Apple has officially unveiled the AirPods 5, bringing a significant upgrade to its standard open-ear wireless earbuds. The new generation combines a redesigned acoustic architecture with Active Noise Cancellation, the H2 chip, Adaptive Audio, Personalised Spatial Audio, Live Translation and the new Siri AI experience.
What makes the AirPods 5 particularly interesting is that Apple is bringing Active Noise Cancellation to both AirPods 5 models, while keeping the familiar open-ear design. Apple says the new earbuds offer up to 1.5x more ANC than the previous AirPods 4 with ANC.
In India, the standard AirPods 5 starts at ₹14,900, while AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case costs ₹17,900. Both models are available for pre-order, with availability beginning September 18, 2026.
So, are the new AirPods 5 worth buying? Let’s take a closer look.
Apple AirPods 5: Key Highlights
- Open-ear design
- Active Noise Cancellation on both models
- Up to 1.5x more ANC than AirPods 4 with ANC
- H2 headphone chip
- Redesigned multiport acoustic architecture
- Next-generation Adaptive EQ
- Adaptive Audio
- Transparency mode
- Conversation Awareness
- Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
- Voice Isolation
- Live Translation
- New Siri AI
- IP57 dust, sweat and water resistance
- USB-C charging
- Up to 4 hours listening with ANC
- Up to 5 hours with ANC on the Wireless Charging Case model
- Bluetooth 5.3
- Wireless charging on the higher-end model
- Apple Watch and Qi charging support on Wireless Charging Case
- Find My speaker built into the wireless charging case
Apple AirPods 5 Price in India
Apple has introduced two versions of the AirPods 5 in India.
| Model | Price in India |
|---|---|
| AirPods 5 | ₹14,900 |
| AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case | ₹17,900 |
The standard AirPods 5 comes with a USB-C charging case. The ₹17,900 version adds wireless charging, volume swipe controls and longer battery life.
This makes the choice relatively straightforward. If you only need the earbuds and USB-C charging, the ₹14,900 model is the more affordable option. If you regularly use wireless charging or want the extra battery life and volume swipe, spending another ₹3,000 on the Wireless Charging Case model could make sense.
Design: Familiar, But Refined
Apple has retained the familiar open-ear AirPods design, which is one of the biggest reasons many people choose standard AirPods over in-ear earbuds.
The open-ear design doesn’t seal the ear canal with silicone tips. This can make the AirPods 5 more comfortable for people who dislike the pressure or fit of traditional in-ear earbuds.
Apple has also redesigned the acoustic architecture while maintaining the compact AirPods form factor. The result is intended to provide better sound without moving to a sealed in-ear design.
For users who wear earbuds for several hours a day, comfort may ultimately be just as important as sound quality.
Active Noise Cancellation Comes to Both Models
The biggest headline feature is undoubtedly Active Noise Cancellation.
Apple says AirPods 5 deliver up to 1.5x more Active Noise Cancellation than the previous-generation AirPods 4 with ANC, while describing the technology as industry-leading for an open-ear design.
This is particularly impressive because open-ear earbuds traditionally have a harder time blocking external sounds than sealed in-ear earbuds.
AirPods 5 use computational audio and the new acoustic architecture to reduce surrounding noise.
ANC can be useful when:
- Travelling
- Working in an office
- Studying
- Commuting
- Sitting in a café
- Listening at home
- Exercising
Of course, open-ear ANC will still behave differently from the stronger passive isolation offered by silicone-tip earbuds.
Transparency Mode
When you don’t want to block the world around you, Transparency mode lets external sounds pass through more naturally.
This is useful when you’re:
- Walking outdoors
- Talking to someone
- Waiting for an announcement
- Working around other people
- Cycling or exercising in appropriate environments
Apple has also improved the way Transparency mode responds to the surrounding environment.
Adaptive Audio
AirPods 5 also support Adaptive Audio, which dynamically combines ANC and Transparency according to your environment.
