Not too long ago, if you wanted AirPods with active noise cancellation, you had one option: the AirPods Pro. For several years following, Apple kept ANC strictly limited to its premium options: the Pros and the AirPods Max. Then in 2024, Apple threw a curveball AirPods 4, offering two models, with the more expensive one featuring ANC on a sub-$200 pair of AirPods for the first time ever.
And with the announcement of the AirPods 5 at the brand’s “Surprise and Shine” keynote event on Sept. 9, AirPods without ANC have become a thing of the past altogether. At $129 and $149, both the AirPods 5 and AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case come with ANC (not to mention live translation). It also means there are now three options for noise-canceling earbuds from Apple.
In deciding what to get, it’s worth weighing out what you need out of your earbuds. To help you make your choice, we broke down the differences between the AirPods 5 (with and without the Wireless Charging Case) and the AirPods Pro 3, Apple’s premium wireless earbuds. We just started testing the new AirPods, so stay tuned for a true head-to-head comparison. In the meantime, this is how they compare in specs, features, and form factor.
First: the AirPods 4 vs. the AirPods 5
Before we jump into the full comparison, a quick note on why we’re not breaking down AirPods 4 vs. 5 comparison — it’s because there really is none. The $129 AirPods 4 feature no noise cancellation, while the ones that do go for $179. Sure, you can catch them on sale for $99 a lot of the time, but you also won’t be able to take advantage of the improved ANC, sound quality, Live Translation, and improved controls of the AirPods 5.
So, unless you’re trying to spend more money on an inferior product, I’d recommend sticking with the newer AirPods. (That said, the difference isn’t so stark that AirPods 4 users need to upgrade).
Apple AirPods 5 vs. AirPods Pro 3: Price and specs
Pricing
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AirPods 5 — $129
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AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case — $149
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AirPods Pro 3 — $249
Specs
AirPods 5
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Battery: Four hours of listening time (six without ANC), 20 hours total with case
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Listening modes: Adaptive audio and transparency
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Controls: Force sensor for playback and calls
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Charging: USB-C charging case
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Find My: Not available on this charging case
AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case
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Battery: Five hours of listening time (seven without ANC), 22 hours total with case
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Listening modes: Adaptive audio and transparency
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Controls: Force sensor for playback, calls, and volume swipe controls
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Charging: USB-C charging case, MagSafe, Qi compatible
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Find My: Speaker included to work with Find My
AirPods Pro 3
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Battery: Eight hours of listening time (10 with Transparency mode and Hearing Aid feature)
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Listening modes: Adaptive audio and transparency
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Controls: Force sensor for playback, calls, and volume swipe controls
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Charging: USB-C charging case, MagSafe, Qi compatible
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Find My: Speaker included to work with Find My
Apple AirPods 5 vs. AirPods Pro 3: Design
Credit: Adam Doud / Mashable
Most notably, the two earbuds will wear differently. The AirPods Pro 3 feature silicone ear tips for a true in-ear design, while the AirPods 5 stick to the open-ear design. (It should be noted that, though these are technically open earbuds, they sit somewhat in the ear canal, unlike other clip or hook style open earbuds.) Without ear tips to create a tight seal, noise cancellation will take a hit with the AirPods 5.
If you opt for the AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case, the earbuds’ stems feature swipe volume controls, just like the AirPods Pro. Both AirPods 5 have playback and call controls on the stems.
As for the charging case, the Pro and standard AirPods stick to the usual deviation, with the Pros featuring a shorter, wider look. Both the Pros and the more expensive AirPods 5 will have wireless charging and Find My capabilities, but the Pros get the slightest edge with a lanyard loop.
The Pro 3 and both AirPods 5, however, have a water- and dust-resistance rating of IP57.
Apple AirPods 5 vs. AirPods Pro 3: Sound quality
Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable
Again, Mashable’s team hasn’t yet had the chance to finish testing the new AirPods. We can say that, per Apple, the multiport acoustic architecture in the AirPods 5 was inspired by AirPods Pro 3 design. Considering the discrepancy in price, however, and the AirPods Pro 3 in-ear design, it’s safe to say the Pros will have the superior sound quality.
Previously, AirPods haven’t offered a manually adjustable equalizer, but that’s set to change with iOS 27. If you have an iPhone that supports iOS 27, you’ll soon be able to access custom EQ settings for your AirPods.
Apple AirPods 5 vs. AirPods Pro 3: Noise cancellation
According to Apple, the AirPods Pro 3 have up to three times more noise cancellation than the AirPods 5. While ANC is difficult to quantify, it does make sense that the in-ear design and the foam-infused silicone ear tips of the Pros would offer, at the very least, more passive noise cancellation.
That said, the AirPods 5 ANC isn’t anything to scoff at. Apple claims the ANC on the new generation is one and a half times more powerful than the ANC found on the AirPods 4 with ANC.
Apple AirPods 5 vs. AirPods Pro 3: Battery life
This is pretty much as it’s written on the tin — the AirPods Pro 3 undeniably have the superior battery life, bringing eight hours per charge with ANC (and 24 hours in the case). The $149 AirPods 5 come next, with five hours per charge with ANC (and 22 hours in the case). The AirPods 5 remain at the same level as the AirPods 4 with ANC, at four hours per charge with ANC (and 20 hours in the case).
While the AirPods Pro 3 do have double the per-charge battery life of the standard AirPods 5, it’s worth remembering that the Pro 3 are also $120 more — nearly the price of another pair of AirPods 5.
Apple AirPods 5 vs. AirPods Pro 3: Extra features
Credit: Adam Doud / Mashable
The Pros are designed to offer an all-encompassing experience, and their extra features show exactly that. The Pros have a built-in heart rate monitor that works with the Apple Fitness app and other compatible health apps, making them especially great for exercise. The Pro 3 also have a hearing test, aid, and hearing protection features.
Both the AirPods 5 and the Pro 3 have Live Translation capabilities.
Apple AirPods 5 vs. AirPods Pro 3: Which is better?
If you’re wearing earbuds daily, for multiple hours of the day, the longer battery life, versatility, and superior ANC and sound quality of the AirPods Pro 3 are likely worth the investment.
However, for more casual users, the AirPods 5 allow for an experience of some of the better parts of Apple’s noise-cancelling experience without the hefty price tag to match.
AirPods 5
AirPods Pro 3
Source: https://mashable.com/tech/apple-airpods-5-vs-pro-3-price-specs
