Apple AirPods 5: Key Features for Android Users

Apple just introduced AirPods 5—should you use them with your Android phone? AirPods 5.Credit: Apple Published Sep 9, 2026, 2:00 PM EDT Jon is a seasoned journalist who has written definitive coverage of consumer tech at publications like Engadget, Android Authority, and BetaKit. He's an expert on making tech accessible ranging from mobile and PCs to emerging platforms like wearables. When he's not writing, he's going on adventures with ihis family and is an avid photographer. Sign in to your How-To Geek account Apple just unveiled one of its most important devices of the year, and it's something you can use even if you'd never touch an iPhone. The new AirPods 5 promise significant upgrades to Apple's "default" wireless earbuds, including for Android users — although there are still limitations worth considering on Google-powered handsets. The new buds look similar to their predecessors, but have a redesigned acoustic architecture that reportedly boosts audio quality while reducing latency. They not only offer 50 percent better active noise cancellation (ANC), according to Apple, but make the feature standard on every model — not just the high-end model. While the new ANC still won't be as strong as with the AirPods Pro (the base AirPods don't seal off your ear canal), it should make a difference on a busy sidewalk or during a flight. The top-tier AirPods 5 offer the wireless charging case introduced with the 4, and now give you on-stem volume controls as well as longer battery life (five hours for the earbuds, 22 when including the case). Software plays an important role, even with older models. Apple has finally introduced a custom EQ in iOS 27 that lets you change AirPods' audio profile, such as turning up the bass or toning down mids. If you're deaf or hard-of-hearing, the AirPods can also send an alert to your iPhone whenever someone mentions your name. The price might be as important as the feature set. AirPods 5 with ANC now cost $129, while the premium version costs $149 ($30 less than before). Apple is finally competing with rivals that have offered noise reduction on more affordable earbuds. The new AirPods are available for pre-order today and will reach stores on September 18. Can you use AirPods 5 with Android? You can, but be ready for tradeoffs AirPods 5 with charging case.Credit: Apple AirPods have always worked with Android phones (and Windows PCs, for that matter) as they're ultimately Bluetooth earbuds. Not every feature is available on Android, however, and sometimes the upgrades are only useful if you're deep in the Apple ecosystem. Thankfully, you will notice improvements if you use AirPods 5 with Android. The better sound quality and refined ANC will apply no matter what phone or computer you call your own. Some features will still be off-limits, though. You won't get Siri AI, as that requires pairing with an Apple device. You'll also miss out on spatial audio, adaptive EQ, automatic device switching, tracking for lost earbuds, battery life indicators, and even firmware updates. In short, you'll want to avoid the AirPods 5 if you value what makes them unique — alternatives like Galaxy Buds and Pixel Buds will often have more features on Android, and there are lower-cost options with similar functionality. However, there's an easy way to get more Android functionality with Apple's design and audio tuning: buy a set of Beats earbuds, such as the Powerbeats Fit. While you still won't have iPhone-specific features like Siri AI, you'll have fast pairing, battery levels, firmware updates, and lost earbud tracking. This also makes it relatively easy to switch platforms if you're ever curious.