Instead of constantly switching manually between modes, the earbuds can adjust noise control as your surroundings change.
For example, you might be listening to music in a quiet office and then walk outside into a noisier environment. Adaptive Audio can adjust the listening experience automatically.
Conversation Awareness
Another useful feature is Conversation Awareness.
When the earbuds detect that you’re speaking to someone nearby, they can automatically lower the volume of your media. Once the conversation ends, playback can return to its previous level.
This is a small feature, but it can make AirPods much more convenient during everyday use.
Better Sound Quality
Apple has redesigned the acoustic architecture of the AirPods 5.
The earbuds feature:
- Custom high-excursion Apple driver
- Custom high-dynamic-range amplifier
- Redesigned multiport acoustic architecture
- Next-generation Adaptive EQ
- Computational audio
Apple says the redesigned architecture delivers richer and more detailed sound.
The Adaptive EQ system adjusts the sound according to how the earbuds fit and what you’re listening to, helping maintain a consistent listening experience.
For everyday music streaming, podcasts and video, this should make the AirPods 5 a more capable option than previous standard AirPods.
H2 Chip
The AirPods 5 are powered by Apple’s H2 headphone chip.
The chip enables several of the earbuds’ intelligent audio and connectivity features, including:
- Active Noise Cancellation
- Adaptive Audio
- Conversation Awareness
- Personalised Spatial Audio
- Voice Isolation
- Siri interactions
- Live Translation
Apple’s H2 platform also helps integrate the earbuds more closely with compatible Apple devices.
Personalised Spatial Audio
For supported content, AirPods 5 offer Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking.
The feature can create a more immersive listening experience by positioning sound around the listener.
This can be particularly enjoyable for:
- Movies
- TV shows
- Music
- Compatible games
- Spatial Audio content
Dynamic head tracking can make audio feel more anchored to the screen rather than simply moving with your head.
Live Translation
One of the more futuristic AirPods 5 features is Live Translation.
When paired with a compatible Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone, AirPods 5 can assist with communication across supported languages. Apple currently lists languages including English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese, with availability dependent on region and language support.
This could make AirPods 5 particularly useful for:
- International travel
- Business conversations
- Tourism
- Multilingual communication
- Learning languages
Feature availability can vary depending on device, software, language and region.
New Siri AI
Apple is also integrating the AirPods 5 with its newer Siri AI experience.
With compatible Apple devices, users can access a more conversational and personalised Siri experience without having to take out their phone.
AirPods 5 also support Siri interactions, including head gestures for certain responses. Apple says users can nod their head or gently shake it when Siri asks whether they want to answer an incoming call, hear a message or manage notifications.
This is one of those features that may seem minor initially but could become surprisingly useful during everyday hands-free use.
Voice Isolation for Calls
The AirPods 5 are also designed to improve voice quality during calls.
Voice Isolation helps reduce distracting background sounds while focusing on the user’s voice.
This can be useful when making calls from:
- Busy streets
- Offices
- Cafés
- Public spaces
- Airports
- Homes with background noise
For people who frequently use AirPods for work calls, this feature could be just as important as audio playback.
Battery Life
Battery life varies between the two AirPods 5 configurations.
The standard AirPods 5 provides up to 4 hours of listening time with ANC enabled on a single charge and up to 20 hours with the charging case when ANC is enabled.
The AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case increases that to up to 5 hours on a single charge with ANC enabled, with up to 22 hours using the case.
| Battery | AirPods 5 | AirPods 5 Wireless Charging Case |
|---|---|---|
| Single charge with ANC | Up to 4 hours | Up to 5 hours |
| Total with case + ANC | Up to 20 hours | Up to 22 hours |
| Quick charge | ~1 hour from 5 minutes | ~1 hour from 5 minutes |
For most daily users, this should be sufficient for commuting, workouts and several listening sessions throughout the day.
