Full Breakdown
Apple’s Fifth-Generation AirPods: An Open-Fit Upgrade
By Drooid · · How we work
Design, Pricing and Form-Factor
Apple’s AirPods 5 retain the open-fit silhouette of the AirPods 4 while adding an optional wireless-charging case and swipe-control panel. The earbuds are sold in two configurations: a base model for £119 (? €149/$129/A$219) and a version with a wireless-charging case for £139 (? €169/$149/A$249). The compact case is small enough to fit in a jeans pocket, and the pressure-sensitive stem provides single-press playback controls, with a squeeze-and-hold function for noise-cancelling mode or Siri activation. The higher-priced model adds touch-sensitive swipe volume controls, mirroring the system used in the AirPods Pro.
Sound Quality and Noise-Cancelling Performance
Reviewers note that the AirPods 5 deliver “fairly detailed” sound with strong bass response, allowing them to “wipe the floor” with most open-fit competitors. Noise-cancelling is described as “noticeably improved,” effectively muting busy streets, engine drones and background chatter, though it is less effective against high-frequency noises such as keyboard clicks or train-wheel screeches. Transparency mode is praised as “first-class,” sounding almost identical to not wearing earbuds, and call quality is reported as clear with only brief background noise spikes in very loud environments.
Battery Life, Repairability and Sustainability
The base model offers up to four hours of playback with noise-cancelling active, and the case provides four additional charges for a total of roughly 20 hours. The wireless-charging version extends active playback to just over five hours, reaching about 22 hours total with the case. Apple states that its earbuds use 40 % recycled material and that batteries typically retain at least 80 % of original capacity after 500 charge cycles. Apple’s battery-service program charges £49 per earbud or case, with replacements starting at £69. Independent testing by iFixit assigned the AirPods 5 a repairability score of two out of ten, indicating limited ease of component replacement despite a marginal improvement over the previous generation.
Official Statements and Industry Assessments
Apple’s environmental impact report confirms the 40 % recycled-material claim and outlines trade-in and free-recycling schemes that also accept non-Apple products. iFixit’s two-out-of-ten rating is presented as an industry assessment of the device’s serviceability.
Verdict and Market Position
The AirPods 5 provide a comfortable open-fit experience with upgraded sound and noise-cancelling that rival many silicone-tip earbuds in the same price bracket. Battery life is modest compared with premium competitors, and the low repairability score suggests limited long-term serviceability. For users entrenched in Apple’s ecosystem, the earbuds represent a worthwhile incremental upgrade; for non-iOS users, alternative open-fit options may offer better value.