Apple AirPods 5 Wireless Earbuds – Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Personalised Spatial Audio, IP57

Our Verdict

AirPods 5 keep the classic open-ear AirPods shape, so nothing pushes into the ear canal, which is why many people who find sealed earbuds uncomfortable stick with them. Apple says they bring improved noise cancelling, and Adaptive Audio mixes in outside sound as your surroundings change, while Conversation Awareness turns the music down when you start talking to someone at the till or on the platform. Voice Isolation is aimed at cleaner calls in noisy places, and the IP57 rating covers rain, sweat and heavy workouts. Apple quotes up to 4 hours per charge with noise cancelling on and 20 hours in total with the USB-C case, which is fine for commutes and calls but short for a long-haul flight. Two caveats: without a seal, noise cancelling cannot match tip-style earbuds such as AirPods Pro 3, and Apple-specific features such as Live Translation need a compatible iPhone with Apple Intelligence. A separate listing comes with a wireless charging case if you want to charge it on a Qi pad.

Key Features & Irish Specs

• Active Noise Cancellation in Apple’s open-ear design, with no silicone tips to fit
• Adaptive Audio blends noise cancelling and Transparency; Conversation Awareness lowers the volume when you speak
• Voice Isolation reduces background noise on calls; next-generation Adaptive EQ
• Rated IP57 for dust, sweat and water; Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
• Up to 4 hours per charge with noise cancelling on, up to 20 hours in total with the ultra-compact USB-C case