USB-C Charging
Both versions use USB-C charging, making them easier to charge alongside modern iPhones, iPads and MacBooks.
The Wireless Charging Case version goes further.
It can be charged using:
- USB-C
- Apple Watch charger
- Qi-certified chargers
It also includes a speaker for Find My functionality.
IP57 Dust, Sweat and Water Resistance
AirPods 5 have an IP57 rating for improved dust, sweat and water resistance.
This is a significant practical advantage for active users.
They can be suitable for:
- Gym workouts
- Running
- Walking
- Commuting
- Everyday outdoor use
However, water resistance isn’t the same as waterproofing. Users should still avoid deliberately submerging the earbuds or exposing them to conditions beyond Apple’s guidelines.
Controls
AirPods 5 use force-sensor controls for playback and calls.
You can press the stem to:
- Play or pause
- Answer calls
- Mute or unmute
- Control certain camera functions
- Switch listening modes
The Wireless Charging Case model adds volume swipe controls, allowing users to swipe up or down to adjust volume directly from the stem.
This makes the ₹17,900 model more attractive to users who frequently adjust volume without reaching for their iPhone.
AirPods 5 vs AirPods 5 Wireless Charging Case
The two models share most of their core technology.
| Feature | AirPods 5 | AirPods 5 Wireless Charging Case |
|---|---|---|
| ANC | Yes | Yes |
| H2 chip | Yes | Yes |
| Adaptive Audio | Yes | Yes |
| Spatial Audio | Yes | Yes |
| Live Translation | Yes | Yes |
| Siri AI | Yes | Yes |
| IP57 | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless charging | No | Yes |
| Apple Watch charging | No | Yes |
| Qi charging | No | Yes |
| Find My speaker | No | Yes |
| Volume swipe | No | Yes |
| ANC battery | Up to 4 hours | Up to 5 hours |
| India price | ₹14,900 | ₹17,900 |
Apple’s official India store confirms the ₹3,000 price difference and the additional charging and control features.
AirPods 5 vs AirPods Pro 3
If you’re deciding between AirPods 5 and AirPods Pro 3, the choice largely comes down to design and budget.
| Feature | AirPods 5 | AirPods Pro 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Open-ear | In-ear |
| ANC | Yes | Yes |
| H2 chip | Yes | Yes |
| Spatial Audio | Yes | Yes |
| Live Translation | Yes | Yes |
| Siri AI | Yes | Yes |
| IP rating | IP57 | IP57 |
| Battery with ANC | Up to 5 hours* | Up to 8 hours |
| India starting price | ₹14,900 | ₹27,900 |
*Wireless Charging Case model.
Apple says AirPods Pro 3 provide up to three times the ANC performance of AirPods 5, while also adding features such as heart-rate sensing during workouts.
Choose AirPods 5 if you prefer an open-ear fit and want to spend less.
Choose AirPods Pro 3 if maximum noise cancellation, longer ANC battery life and additional fitness features are more important.
Pros and Cons of Apple AirPods 5
Pros
- Excellent open-ear design
- ANC available on both models
- Improved noise cancellation
- Redesigned acoustic architecture
- H2 chip
- Adaptive Audio
- Personalised Spatial Audio
- Live Translation
- Siri AI integration
- IP57 resistance
- USB-C charging
- Wireless charging option
- Excellent Apple ecosystem integration
- Comfortable design for users who dislike silicone tips
Cons
- ANC won’t isolate sound like sealed in-ear earbuds
- Battery life is shorter than some competing earbuds
- Wireless charging requires the more expensive model
- Premium price compared with many Android-compatible alternatives
- Some AI features require compatible Apple hardware and software
- Full functionality is best within the Apple ecosystem
Who Should Buy AirPods 5?
The AirPods 5 are particularly appealing to users who want a combination of comfort and advanced features.
iPhone Users
The integration with Apple’s ecosystem remains one of the strongest reasons to buy AirPods.
