Written by M Akshay | Bestructure

Published: October 30, 2026, 02:09 PM IST | Last Updated: October 30, 2026, 02:09 PM IST

Apple has finally brought noise cancellation to its most affordable AirPods, and the Apple AirPods 5 are the result. Priced at Rs 14,900, they promise stronger Active Noise Cancellation in an open ear design, better sound, a longer lasting battery, and hands free access to the new Siri AI. That sounds like a lot for the price, but the real question is simple: should you actually buy them, or spend a little more on the AirPods Pro 3?

We went through Apple’s official announcement along with a detailed hands on review, so you get both the company’s claims and a real user’s experience in one place.

Apple AirPods 5 Price in India and Variants

Apple sells two versions, and the difference goes beyond wireless charging. Both launched in India with stores stocking them from September 18.

Feature	AirPods 5	AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case
Price	Rs 14,900	Rs 17,900
Wireless charging	No	Yes (Apple Watch chargers, Qi chargers, and USB C)
Volume swipe on stem	No	Yes
Battery	Standard	Improved, up to 5 hours with ANC

The Wireless Charging Case model adds a force sensor that lets you swipe up or down on the stem to change the volume, a first for the open ear style. Whether that is worth Rs 3,000 more depends on how much you value those two extras.

What’s New in the Apple AirPods 5

apple airpods 5 with wireless charging case wireless earbuds

The biggest upgrade is noise cancellation. Apple says the Apple AirPods 5 remove up to 50 percent more noise than AirPods 4 with ANC, thanks to a new multiport acoustic design and better audio processing. The hands on reviewer reached a similar conclusion, describing it as roughly 1.5 times better in daily use.

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Other upgrades worth knowing:

Upgrade	What It Means for You
Better Transparency mode	Voices and nearby sounds feel more natural
Adaptive Audio	Blends ANC and Transparency based on your surroundings
Conversation Awareness	Lowers media volume when you start speaking
Improved Adaptive EQ	Richer, more detailed sound across different ear shapes
Better durability	Improved dust, sweat, and water resistance (the reviewer reports an upgrade from IP54 to IP57)

Design and Comfort: Light, Small, but Not for Everyone

apple airpods 5 with active noise cancellation

The case is compact and easy to carry in a pocket. The earbuds use an open ear design with no silicone tips, which many people find comfortable, especially for long listening sessions.

There is a catch, though. The design is one size fits all, so the fit depends on your ears. During a flight of about two hours, the reviewer found the left earbud uncomfortable while the right one fit well. If you prefer a snug, secure fit, that is worth considering before you buy. A good tip is to try them at an Apple Store or authorised retailer first.

Noise Cancellation and Sound Quality: A Real Step Up

If you are coming from AirPods 4, the improvement in noise cancellation is easy to notice. Even so, set realistic expectations. Because the Apple AirPods 5 do not seal your ear canal, they cannot match the noise isolation of the AirPods Pro 3.

Sound quality has improved too, with better detail and a more enjoyable listening experience for music and videos. The limit is bass. Without a sealed fit, you will not get the same deep, punchy low end as with the Pro model. For casual listening, calls, and videos, the sound is good. For bass lovers, the Pro series suits better.

Smart Features: Siri AI, Live Translation, and More

This is where the Apple AirPods 5 feel more like a modern assistant than basic earbuds. With a supported iPhone, you get hands free access to Siri AI, which Apple says understands personal context across messages, emails, and photos. For example, you can ask it to play a song a friend recommended in a message. You can also respond to Siri discreetly by nodding or shaking your head.

Live Translation lets you hear conversations in your preferred language. You can start it by pressing both stems together, saying a voice command, or using the Action button on your iPhone, once you have set up languages in the Translate app. Apple says this feature now works across the whole AirPods lineup.

Here is the availability to keep in mind. Siri AI is rolling out as a beta with iOS 27, starting with English, and support for more languages is planned for October. Apple Intelligence features also depend on a supported device and language, so check Apple’s website for your region.

Battery Life of the Apple AirPods 5

For the Wireless Charging Case model, Apple lists up to 5 hours of playback with ANC on one charge, which is one hour more than AirPods 4 with ANC. With the case, that goes up to 22 hours. The reviewer noted the total moving from about 20 hours on AirPods 4 to about 22 hours here. It is a modest improvement, but helpful if you use earbuds through the day.

Apple AirPods 5 vs AirPods Pro 3

Feature	Apple AirPods 5	AirPods Pro 3
Design	Open ear, no silicone tips	In ear, silicone tips
Noise cancellation	Improved, limited by open fit	More advanced
Bass	Limited	Stronger
Battery with case	Up to 22 hours	Up to 24 hours
Heart rate sensing	No	Yes
Precision Finding	No	Yes

The reviewer found the Pro 3 a better overall choice if your budget allows. For reference, the reviewer noted the AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case at about Rs 16,600 after bank offers, and the AirPods Pro 3 at about Rs 21,690, a gap of roughly Rs 5,090. These prices come from the review and can change with sales and retailers, so check current offers.

Environment and Build

Apple says the Apple AirPods 5 use 40 percent recycled material overall, including 70 percent recycled plastic in the wireless charging case and 100 percent recycled cobalt in the battery. The packaging is fibre based and recyclable.

Who Should Buy the Apple AirPods 5?

Choose them if you like the open ear style, want the most affordable way to get ANC from Apple, and are upgrading from AirPods 4 or older earbuds. Go for the Wireless Charging Case version if you need wireless charging and stem volume control. Pick the AirPods Pro 3 if you want a more secure fit, stronger bass, and the best noise cancellation, and can stretch your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the price of the Apple AirPods 5 in India? The standard model costs Rs 14,900, and the Wireless Charging Case model costs Rs 17,900.

Q2. When did it go on sale? Stores began stocking it from Friday, September 18.

Q3. Does it have Active Noise Cancellation? Yes. Apple says it removes up to 50 percent more noise than AirPods 4 with ANC, though it cannot match the Pro models because of its open ear design.

Q4. Does it support Live Translation? Yes, when paired with a compatible Apple device with Apple Intelligence turned on and supported languages set up.

Q5. Should I buy the AirPods 5 or the AirPods Pro 3? The Pro 3 offers a better fit, bass, and noise cancellation. The AirPods 5 are the cheaper choice for those who prefer the open ear design.

Affiliate Disclaimer: This article contains an affiliate link. If you make a purchase through it, Bestructure may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This review has been written based on official product specifications and all opinions shared remain entirely our own.

Disclaimer: The information in this article has been gathered by researching Apple’s official announcement and a detailed hands on review of the Apple AirPods 5. Reviewer opinions reflect personal experience and may differ for you. Prices, bank offers, and feature availability can change by region, so please verify details with Apple or your retailer before buying.

Written by M Akshay for Bestructure.

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