The Apple Product I Still Fanboy Over - AirPods 5 Review

Linus Tech Tips

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Video Summary

Apple's new AirPods 5s are a surprising triumph, offering superior features like active noise cancellation and all-day battery life at a lower starting price of $129, defying current economic trends of rising costs. Despite minor drawbacks, such as the absence of an ultra-wideband chip and a physical pairing button, their comfort and noise-canceling capabilities rival even the Pro models. The non-sealing design, however, limits their utility for hearing protection and sleep, and battery life falls short of the Pro 3s for extended use.

While the sound quality is described as basic but fun, Apple's introduction of a system-wide EQ offers some customization, though limited to three bands. A significant drawback remains the exclusion of Android users from essential features like firmware updates and battery monitoring, a point of contention for a company with roots in the open-source community. Ultimately, the AirPods 5s are lauded as a compelling, affordable upgrade, with the $150 upgraded model offering additional features like wireless charging and a swipe sensor for volume control.

Short Highlights

Price Drop & Feature Boost: The AirPods 5s launch at a lower starting price of $129, offering improved features like active noise cancellation and all-day battery life, defying current economic trends.
Comfort and Noise Cancellation: These AirPods boast exceptional comfort, feeling like "wearing nothing at all," and deliver outstanding active noise cancellation, even surpassing previous models in certain scenarios.
Design and Case: The compact charging case is praised for its portability and features like a built-in speaker and fast USB-C charging, with an optional wireless charging upgrade.
Limitations: The non-sealing design means they offer no hearing protection, fall short on battery life compared to Pro models for extended use, and are not suitable for sleeping.
Sound and EQ: Sound quality is described as "basic, but fun," with Apple finally introducing a system-wide EQ, albeit a limited three-band version.
Android Exclusion: A significant disappointment is the continued lack of support for Android users, who are denied access to basic functionalities like firmware updates and battery monitoring.
Value Proposition: Despite their flaws, the AirPods 5s are considered a compelling and affordable option, with the $150 upgraded model offering additional conveniences.

Key Details

AirPods 5s Launch at Lower Price [0:00]

Apple has released the AirPods 5s at a lower starting price of $129.
This is despite economic factors like silicon shortages and rising fuel costs.
The new AirPods offer improved features across the board, including all-day battery life and active noise cancellation.

"At a time when silicon shortages, import tariffs, not to mention out-of-control fuel costs, have sent prices spiraling on everything from computer memory to softwood lumber, Apple has delivered a better product across the board at somehow a lower starting price."

Case Design and Features [2:00]

The charging case for the AirPods 5s is notably compact compared to the Pro models.
It offers over 20 hours of additional ANC listening time.
Features include a built-in speaker for locating the case and fast USB-C charging.
An upgraded model includes wireless charging.

"Every time I go back to regular AirPods from the Pros, I'm struck by just how compact this case is."

Comfort and Noise Cancellation Performance [3:00]

The AirPods 5s retain the short stem and comfortable, non-sealing fit of previous generations.
They are described as so light and comfortable that they feel like "wearing nothing at all."
Noise cancellation is highlighted as outstanding, effectively masking ambient sounds like keyboard typing, HVAC systems, and even a robo-vacuum.

"Your mileage may vary a little bit, but for me, it really does feel like wearing nothing at all."

Limitations: ANC, Battery, and Fit [5:00]

The non-sealing design means the AirPods 5s cannot provide hearing protection and are unsuitable for sleeping.
Battery life is a concern, rated at 4-5 hours of ANC playback, which fell short during a long chore day.
Movements like yawning or touching the earbuds can temporarily disrupt the ANC seal.

"Also, because they use a non-ceiling design, the Fives are utterly incapable of handling even light hearing protection duties like the Pros can."

Sound Quality and EQ Customization [8:00]

Sound quality is described as "basic, but fun," with some listeners wanting vocals to be less overwhelmed by bass and hi-hat.
Apple has introduced a system-wide EQ with three bands, allowing for some sound customization.
The limited EQ bands are criticized for not offering enough granularity to adjust mid-range frequencies.

"After 10 years with iOS 27, Apple has finally delivered what audiophile AirPods enjoyers have wanted since the beginning. A native, operating system-wide EQ."

Android User Exclusion [10:00]

Apple continues to restrict essential functionalities like battery monitoring and firmware updates to iOS users.
The only workaround for Android users is to visit an Apple Store for firmware updates, which is deemed impractical.
This exclusionary practice is criticized, especially given Apple's origins in the maker space.

"Once again, Apple is holding firm in their belief that if you want access to basic functionality, like the ability to monitor battery levels, or update your device firmware, you're just gonna have to suck it up and buy even more Apple products."