Apple announces AirPods 5 with ‘best-in-class open‑ear active noise cancellation’

Apple announces AirPods 5 with ‘best-in-class open‑ear active noise cancellation’. Today, Apple announced the AirPods 5, updates to the AirPods 4 series that was first released in 2024. Apple says the new buds feature "best-in-class open‑ear active noise cancellation. " The AirPods 5 are redesigned with a new acoustic architecture, upgrades to adaptive active noise cancellation (ANC) with 50 percent better noise reduction than the AirPods […]

What happened

Best OverallPhotograph: Simon HillSave to wishlistBelkin3-in-1 Qi2 Charging Stand$90 Amazon$80 Best Buy$110 BelkinThis classy chrome charging tree suspends two of your Apple gadgets in midair, with a spot for the AirPods case on the broad circular base. 3Battery life (ANC on)6 hours, 24 with caseWater/dust resistanceIPX4Wireless chargingYesIf you’re seeking the absolute best active noise canceling (ANC), the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) should be at the top of your shortlist. Best ANC Earbuds for iPhonePhotograph: Harry RabinowitzPhotograph: Parker HallPhotograph: Parker HallPhotograph: Parker HallSave to wishlistAppleAirPods Pro 3$249 $199 (20% off) Amazon$250 $190 (24% off) Best Buy$249 AppleSpecsAccordionItemContainerButtonConnectivityBluetooth 5.

Second is active noise cancellation (ANC), which uses a mix of exterior microphones and software to suppress outside sound before it reaches your eardrums. Apple AirPods are some of the best; it can feel like you're not wearing earbuds at all when using their transparency mode. Photograph: Samuel Gibbs/The GuardianReviewPixel 11 Pro Fold review: the foldable with the best triple cameraBig screen folder with slick software and advanced AI is just like a regular Android when closedGoogle’s latest folding phone sticks with its tried and tested design of a traditional phone shape when closed and almost square when open, in the face of new competition from Apple’s squat iPhone fold.

Skip to main contentSave this storySave this storyThe best noise-canceling earbuds are indispensable tech we all use daily for listening to any and everything—from phone calls, podcasts, and TV shows to workouts, commuting, and air travel.

The wider picture

Most wireless earbuds come with built-in noise cancellation, but the difference between a good pair and a great pair is vast. Trust me, I’ve tested every one of our top picks in the real world—think busy New York City streets, loud cafes, crowded gyms, and rush-hour subway platforms—and sometimes, the noise cancellation is less effective at doing its one job. My top picks come from brands like Bose, Anker, Apple, and Beats, and while none is best overall, a few great options fit different needs.

For more choices, check out our Best Noise-Canceling Headphones (which includes non-earbuds), Best Cheap Headphones, and Best Workout Headphones guides. 3Battery life (ANC on)8 hours, 24 with caseWater/dust resistanceIP57Wireless chargingYesIf you have an iPhone, you should probably just get the Apple AirPods Pro 3 earbuds. Apple recently introduced ANC into its entry-level AirPods 5, which I will be testing soon. The noise-canceling is excellent, and while not as strong as Bose, Apple, or Sony, these earbuds are much smaller and lighter.

3Battery life (ANC on)8 hours, 36 with caseWater/dust resistanceIPX4Wireless chargingYesThe Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are the long-awaited update to the 2019 originals, with a much-needed redesign and the biggest new addition being strong noise cancellation.

What has been reported

AccordionItemContainerButtonWhen people think of noise cancellation in headphones, two things happen at once. For testing noise cancellation, I use headphones in the real world. Get best-in-class reporting and exclusive subscriber content that's too important to ignore. Why deal with all that hassle when the best 3-in-1 Apple charging stations can accommodate everything? Our Best Wireless Chargers guide has a few recommendations, but many more great docking systems exist for Apple devices. If you want one you can take on a trip, check out my new Best Apple 3-in-1 Travel Chargers guide.

Be sure to read our other Apple guides, including the Best MagSafe Wireless Chargers, Best MagSafe Power Banks, Best MagSafe Accessories, Best iPhone 17 Cases, and Best iPad Accessories. 5 meters)Warranty: 2 yearsFastest ChargingPhotograph: Simon HillPhotograph: Simon HillPhotograph: Simon HillSave to wishlistNomadStand One Max$169 NomadFor speedy charging (Qi2 25W for your iPhone and fast charging for your Apple Watch) in a seriously classy, glossy black design reminiscent of a Steinway grand piano, Nomad’s new Stand One Max is an excellent 3-in-1 charger.

What happens next

5 meters)Warranty: 1 yearBest 3-in-1 Pad ChargerPhotograph: Simon HillPhotograph: Simon HillPhotograph: Simon HillSave to wishlistNimblePodium 3-in-1 Wireless Charger$130 $117 (10% off) Amazon$140 Nimble$140 AppleMaybe you don’t want to see your phone or watch screen when you’re trying to sleep. It supports Qi2 25W to fast charge your iPhone, with pads for AirPods and an Apple Watch. The Apple Watch charging is slow though, so it's best left overnight. You also get a fast-charging Apple Watch shelf tucked around back and a standard 5-watt AirPods pad below.

5 meters)Warranty: 2 yearsBest 2-in-1 ChargersPhotograph: Simon HillPhotograph: Simon HillSave to wishlistZensNightstand Charger Pro 2$100 Amazon$100 ZensWith a weighty base, an adjustable Qi2/MagSafe charging pad, and a fold-out Apple Watch charger around the back, this Zens 2-in-1 is ideal for folks with an iPhone and Apple Watch. What's also great is the spare USB-C port—you can pop in a cable to charge your Apple Watch at 5 watts (or another device); it just won't charge very fast. (Belkin also has a 3-in-1 version of this model if you want a dedicated spot for the Apple Watch. ) Best of all, Belkin includes a very compact 45-watt power adapter and a USB-C to USB-C cable, which is better than many other wireless chargers that cost more.

Your Qi2 phone can charge at up to 15 watts; there’s a fast-charging Apple Watch pad that pops up around the back, and the space in the middle can charge AirPods at 5 watts.

The report has been compiled by The Daily Waves using information reported across wired.com, theguardian.com. Details are presented according to the information available at the time of publication and may change as authorities, organisers or other relevant parties provide updates.