Engadget's Billy Steele gave the AirPods 5 an 8.8 out of 10, and his main complaint is that Apple sells two versions at all. Both now have noise cancellation and Live Translation, and both moved up from IP54 to IP57 water resistance. The $149 model with the wireless charging case adds audible Find My, swipe volume controls and longer battery life, which is why Steele calls the $129 one a tough sell at only $20 less.
Stan Schroeder's review landed in the same place and says to spend the extra 20 bucks. Battery is the weak spot every reviewer mentions. Tom's Guide took a pair on a 22-mile run, starting the day at 80 percent, and the earbuds were playing the low battery sound by the final few miles.