Ana Muñoz de Frutos, reviewing AirPods 5 for Computer Hoy after a stated two-week test, describes fuller bass, clearer separation between instruments and active noise cancellation (ANC) that reduces steady background noise. She says the open-fit earbuds do not isolate as completely as AirPods Pro. That makes AirPods 5 a more promising fit for listeners who prefer earbuds without silicone tips than for anyone prioritizing maximum isolation. Read Muñoz de Frutos’s review.
Sound and noise cancellation
Muñoz de Frutos reports that music sounded fuller, with more pronounced bass and better instrument separation during her review. Those are listening impressions, not standardized measurements. She also found ANC useful against steady noise in traffic, cafés and public transit, while saying it did not match the more complete isolation of AirPods Pro.
Apple lists ANC on both AirPods 5 versions and says they offer up to 1.5 times more ANC than AirPods 4 with ANC. That is Apple’s comparison, not a result from Muñoz de Frutos’s review. Apple’s product page gives the comparison; its technical specifications list the features and battery ratings.
The open fit is the key trade-off: there are no silicone tips sealing the ear canal. That may suit listeners who dislike that style of fit, but the review’s stronger-isolation comparison favors AirPods Pro when blocking outside sound matters most.
Fit varies from person to person
Muñoz de Frutos says comfort depends on ear shape. Owners in a Reddit discussion likewise describe differing experiences, from a secure, comfortable fit to slipping or discomfort. Those personal accounts are a reminder that an open-fit earbud can feel very different from one wearer to another; they do not establish a universal fit. (Owner discussion)
What changes between the case versions
Both versions use a USB-C port for charging and share the same open-fit earbuds. The wireless-charging-case version also supports Qi and Apple Watch chargers, adds swipe volume control on the stem and includes a case speaker for Find My. Apple’s ratings vary by case version and listening mode:
| AirPods 5 version | Case charging | Battery per charge with ANC on | Total with case and ANC on | Battery per charge with noise control off |
| USB-C case | USB-C | Up to 4 hours | Up to 20 hours | Up to 6 hours |
| Wireless-charging case | USB-C, Qi or Apple Watch charger | Up to 5 hours | Up to 22 hours | Up to 7 hours |
These are Apple’s rated maximums, not results from the two-week review. With ANC on, the wireless-charging version is rated for one more hour per charge and two more hours with the case. With noise control off, the per-charge ratings are six and seven hours, respectively. Apple also rates five minutes in the case as providing about an hour of listening time. (Apple specifications)
The choice is less complicated if you know which case features you will use. Choose the USB-C case if wired charging is enough; the other version adds wireless charging, swipe volume, the Find My speaker and higher battery ratings. Both versions have Apple’s H2 chip, Bluetooth 5.3 and an IP57 dust- and water-resistance rating.
Using AirPods 5 with other devices
Apple says AirPods 5 can work as Bluetooth headphones with devices from other brands, though some functionality may be limited. That makes them usable beyond Apple devices, but Apple’s compatibility statement does not promise the full feature set on other platforms.
