Updated 18 Oct 2026
Is the Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case worth it?
Yes — if you hate the feel of ear tips.
They rest in the ear without silicone tips, so there's no plugged-up feeling, and their noise cancelling is very good for an open design. Calls are excellent and they work seamlessly with an iPhone. They can't block noise like the AirPods Pro 3, the one-size fit doesn't suit every ear, and battery is only about 5 hours with noise cancelling on.
Good to know
- Battery is about 5 hours with noise cancelling, and the open fit lets in more noise than tipped earbuds.
- One size only: they don't stay put in every ear.
- AAC only, and most features need an iPhone.
- No ear tips: light, open fit
- Strong noise cancelling for an open design
- Excellent calls and iPhone features
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Get it if…
- Ear tips feel uncomfortable or blocked-up to you.
- You have an iPhone and want something light for all day.
- Calls matter: the mics are excellent.
Skip it if…
- You want real quiet on planes: the AirPods Pro 3 seal much better.
- Standard AirPods have never stayed in your ears.
How we reached this verdict
RTINGS rates their noise cancelling excellent for an open-fit design and names them the best mid-range AirPods, noting about 5 hours of battery and a one-size fit. T3 calls them the best open-fit earbuds, and Tom's Guide praises near-perfect calls but is disappointed by the battery.
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: RTINGS, T3, Tom's Guide, RTINGS, RTINGS, What Hi-Fi, manufacturer specifications.
Updated 18 Oct 2026How we decide