AirPods 5 review: ANC on both tiers and a $129 price

Macworld tested the AirPods 5: both versions now offer active noise cancellation, water resistance improved to IP57, and the upper tier with a wireless charging case got a price cut. The review praises sound, battery life and fit, but flags the fiddly volume swipe and disappointing AI features.

• AirPods 5 cost $129; the wireless charging case version adds just $20
• Water resistance upgraded from IP54 to IP57, surviving 1 m immersion for 30 minutes
• ANC is now available on both tiers but trails pricier rivals
• The stem volume swipe is awkward due to the looser fit