Full Breakdown
AirPods 5 vs. AirPods Pro 3: Which Pair Wins the 2024 Earbud Race?
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Differences
Apple’s 2024 lineup adds the second-generation AirPods 5 to the existing AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Max 2. The AirPods 5 start at $129 (or $149 with a wireless-charging case), while the AirPods Pro 3 launch at $249. Both models run on Apple’s H2 chip, support iOS 27’s three-band EQ, Adaptive EQ, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, and Personalized Spatial Audio, and carry an IP57 rating for water, dust, and sweat resistance.
Design, Fit, and User Comfort
The AirPods 5 use an open-ear, tip-less design that rests loosely on the ear, offering a “less pressure-inducing” fit that many users find comfortable for long listening sessions. By contrast, the AirPods Pro 3 feature silicone ear tips in multiple sizes—including extra-extra-small and large—creating a tighter seal that improves passive noise isolation. CNET reviewer David Carnoy notes that the Pro’s snugger fit is advantageous in noisy environments such as subways, while the open design of the AirPods 5 delivers a more natural-sounding transparency mode. On May 5, CNET highlighted that the AirPods 5 may be better suited for users who dislike the “jammed-in” feeling of the Pro’s cushions.
Audio Performance and Noise Cancellation
Apple carried over several acoustic upgrades from the Pro 3 to the AirPods 5, boosting bass response and overall clarity. Both earbuds deliver solid sound, though the Pro 3 retain a slight edge in low-frequency punch. In active noise cancellation (ANC), the AirPods 5 are reported to be 50 % more effective than the previous generation but still fall short of the Pro 3’s performance, which benefits from the tighter tip seal. CNET’s testing confirms that the AirPods 5 are the best noise-canceling earbuds in their open-ear class.
Health Tracking, Battery, and Extras
The AirPods Pro 3 include built-in heart-rate monitoring and FDA-authorized hearing-aid functionality, allowing them to double as a fitness tracker. The AirPods 5 lack these health sensors. Battery life differs markedly: the base AirPods 5 provide 4 hours of ANC listening (5 hours with the wireless-charging case), whereas the Pro 3 offer up to 8 hours with ANC, dropping to about 6.5 hours when the heart-rate monitor is active. Both models support a quick-charge boost of roughly one hour after a five-minute charge.
Buying Guidance and Price Considerations
For users prioritizing premium ANC, health tracking, and a secure in-ear fit, the AirPods Pro 3 represent the stronger choice despite the higher price. Consumers who prefer a lighter, less invasive design, value transparency mode, and seek a lower-cost entry point may find the AirPods 5 more appealing—especially if the optional wireless-charging case is added. Both pairs benefit from iOS 27’s software enhancements, narrowing the experiential gap between the two price tiers.