head.
What the AirPods 5 test measured
The 25 dB result applies to noise reduction in the 2–8 kHz range. The assessment describes this higher-frequency range as the weaker part of AirPods 5’s ANC performance.
The same assessment reports that AirPods 5 performed better overall than AirPods 4 with ANC. That comparison is qualitative: the 25 dB figure describes the AirPods 5 result, not a measured margin over AirPods 4.
Inside the laboratory setup
The test used an EARS Pro binaural rig with two microphone-equipped silicone ears. The setup was in a soundproof room, where four speakers produced diffuse pink noise.
That controlled environment helps measure sound reduction across frequencies. The 2–8 kHz figure is specific to that band, rather than a measure of cancellation across the full audible spectrum.
Why fit matters outside the lab
AirPods 5 have an open fit without silicone ear tips. Fit and ear anatomy, along with hair and jaw movement, can affect how ANC performs in everyday use, so a controlled result does not predict the same experience for every listener.
For a separate look at the earbuds’ rated endurance, see our earlier AirPods 5 battery-life breakdown.
How to switch on ANC
Apple says you can press and hold the force sensor on either AirPod stem to switch listening modes, or select Noise Cancellation in the iPhone or iPad Control Center’s volume control. In steady background noise, switching between ANC and Transparency lets you listen for a change; that is a subjective mode check, not a calibrated measurement.
