AirPods 5 Review Roundup: Is $129 Open-Ear ANC Worth It vs AirPods Pro 3?
The AirPods 5launched on September 18 starting at just $129, making Active Noise Cancellation standard across Apple's entire AirPods lineup for the first time. After a week on sale, the reviews paint a consistent picture: outstanding value with one important caveat. We've analyzed every major review to help you decide whether to buy — and which model to choose.
The Good
ANC at $129 is a first for Apple's entry-level earbuds. IP57 water resistance. Comfort unchanged from AirPods 4.
The Caveat
Apple's "50% better ANC" claim may overstate real-world performance. Independent tests show 25–30% improvement.
Our Verdict
Buy the $149 Wireless Charging model. Best value open-ear ANC earbuds on the market. Choose AirPods Pro 3 if ANC is your priority.
What Every Reviewer Agrees On
Across Engadget, Gizmodo, Tom's Guide, and MacRumors, the consensus is remarkably consistent:
- Best value ANC earbuds: Gizmodo calls them "a ridiculously great value for ANC wireless earbuds." At $129, no competitor matches ANC quality at this price in an open-ear design
- Comfort is unchanged: Same design and fit as AirPods 4. If those fit you well, the AirPods 5 will too. The open-ear design remains more comfortable for all-day wear than any in-ear alternative
- IP57 water resistance: Upgraded from IP54 — the AirPods 5 survive submersion to 1 meter for 30 minutes. This matters for rain, workouts, and the occasional drop in the sink
- The $149 model is the sweet spot: The Wireless Charging Case version adds on-stem volume control and longer battery life. Nearly every reviewer recommends spending the extra $20
Does Apple's 50% ANC Claim Hold Up?
This is where the story gets nuanced. Apple claims AirPods 5 deliver "up to 50% better Active Noise Cancellation" compared to AirPods 4 with ANC. Most hands-on reviewers agreed the improvement is noticeable — background café noise, airplane engine hum, and bus rumble are all reduced more effectively.
However, independent measurement from Headphonesty using standardized testing equipment suggests the real-world gain is closer to 25–30%. This is still a meaningful improvement, but the 50% figure appears to be measured under ideal laboratory conditions that don't fully translate to everyday listening.
Context matters: AirPods 5 are open-ear earbuds. They don't seal your ear canal. Any ANC on an open design is inherently limited compared to in-ear buds like AirPods Pro 3 or Sony WF-1000XM6. The fact that Apple achieved noticeable noise reduction at all in this form factor at $129 is genuinely impressive — even if the headline percentage is optimistic.
AirPods 5 vs AirPods Pro 3: Which Should You Buy?
This is the most common question, and the answer depends on what you prioritize:
- Choose AirPods 5 ($129–$149) if: You prefer open-ear comfort, want awareness of your surroundings (runners, cyclists, office workers), dislike silicone ear tips, or want the most affordable ANC Apple earbuds
- Choose AirPods Pro 3 ($199) if: Maximum noise cancellation is your top priority, you fly frequently, you want the best call quality in noisy environments, or you prefer the in-ear fit with the superior bass response that comes from a sealed design
Several reviewers, including Engadget, suggest owning both— AirPods 5 for daily wear and AirPods Pro 3 for flights, commutes, and focused work. At a combined $348, that's less than many single premium earbuds.
How Do AirPods 5 Compare to the Competition?
Beyond Apple's own lineup, here's how AirPods 5 stack up against the best alternatives:
- Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro ($119 on sale): In-ear with stronger ANC and better bass, but works best with Samsung phones. If you're on Android, these are the better buy. Check current price →
- Sony WF-1000XM6 ($248): The ANC king. Dramatically better noise cancellation than AirPods 5, but nearly double the price and in-ear only. Check current price →
- Bose QC Ultra Earbuds ($152 on sale): Excellent ANC with immersive spatial audio. In-ear design. A strong value at the current sale price. Check current price →
- Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 ($169): Good all-rounder for Android users with Gemini integration. ANC is solid but not class-leading. Check current price →
The Bottom Line: Which AirPods 5 Model Should You Buy?
Buy the $149 AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case.The extra $20 gets you on-stem volume control and longer battery life — both features you'll use daily. The $129 base model is fine if budget is tight, but the $149 version is the better long-term value.
If you already own AirPods 4 with ANC, skip this generation — the improvements are incremental. If you have AirPods 3 or older, or the base AirPods 4 without ANC, the AirPods 5 are a compelling upgrade at $129.
Compare all wireless earbuds in our earbuds hub or read our AirPods 5 vs AirPods 4 detailed comparison.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the AirPods 5 ANC really 50% better than AirPods 4?
- Apple claims 50% better Active Noise Cancellation, but independent testing from Headphonesty suggests real-world gains of 25–30%. The improvement is noticeable — especially in cafés and on transit — but falls short of the marketing figure. The ANC is still impressive for an open-ear design at $129.
- Should I buy AirPods 5 or AirPods Pro 3?
- If maximum noise cancellation is your priority, buy AirPods Pro 3 ($199). The in-ear seal delivers dramatically better ANC. If you prefer open-ear comfort for all-day wear, awareness of surroundings, or dislike in-ear tips, the AirPods 5 at $129 are the better choice. Many reviewers recommend owning both for different situations.
- Are AirPods 5 worth upgrading from AirPods 4?
- If you have the base AirPods 4 (no ANC), yes — adding noise cancellation for the same $129 price is a meaningful upgrade. If you already have AirPods 4 with ANC ($179), the AirPods 5 offer incremental improvements (better water resistance, slightly fuller sound) but not enough to justify an upgrade unless your current pair is worn out.
- How do AirPods 5 compare to Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro?
- Different categories. Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro ($119 on sale) are in-ear buds with stronger ANC and better bass. AirPods 5 are open-ear with lighter ANC but more comfortable for all-day wear. Galaxy Buds 3 Pro work best with Samsung phones; AirPods 5 work best with iPhones. Choose based on your phone and whether you prefer in-ear or open-ear fit.