Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case

The case is the feature that sets this version apart. Thanks to wireless charging, you don't need to dig out a cable every time the case runs low. That's handy on a busy desk, at your bedside or anywhere you already keep a wireless charging spot. The case also stores and protects the earbuds when they're not in your ears, so everything stays in one tidy, pocketable package.

Apple lists a net weight of just 0.04 kg, so these earbuds won't weigh down a jacket pocket, a bag or a gym kit. A light set is one you actually take with you, whether you're commuting, heading out for a walk or travelling. It slips in alongside your keys and phone without adding noticeable bulk, which makes it a practical everyday companion rather than something you leave at home.

The AirPods 5 run on a built-in accumulator, meaning a rechargeable battery is embedded in the product. You won't need to buy or swap disposable cells, and charging is simply part of your routine. Apple doesn't list the battery capacity or playback time in the specifications we have, so we won't quote figures. What's confirmed is a rechargeable, integrated battery paired with a case you can charge wirelessly.

If you care about what ends up in the bin after unboxing, the numbers are reassuring. According to the specifications, the packaging contains 18 g of paper and cardboard and just 2 g of non-PET plastic. Most of it is paper-based material, which is widely collected for recycling. It's a small detail, but it shows the box was designed to keep plastic to a minimum without skimping on protection.

These earbuds are covered by the WEEE scheme for electrical and electronic equipment, and their embedded battery is classified separately for battery recycling. In practice, that means there's an official collection route when the product eventually reaches the end of its life. Rather than throwing it out with household waste, you can hand it in at an electronics or battery collection point, keeping materials in circulation and out of landfill.

Both the earbuds and the Wireless Charging Case are made by Apple, so the case is designed specifically for this pair rather than being a third-party add-on. The specifications we have don't list the connectivity standard, chip or supported devices, so check Apple's official compatibility information if you plan to use them with a particular phone, tablet or computer. What you get is a matched set from a single manufacturer.

These earbuds are a sensible pick for anyone who wants a light, cable-free set from Apple without overthinking it. Commuters will appreciate the low weight, people who already own a wireless charger can drop the case straight onto it, and travellers get a compact pair that packs easily. They also make a straightforward gift for someone who has been asking for AirPods, especially when you find them at a good price.