AirPods 5 After One Week: WAY Better Than I Expected!

Are AirPods 5 the better buy over AirPods Pro 3? After nearly a week of everyday use—including a flight home—I've been surprised by the fit, active noise cancellation, and what you get for $149. In this AirPods 5 mini review, I share why the open-ear design works better for my ears, how the ANC felt on a plane, and why I’d spend the extra $20 for the Wireless Charging Case model. I also explain how Custom EQ in iOS 27 helped fix my biggest complaint about the sound. This is my experience after a few days of use, with a full review still to come. Fit matters, and the Pro models may still be the better choice for you. 📲 Read more: https://www.macrumors.com/2026/09/15/airpods-5-hands-on/ 🌐 Connect with Dan: 𝕏: https://twitter.com/danbarbera Instagram: https://instagram.com/danbarbera1 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@macrumors Dan's YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/danbarbera1 🎙️ Follow The MacRumors Show Podcast: https://youtube.com/@TheMacRumorsShow The most popular Apple News & Rumors site on the Internet. Welcome to MacRumors, your ultimate destination for in-depth and insightful Mac reviews, where we go beyond the surface to bring you a comprehensive look at everything Apple & Mac! 🍎✨ 🖥️💻Thorough Reviews: We meticulously test and evaluate each product, exploring the features, performance, and understanding its capabilities. 🔍 In-Depth Analysis: Dive deep into the intricacies of Apple's latest technologies and innovations. 🌐 Mac News & Rumors: Stay up-to-date with our coverage of the latest tech news, and be the first to know about upcoming new Apple product releases, updates, and developments. 🔧 Apple Accessories: Enhance your Mac experience with our reviews and recommendations for must-have accessories. 💡 Tips & Tricks: Unlock the full potential of your Mac with our tips and tricks that make your user experience easy. Subscribe now and join our community of Mac enthusiasts!