Apple AirPods 5 are better, but surprisingly also cheaper

Apple's latest base AirPods are here, and it's all good news - you're getting better sound, more powerful noise cancellation, and the price is lower, spec-for-spec. Before we continue, let's get one thing out of the way - this is the non-Pro earbud, with the open-ear design.

AirPods 5 comes in two versions - one with the regular USB-C case, and one with a wireless charging case and stem touch controls. Both models have ANC this time, and Apple claims the AirPods 5 have the the best active noise cancellation for an open-ear design on the market.

Elaborating further, Apple says the ANC on AirPods 5 cuts up to 50% more external noise than their predecessor. Transparency mode is also better and should reproduce voices and surrounding sounds more naturally.

The buds have a new multiport acoustic architecture and a next-gen Adaptive EQ for richer and more detailed sound. Apple says the new design will work better with different ear shapes. The improved design also brings improvements to the personalized spatial audio.

The new AirPods get hands-free Siri AI when paired with an Apple Intelligence-ready iPhone. You could ask Siri for personal content in messages, emails, and photos and then use it in supported apps.

Let's talk gestures - there are head nods for "yes" and head shakes for "no" for Siri. The more expensive wireless charging model has swipe controls on the stem for volume changes - a first on non-Pro AirPods, btw.

AirPods 5 offer up to 5 hours of listening with ANC enabled - 1 hour more than the previous gen. The wireless charging model offers up to 22 hours of total battery life. Finally, the AirPods 5 bring durability up to the IP57 standard, introducing temporary immersion resistance over simple splash resistance.

AirPods 5 are $129/€149 and $149/€169 with a wireless charging case and touch controls. You can pre-order them now get them from September 18.