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Active noise cancellation without silicone ear tips sounds like a compromise, and it is. Nevertheless, the AirPods 5 have been my go-to earbuds for almost every phone call since their release. The first few weeks of use reveal why this is the case and where the technology reaches its limits in everyday life.
I bought the AirPods 5 myself when they launched in September. I've owned every AirPods model at least once, so this comparison is firsthand. Apple sells them in two versions, both with active noise cancellation: starting at €149 with a charging case (USB-C) and starting at €169 with a wireless charging case.
According to Apple, the AirPods 5 remove up to 50 percent more ambient noise than the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. The technical differences from the predecessor are minimal, so this test focuses on everyday use.
Key Facts at a Glance
- The AirPods 5 fit me just as well as the AirPods 4, completely unlike the AirPods 3.
- The noise cancellation is decent on the street, but it doesn't come close to the AirPods Pro.
- In a noisy gym, ANC without a seal noticeably reaches its limits; there I use the AirPods Pro.
- The transparency mode is so good that it almost feels like I'm not wearing earbuds.
- Those who primarily make phone calls are better served with the AirPods 5, while those who mainly listen to music or just want a pair should opt for the AirPods Pro.
Seat without silicone inserts
The AirPods 5 fit me just as well as the AirPods 4, so they fit perfectly. This isn't surprising, since according to Apple, the dimensions and weight have remained the same: 30.2 × 18.3 × 18.1 millimeters and 4.3 grams per earbud. The AirPods 3, on the other hand, were a completely different story: they were the only AirPods that were a real disaster for me because they fell out at the slightest laugh.
The identical design does have a drawback, however, if both generations are in the household. To distinguish between them, I had the charging case of my AirPods 5 engraved by Apple free of charge; this option can be selected directly during the ordering process.
Noise cancellation: decent, but not at a professional level
The noise cancellation is obviously not comparable to the AirPods Pro, but it's quite decent. This aligns with Apple's own claims: the AirPods 5 are supposed to dampen noise up to 1.5 times better than the AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation, while the AirPods Pro 3 are up to 3 times better than the AirPods 5. It's sufficient for me on the street. I can't comment on its performance on public transport, as I don't travel by train.
I notice the limit at the gym, where it can get quite loud. The equipment is the main culprit, which is why I prefer the AirPods Pro there. The AirPods 5 are particularly interesting for those who don't like the silicone ear tips like those on the AirPods Pro.
Sound: acceptable for me
I'm not overly demanding when it comes to sound. To me, the AirPods 5 sound quite decent, but they still don't come close to the AirPods Pro. This is due to their design; without the silicone ear tips, the deep bass is noticeably lacking. For what I use them for, this hardly matters, as voices come through clearly.
My earbuds for making phone calls
My regular AirPods are my phone earbuds. I almost exclusively use the AirPods 5 for that, unless I'm testing something specific with them. I make calls indoors, outdoors, and on the go. My conversation partners have never complained, and no one has ever asked if I'm wearing earbuds.
The transparency mode is particularly useful for this. It works incredibly well; it almost feels like I'm not wearing earbuds at all. This is important to me because I don't like not being able to hear or take in my surroundings while on a call.
The AirPods Pro aren't an alternative for me, even though their transparency mode is excellent. I've tried it, but using silicone ear tips doesn't feel right for me when making phone calls. It's a matter of personal preference; many people aren't bothered by it at all. But if you prefer not to have anything in your ear canal while talking, you're better off with the regular AirPods.
Battery life and iOS 27 in everyday use
I can't say how long the AirPods 5 last on a single charge. I use them quite often and roughly charge the case once a week. Apple states up to 4 hours of battery life with Active Noise Cancellation and up to 20 hours with the case; with the wireless charging case, it's up to 5 hours and up to 22 hours, respectively.
On iOS 27, I mainly use the transparency mode and Siri's announcements, such as when someone calls. So far, it all works pretty well.
AirPods 5 and AirPods Pro 3 compared
I primarily use the AirPods Pro at the gym and with the Vision Pro; phone calls are made via the AirPods 5. Here are the key specifications of the AirPods 5 and the AirPods Pro 3 according to Apple:
| AirPods 5 | AirPods 5 with wireless charging case | AirPods Pro 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting price | 149 euros | 169 euros | 249 euros |
| Fit | open, without silicone attachments | open, without silicone attachments | Silicone ear inserts in five sizes |
| Chip | H2 | H2 | H2 |
| Battery life with noise cancellation | up to 4 hours. | up to 5 hours. | up to 8 hours. |
| Battery life with charging case and noise cancellation | up to 20 hours. | up to 22 hours. | up to 24 hours. |
| Protection class | IP57 | IP57 | IP57 |
| Heart rate monitor for workouts | no | no | Yes |
Why I keep them for making phone calls
I think the AirPods 5 are the better choice if you primarily use earbuds for phone calls. Their open design and strong transparency mode are perfectly suited for this. However, if you mainly listen to music or stream and only occasionally make calls, the AirPods Pro would probably be a better fit. Our AirPods buying guide compares all current models side-by-side.
If you only want to buy one pair, I'd still recommend the AirPods Pro 3. Most people use earbuds more for music and streaming than for phone calls anyway, and as an all-in-one solution, the Pros cover that better. They're also significantly cheaper on Amazon; the price difference compared to the AirPods 5 isn't particularly high there. My two-pronged approach with both models is only worthwhile if you're willing to spend the extra money.
Amazon offers both versions at a discount: the Apple AirPods 5 Wireless In-Ear Headphones and the Apple AirPods 5 Wireless In-Ear Headphones with Wireless Charging Case. The wireless charging case offers more flexibility, provided you have wireless charging pads.
Do you primarily use your AirPods for phone calls, or is the stronger seal of the Pros more important to you? Tell us in the comments what you use your AirPods for most often.
