PCMag Reviews Apple AirPods 5 With Wireless Charging Case: Redesigned Audio and Key Fit Considerations

Worth considering if you use Apple devices and want open-fit earbuds with wireless charging, stem volume controls, and the reviewer's reported improvements in sound and noise cancellation. The review also identifies trade-offs, including shorter battery life than several cited alternatives and noise cancellation that is less effective in some loud, inconsistent environments.

Best suited for
Apple-device users seeking open-fit earbuds with a wireless charging case, on-stem volume controls, and automatic switching among Apple devices signed into the same Apple ID.

Highlights

• The included case supports Qi wireless charging and can use an Apple Watch charger, giving buyers charging options beyond its USB-C port.
• The reviewed version has on-stem volume controls; the standard version does not.
• The reviewer reports improved sound and noise cancellation compared with AirPods 4, with the open design still allowing surrounding sound through.
• The review says the earbuds can automatically switch between Apple devices signed into the same Apple ID, which may suit people who use multiple Apple devices.

Before you buy

• The reviewer reports up to 5 hours of listening with ANC on and 22 hours total with the case for this version; the review notes shorter battery life than several alternatives it discusses.
• The reviewer found the open-fit earbuds somewhat loose in their ears and says fit depends on ear shape.
• The review reports that ANC is less effective in noisy settings with inconsistent sounds, and that some horns or sirens mostly pass through.
• Live Translation requires downloading language packs in advance and uses a nearby iPhone; the described Siri AI features require an iPhone with iOS 27 and the latest Apple Intelligence and Siri AI.

Written by AI from the source report, not a hands-on test. Read source ↗