Apple Airpods 5 Arrives in Nepal With 50% Better Active Noise Cancellation!

Apple AirPods 5 have officially arrived in Nepal, giving the brand’s regular earbuds lineup a new contender nearly two years after the launch of AirPods 4.

But following the AirPods 4 is not as simple as changing the number on the box. After all, Apple had already carved out a sweet spot for people who wanted the convenience of AirPods without paying Pro-level prices.

The AirPods 4 stood out for sticking with Apple’s familiar open-ear design while offering buyers a choice between a standard model and one with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). That made them a practical middle ground for people who dislike silicone ear tips but still want a little peace from the outside world.

Now, with the AirPods 5 in Nepal, the question is whether Apple has made a worthy successor.

The AirPods 4 came in two variants: a standard model and an ANC version, with the latter costing more. With the AirPods 5, even the standard model gets ANC, so you no longer need to pay extra.

The standard AirPods 5 costs more than its predecessor’s basic version, but ANC and improved sound architecture help sweeten the deal. The Wireless Charging Case variant costs another Rs. 5,500, adding wireless charging, swipe-to-adjust volume, and an extra hour of listening time. So, it’s not just a case of paying more to ditch the cable.

Apple has never been the wallet-friendly option, and the AirPods 5 are no exception. But a higher price tag is only part of the story. What exactly has Apple changed from the AirPods 4, and where do those upgrades actually show up? Let’s take a closer look.

Apple AirPods 5 Overview

The AirPods 5 retain Apple’s recognisable stem-style, open-ear design, with short stems, smooth plastic housings, and no silicone ear tips. If you can identify the AirPods 4 from across a coffee shop, you probably will not need a second glance to recognise their successors.

Each AirPods 5 earbud weighs 4.3 grams, while the standard charging case weighs 32.3 grams and the Wireless Charging Case weighs 34.7 grams. This lightweight construction makes them easy to carry around.

However, the shape is both the AirPods 5’s selling point and its potential deal-breaker. Like the AirPods 4, they have no silicone tips or adjustable fit, so comfort and stability depend heavily on your ear anatomy.

Its predecessor got a mixed reaction, with many reporting a loose fit or slipping during movement. So, if the AirPods 4 never fit your ears properly, the AirPods 5 probably won’t be your miracle fix.

The charging case follows the same compact, rounded design language as the previous generation. The standard version uses a USB-C charging case, whereas the Wireless Charging Case model supports USB-C, Qi-compatible wireless chargers, and Apple Watch chargers. The wireless version also includes a built-in speaker that helps locate the case through Apple’s Find My network.

There is another practical difference between the two versions: only the Wireless Charging Case model supports sliding a finger up or down the earbud stem to adjust volume. Both versions retain the usual press controls for playback, calls, and listening-mode changes.

For durability, both the AirPods 5 earbuds and their charging cases carry an IP57 rating for dust, sweat, and water resistance, an improvement over the IP54 rating of the AirPods 4.

The AirPods 5 pack Apple’s H2 headphone chip, a custom high-excursion driver, and a high-dynamic-range amplifier. But the more interesting upgrades are the new multiport acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ.

The AirPods 4 already had Adaptive EQ, which adjusts the sound to account for how the earbuds fit. Therefore, even if it’s redesigned and an updated version, they still have the open-fit design. So it can’t fully compensate for the lack of a seal.

If you’re upgrading purely for sound quality, the difference may not be compelling enough. If you like your bass to hit rather than politely knock, the silicone-tipped AirPods Pro 3 are the better pick.

The AirPods 5 also support Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking like on the AirPods 4. With compatible content and Apple devices, it makes sound feel more three-dimensional, with the audio perspective shifting as you turn your head.

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ANC is the headline upgrade of the AirPods 5. Apple claims they cancel up to 50% more external noise than the AirPods 4 with ANC. Better yet, ANC is now standard on both AirPods 5 versions, unlike the AirPods 4, where you had to pay extra for it.

Transparency mode, Adaptive Audio, and Conversation Awareness return, too. They’re useful additions for switching between music and conversations, but aren’t new to the lineup.

The AirPods 5 use Bluetooth 5.3, the same as in AirPods 4 and even the AirPods Pro 3. They work with iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, and Apple TVs, with features like automatic switching and Spatial Audio working best on compatible Apple devices.

Android users can still enjoy music and calls, but many of Apple’s smarter tricks won’t come along for the ride. They also miss out on codecs like LDAC and aptX, making less compelling choice if you’re using Android.

There are a few fun extras, too. You can nod or shake your head to respond to certain Siri prompts, and it also has Live Translation.

Battery life is another area where choosing the right AirPods 5 version matters. With ANC enabled, the standard model lasts up to 4 hours per charge and 20 hours with the case. The Wireless Charging Case version stretches that to 5 hours per charge and 22 hours in total.

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The AirPods 5 are a meaningful step forward, but not quite the generational leap their price might suggest. You’re paying a premium for Apple’s ecosystem, open-ear comfort, improved ANC, and IP57 protection.

So, should you get the AirPods 5?  If you’re an iPhone user who dislikes silicone ear tips but still wants ANC and Apple’s seamless device integration, they make a compelling case.

However, if you are an AirPods 3 Pro or AirPods 4 with ANC owners don’t have much reason to rush for an upgrade, while Android users and bass lovers have better-suited alternatives. Otherwise, if you’re using AirPods 3, then it will be a good upgrade and purchase for you.

The AirPods 5 are a good pair of earbuds, but at this price, being good isn’t quite enough to make them the obvious choice.

What are your thoughts on the AirPods 5? Let us know in the comments below!