90
Eric Zeman
PCMag
“If you're looking for an affordable set of earphones for your new iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max, the AirPods 5 are our Editors' Choice and should be at the top of your list.”
Critical Assessment
What Critics Praise
- Improved noise cancellation
- Fuller bass
- Clearer highs
- External volume controls
- Greater durability
- Lower price step‑up model
Points of Contention
- No color options
- Limited battery life
- Fit may be insecure for some users
- No silicone eartips
Professional Reviews
3 reviews from 3 critics89
David Carnoy
CNET
“While the performance improvements aren’t massive, they’re noticeable, and they help close the performance gap between Apple’s standard AirPods and the AirPods Pro, which are still the better choice for those who want Apple’s best sound quality and noise cancellation in an earbud.”
88
Billy Steele
Engadget
“The $149 AirPods 5 is clearly the better choice.”
