Apple's latest base AirPods are here, and it's all good news - you're getting better sound, more powerful noise cancellation, and the price is lower, spec-for-spec. Before we continue, let's get one thing out of the way - this is the non-Pro earbud, with the open-ear design. AirPods 5 comes in two versions - one with the regular USB-C case, and one with a wireless charging case and stem touch controls.

Both models have ANC this time, and Apple claims the AirPods 5 have the best active noise cancellation for an open-ear design on the market. Elaborating further, Apple says the ANC on AirPods 5 cuts up to 50% more external noise than their predecessor. Transparency mode is also better and should reproduce voices and surrounding sounds more naturally. The buds have a new multiport acoustic architecture and a next-gen Adaptive EQ for richer and more detailed sound.

The new AirPods get hands-free Siri AI when paired with an Apple Intelligence-ready iPhone. You could ask Siri for personal content in messages, emails, and photos and then use it in supported apps. Let's talk gestures - there are head nods for "yes" and head shakes for "no" for Siri. The more expensive wireless charging model has swipe controls on the stem for volume changes - a first on non-Pro AirPods, btw.

AirPods 5 offer up to 5 hours of listening with ANC enabled - 1 hour more than the previous gen. The wireless charging model offers up to 22 hours of total battery life. Finally, the AirPods 5 bring durability up to the IP57 standard, introducing temporary immersion resistance over simple splash resistance. AirPods 5 are $129/€149 and $149/€169 with a wireless charging case and touch controls. You can pre-order them now get them from September 18.