Apple's new AirPods 5 add noise cancelling to every model at $129 or $149, but Wired still prefers the $249 AirPods Pro 3 for some buyers.
Apple's new AirPods 5 include active noise cancelling on every model. That feature used to cost extra. The earbuds come in two versions: $129 with a standard case, and $149 with a wireless charging case. Wired reviewed them after a month of testing and gave them 7 out of 10.
The big shift is price. The older AirPods 4 only offered noise cancelling on a $179 model. Now both AirPods 5 versions have it. Apple says the new design blocks up to 50 percent more outside noise than the AirPods 4 with noise cancelling. The reviewer could not verify that number but said the improvement was noticeable, especially on a domestic flight with loud engines.
Both versions also support Conversation Awareness, Live Translation, Spatial Audio and Siri. They have an IP57 rating, which means they can handle brief time underwater. Adaptive Audio mixes noise cancelling with outside sound based on your surroundings.
The reviewer says to spend the extra $20 on the wireless charging case. That model gets up to 5 hours of listening per charge and up to 22 hours with the case. The $129 model gets one hour less on the earbuds and two hours less from the case. The case works with Apple Watch chargers, Qi chargers and USB-C.
The AirPods Pro 3 cost $249, a $100 gap. For that money, the reviewer gets a snugger seal, stronger noise cancelling, easier controls, heart-rate sensing for workouts, hearing aid features and longer battery life with noise cancelling on. As an iPhone owner who works out daily and travels often, the reviewer would still pay for the Pros.
For casual listeners, tweens and teens, the AirPods 5 are a good fit. People who dislike silicone ear tips may find the open design more comfortable. It also lets in more of the world around you, which can suit running or commuting. The smaller case slips into a pocket more easily.
If you want Apple earbuds on a budget, the $149 AirPods 5 are the sensible pick, unless you work out hard or travel often and can pay for the Pro 3.
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