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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →AirPods 5 make active noise cancellation more useful than it was on AirPods 4 with ANC, while improving sound quality—but they still do not deliver the near-silence of AirPods Pro 3. In Ed Hardy’s September 23, 2026, Cult of Mac review, the biggest reason to consider upgrading is how much more effectively the open-ear design reduces persistent background noise.
How much better is AirPods 5 noise cancellation?
Apple says AirPods 5 remove up to 50 percent more external noise than AirPods 4 with ANC. That is Apple’s comparative claim, not an absolute noise-reduction figure or an independently verified measurement. The practical difference described in the review is meaningful, but the open-ear design still lets some sounds through.
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In his reported use, Hardy found that ANC nearly removed persistent insect noise, while bird calls remained audible. He says AirPods Pro 3 do a better job when the goal is near-complete silence. The distinction matters: AirPods 5 can reduce steady ambient noise without making the outside world disappear.
Do AirPods 5 sound better than AirPods 4?
Hardy describes AirPods 5 as richer-sounding than AirPods 4, with stronger bass while retaining clarity. That is a subjective listening comparison, not the result of a controlled audio test. If you already like the AirPods sound and want more weight in the low end, the reported change may appeal; personal fit and listening preference still shape what you hear.
#1 Best Overall
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION—AirPods 5 offer improved Active Noise Cancellation to help reduce outside noise.
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU—Adaptive Audio blends Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency for the best listening experience in any environment.* Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing if you start talking.*
- LIVE TRANSLATION—Communicate across languages using Live Translation, enabled by Apple Intelligence.*
- NEW SIRI AI—Get more done every day with hands-free access to an even more powerful and personalized AI assistant on your iPhone.* Ask open-ended questions, brainstorm, and have full conversations.
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO—Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you, creating a theater-like listening experience for music, TV shows, movies, games, and more.*
Are AirPods 5 comfortable and secure?
AirPods 5 keep the open-ear AirPods shape and do not use silicone ear tips. Hardy reports that they stayed in place for him, but fit depends on whether that shape suits your ears. If silicone tips are important for a secure seal or physical isolation, these are not the right style.
Which AirPods 5 configuration should you choose?
| Configuration | Charging case and controls | Battery information | U.S. launch price |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirPods 5 with USB-C Charging Case | USB-C charging case; the announcement does not list the extra case charging options or stem volume swipe for this version. | Apple’s announcement gives the five-hour ANC-on and 22-hour case figures for the Wireless Charging Case configuration, not this standard model. | $129, Apple’s U.S. launch price announced September 9, 2026; not a current retail-price quote. |
| AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case | Works with Apple Watch chargers, Qi-compatible chargers, and USB-C; adds volume adjustment by swiping on the stem. | Apple estimates up to five hours of listening with ANC on a charge and up to 22 hours with the case when listening with ANC. | $149, Apple’s U.S. launch price announced September 9, 2026; not a current retail-price quote. |
Apple announced AirPods 5 on September 9, 2026, and said store availability began September 18 in the U.S. and more than 65 other countries and regions. Current prices and stock vary, so check the exact case configuration in the listing before buying.
Rank #2
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION—AirPods 5 offer improved Active Noise Cancellation to help reduce outside noise, at their best value yet.
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU—Adaptive Audio blends Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency for the best listening experience in any environment.* Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing if you start talking.*
- LIVE TRANSLATION—Communicate across languages using Live Translation, enabled by Apple Intelligence.*
- NEW SIRI AI—Get more done every day with hands-free access to an even more powerful and personalized AI assistant on your iPhone.* Ask open-ended questions, brainstorm, and have full conversations.
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY—Next-generation Adaptive EQ for better sound quality. Voice Isolation improves call quality in loud conditions,* using advanced computational audio to reduce background noise and clarify your voice.
Is AirPods 5 worth upgrading to from AirPods 4?
The upgrade case is strongest if you have AirPods 4 with ANC and want more effective noise reduction without switching to an in-ear design. Hardy’s listening comparisons also point to fuller sound. If your priority is the quietest possible listening, AirPods Pro 3 remain the stronger choice according to the review. And if AirPods 4 already fit your needs, the review does not establish a reason to upgrade beyond those improvements.
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Hardy disclosed that Cult of Mac did not receive a review unit. His noise-cancellation and sound-quality comments are reported listening impressions, not lab measurements. Apple says full feature functionality requires pairing with an Apple device running the latest operating system. Some Apple Intelligence and Live Translation functions also depend on compatible devices, software, languages, or regions.
Rank #3
- WORLD’S BEST IN-EAR ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — Removes up to 2x more unwanted noise than AirPods Pro 2* so you can stay fully immersed in the moment.*
- BREAKTHROUGH AUDIO PERFORMANCE — Experience breathtaking, three-dimensional audio with AirPods Pro 3. A new acoustic architecture delivers transformed bass, detailed clarity so you can hear every instrument, and stunningly vivid vocals.
- HEART RATE SENSING — Built-in heart rate sensing lets you track your heart rate and calories burned for up to 50 different workout types.* With iPhone, you will have access to the Move ring, step count, and the new Workout Buddy,* powered by Apple Intelligence.*
- LIVE TRANSLATION — Communicate across language barriers using Live Translation,* enabled by Apple Intelligence.*
- EXTENDED BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 8 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation on a single charge. Or up to 10 hours in Transparency using the Hearing Aid feature.*
What the review’s verdict means
Hardy’s five-star review argues that better ANC makes AirPods 5 a substantial step forward among open-ear earbuds. The case for them is not that they block every sound, but that they reduce more background noise while preserving the familiar open-ear fit—and, in the reviewer’s account, deliver richer audio too.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION—AirPods 5 offer improved Active Noise Cancellation to help reduce outside noise, at their best value yet.
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU—Adaptive Audio blends Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency for the best listening experience in any environment.* Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing if you start talking.*
- LIVE TRANSLATION—Communicate across languages using Live Translation, enabled by Apple Intelligence.*
- NEW SIRI AI—Get more done every day with hands-free access to an even more powerful and personalized AI assistant on your iPhone.* Ask open-ended questions, brainstorm, and have full conversations.
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY—Next-generation Adaptive EQ for better sound quality. Voice Isolation improves call quality in loud conditions,* using advanced computational audio to reduce background noise and clarify your voice.
Rank #4
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION—AirPods 5 offer improved Active Noise Cancellation to help reduce outside noise.
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU—Adaptive Audio blends Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency for the best listening experience in any environment.* Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing if you start talking.*
- LIVE TRANSLATION—Communicate across languages using Live Translation, enabled by Apple Intelligence.*
- NEW SIRI AI—Get more done every day with hands-free access to an even more powerful and personalized AI assistant on your iPhone.* Ask open-ended questions, brainstorm, and have full conversations.
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO—Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you, creating a theater-like listening experience for music, TV shows, movies, games, and more.*
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
