Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case
Get the AirPods Pro 3. Unless ear tips feel uncomfortable to you — then the AirPods 5's open fit is the one.
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Noise cancelling to rival Sony's, a secure fit and seamless iPhone features. The ones to get with an iPhone.
Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case
The best open-fit earbuds, with good noise cancelling and great calls. Short battery life.
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The Pro 3 seal your ears, so they're far quieter, and they last longer and fit more ears, for a little more. The AirPods 5 have no tips, so they feel light and open, but they let in more noise.
- —You want real quiet on planes and trains.
- —You want the longer battery.
- —You work out: they're IP57 and track heart rate.
- —Ear tips feel uncomfortable or blocked-up to you.
- —You want something light to wear all day.
- —Calls matter: the mics are excellent.
Key differences
Pros and cons
- +Noise cancelling among the very best
- +Five tip sizes for a secure fit
- +Seamless with iPhone, plus heart rate
- −The case holds less charge than the AirPods Pro 2's: about 24 hours in total.
- −There's no EQ to adjust the sound, and only AAC (no hi-res codecs).
- −The case has no button for pairing; it's done from the iPhone.
- +No ear tips: light, open fit
- +Strong noise cancelling for an open design
- +Excellent calls and iPhone features
- −Battery is about 5 hours with noise cancelling, and the open fit lets in more noise than tipped earbuds.
- −One size only: they don't stay put in every ear.
- −AAC only, and most features need an iPhone.
Ready to choose?
- Is the AirPods Pro 3 worth it?
- Is the AirPods 5 worth it?
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How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: RTINGS, RTINGS, What Hi-Fi, manufacturer specifications.