Apple AirPods 5 review

How do you update the most popular audio product in the world? That’s a question that would keep many companies awake at night. But almost a decade after the original launched, Apple has kept the classic AirPods model relevant while turning it into one of the most profitable businesses ever.

The 2026 AirPods 5 keep what people love while improving everything across the board. Better noise cancellation, better audio quality, better battery life, and even better gestures.

But there’s a catch. Only the more expensive $149 model gets all the new features, whereas the cheaper $129…