Office Professionals
Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation and ANC can make AirPods useful throughout the workday.
Travellers
ANC, Transparency and Live Translation make the AirPods 5 particularly interesting for frequent travellers.
Fitness Users
The open-ear design and IP57 resistance make them an appealing option for workouts and outdoor activities.
People Who Dislike In-Ear Tips
If silicone ear tips feel uncomfortable, AirPods 5 offer a more traditional open-ear experience.
Who Should Buy the Wireless Charging Case Version?
The extra ₹3,000 is easier to justify if you:
- Use wireless charging frequently
- Own an Apple Watch charger
- Want the extra hour of ANC battery life
- Want volume swipe controls
- Want the Find My speaker
- Prefer the convenience of Qi charging
For occasional users, the ₹14,900 version may be the better value.
Is Apple AirPods 5 Worth Buying?
The AirPods 5 are one of Apple’s most significant upgrades to its standard AirPods design.
The combination of open-ear comfort, ANC, H2 processing, Adaptive Audio, Spatial Audio, IP57 resistance, Live Translation and Siri AI gives the earbuds a much more premium feature set than the standard AirPods of previous generations.
The most important decision is between the two AirPods 5 versions.
At ₹14,900, the standard model is the better choice for buyers who want the core experience at the lowest price.
At ₹17,900, the Wireless Charging Case model adds enough useful features—especially wireless charging, volume swipe and longer battery life—to make it arguably the more complete package.
Final Thought
The Apple AirPods 5 are a compelling choice for iPhone users who want open-ear earbuds without giving up modern features.
Apple has successfully brought Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Spatial Audio, H2 processing, Live Translation and Siri AI into a more affordable AirPods design.
The open-ear design remains the biggest differentiator. It won’t provide the same passive isolation as AirPods Pro, but it can be more comfortable for users who don’t enjoy silicone ear tips.
MotLot Rating: 4.7/5
Best for: iPhone users, commuters, office professionals, travellers and people who prefer open-ear earbuds.
Best value: AirPods 5 at ₹14,900.
Best overall version: AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case at ₹17,900.
Biggest upgrade: Active Noise Cancellation in an open-ear design.
Main drawback: Users wanting maximum noise isolation should consider AirPods Pro instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Apple AirPods 5 price in India?
The standard AirPods 5 costs ₹14,900, while AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case costs ₹17,900 in India.
Do AirPods 5 have Active Noise Cancellation?
Yes. Both AirPods 5 models include Active Noise Cancellation. Apple says ANC is up to 1.5x better than the previous-generation AirPods 4 with ANC.
Do AirPods 5 have the H2 chip?
Yes. Both AirPods 5 models use Apple’s H2 headphone chip.
Are AirPods 5 waterproof?
AirPods 5 have an IP57 dust, sweat and water-resistance rating, but they should not be treated as completely waterproof.
How long does the AirPods 5 battery last?
The standard AirPods 5 provides up to 4 hours with ANC enabled, while the Wireless Charging Case model provides up to 5 hours on a single charge.
Do AirPods 5 support wireless charging?
Only the AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case supports wireless charging. Its case works with Apple Watch chargers and Qi-certified chargers.
Do AirPods 5 support Live Translation?
Yes. Live Translation is supported with compatible Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhones and is available in selected languages and regions.
Are AirPods 5 good for workouts?
Yes. Their open-ear design and IP57 resistance make them a strong option for exercise and everyday active use. However, users should still follow Apple’s water-resistance guidelines.
Are AirPods 5 better than AirPods Pro?
Not for everyone. AirPods Pro offers stronger ANC and additional features, while AirPods 5 are better suited to users who prefer an open-ear design and lower price. Apple currently lists AirPods Pro 3 from ₹27,900 in India.
Offer up to 1.5x more ANC than the previous AirPods 4 with ANC.