What actually changed in AirPods 5?
The fifth-generation AirPods now offer on-bud volume controls—but only if you opt for the pricier model that includes a wireless charging case. This means Apple’s entry-level true wireless earbuds remain without this basic convenience, unless you spend more. Competing earbuds, even those under $20, have long offered on-ear volume controls as standard.
Who should consider AirPods 5?
If you’re fully invested in the Apple ecosystem and prioritize seamless pairing, reliability, and long-term software support, AirPods 5 remains a safe bet. The integration with iOS devices and convenience features like automatic switching and "Find My" are genuinely useful. If you’re buying for kids or anyone who often loses earbuds, AirPods still lead for ecosystem benefits.
However, if your main concern is practical value for money, there are many alternatives from brands like Anker, Soundcore, OnePlus, and even Amazon’s house brand. These offer physical or touch volume controls at much lower prices, often with comparable battery life and comfort. For users who constantly adjust volume on the go—commutes, workouts, or video watching—any limitation on such a basic function may feel unnecessarily restrictive, especially from an established brand.
Limitations and trade-offs
Apple’s choice to restrict on-bud volume control to the more expensive variant will disappoint budget-conscious buyers. It signals a pattern where features considered standard elsewhere are offered as upsells. Comfort, sound quality, and ease of use are solid, but nothing about volume control is technically difficult to include across the lineup. If you never use volume controls on your earbuds, the omission might not matter, but it’s still hard to justify if you’re paying a premium.
Compared to direct competitors—such as the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE or Jabra Elite 4—AirPods 5 can feel behind on practical features if you’re shopping at the same price points.
The takeaway: Should you wait or buy?
For basic functionality like volume control, it’s reasonable to expect it on every modern pair of wireless earbuds. Apple’s approach prioritizes ecosystem harmony and upcharge models, but value-focused listeners will find better deals elsewhere. If you only want seamless Apple integration and rarely use on-bud controls, AirPods 5 may still fit your needs. Otherwise, comparable or superior options exist at every price point—no unnecessary trade-offs required.