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Both use the H2 chip, both suppress noise, both are IP57 rated – and yet there's a €100 price difference. The extra cost doesn't buy better technology inside, but rather a different design, double the battery life, and a health sensor.
With the AirPods 5, active noise cancellation is now available for the first time in both models of the entry-level series, and the more affordable version starts at €149. This raises the question anew: why do the AirPods Pro 3 still cost €249? Apple answers this surprisingly clearly on its own comparison page – including a figure that directly quantifies the difference in noise cancellation for the first time. All values in this comparison are taken from the German data sheets and the Apple Store.
Key Facts at a Glance
- The AirPods 5 have an open-ear design without ear tips, while the Pro 3 use silicone ear tips in five sizes for a tight seal.
- Apple states that the noise cancellation of the Pro 3 is three times that of the AirPods 5.
- The battery life is 8 to 4 hours per charge, with charging case it's 24 to 20 hours.
- Heart rate measurement, hearing test, hearing aid and hearing protection function are only available on the Pro 3.
- Both series use the H2 chip, are IP57 protected and support live translation, adaptive audio and personalized 3D audio.
Technical specifications in comparison
The AirPods 5 come in two versions, which differ in case, operation, and battery life. Both are shown here next to the Pro 3.
| Feature | AirPods 5 | AirPods 5 with wireless charging case | AirPods Pro 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | 149 euros | 169 euros | 249 euros |
| Design | Open-ear headphones without ear inserts | Open-ear headphones without ear inserts | In-ear headphones, silicone ear tips in five sizes (XXS to L) |
| Chip | H2 | H2 | H2 |
| Noise cancellation | 1.5x better than AirPods 4 with ANC | 1.5x better than AirPods 4 with ANC | 3x better than AirPods 5 |
| Runtime per charge | up to 4 hours with ANC | up to 5 hours with ANC | up to 8 hours with ANC |
| Runtime with case | up to 20 hours. | up to 22 hours. | up to 24 hours. |
| Heart rate measurement | – | – | Yes, during workouts |
| Hearing health | – | – | Hearing test, hearing aid, hearing protection |
| Controls | Pressure sensor | Pressure sensor with swipe function for volume control | Pressure sensor with swipe function for volume control |
| Case | Charging case (USB-C) | wireless charging case (USB-C) with speaker | MagSafe charging case (USB-C) with speaker and eyelet for carrying strap |
| Lossless audio | – | – | – |
| Protection class | IP57 | IP57 | IP57 |
| Weight per earphone | 4.3 g | 4.3 g | 5.55 g |
| Weight Case | 32.3 g | 34.7 g | 43.99 g |
The design is more important than the price
The most important difference isn't reflected in any number: The AirPods 5 sit in the ear without sealing it. The Pro 3 seal the ear canal with a silicone ear tip, which Apple includes in five sizes from XXS to L.
Almost everything else follows from this. A sealed design can physically dampen ambient noise before the electronics even kick in – that's why, according to Apple's own measurements, the noise cancellation of the Pro 3 is three times stronger than that of the AirPods 5. Conversely, many find the open design more comfortable for extended wear, and it's the safer choice in traffic.
The design also determines which model is suitable: For those who experience pressure sensations with silicone inserts, the Pro series is the wrong choice, regardless of budget.
Noise cancellation: Apple now names a factor
On its German comparison page, Apple presents the values in a chain: The AirPods 5 suppress noise 1.5 times better than the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, and the Pro 3 three times better than the AirPods 5. Both figures are based on measurements according to IEC 60268-24.
This means the difference can now be read directly without intermediate calculations, and it's greater than the price difference would suggest. The direction of the comparison is noteworthy: Apple is now comparing the Pro 3 to the AirPods 5 instead of its own previous generation.
Runtime: twice as long per charge
On a single charge, the Pro 3 with noise cancellation enabled last up to eight hours, the AirPods 5 four, and the version with the wireless charging case five. This is the most significant advantage in the entire comparison – exactly double that of the base model.
With the charging case, the difference shrinks to 24 hours compared to 20 or 22 hours, because the Pro 3 has to partially compensate for its higher power consumption. Those using the Pro 3 for heart rate monitoring during training can expect up to 6.5 hours of battery life; with 3D audio and head tracking, it's 7.5 hours. Five minutes in the case adds about an hour of battery life for both models.
What only the AirPods Pro 3 can do
Four features remain exclusive to the Pro series, and three of them have nothing to do with music:
- Heart rate measurement during workouts, usable with the fitness app and compatible third-party apps from iOS 26 onwards.
- Hearing test and hearing aid function, according to Apple, is intended for people 18 years and older with mild to moderate hearing loss. With hearing aid function activated in Transparency mode, Apple states up to ten hours of battery life – more than any other operating mode of the Pro 3.
- The Pro 3 features a hearing protection function that complies with the EN 352 standard when EN 352 protection is activated. It is expressly not intended for impulse noises such as gunshots or fireworks, or for continuous noise levels above 110 dBA.
Those who don't need these features mainly pay extra for insulation and battery.
What both series have in common
The similarities in this round are unusually extensive. Both use the H2 chip, two beamforming microphones plus an inward-facing microphone, Bluetooth 5.3 and IP57 protection – the same rating that was IP54 for the AirPods 4.
Software-wise, there's little difference: Adaptive Audio, Transparency Mode, Conversation Detection, Voice Isolation, Personalized Volume, Adaptive EQ, Personalized 3D Audio with Dynamic Head Tracking, and Live Translation are available on both models. Even fine-tuning the sound is identical – the equalizer can be adjusted in the settings on both.
However, one detail differentiates the two AirPods 5 versions: Only the model with the wireless charging case supports swiping for volume control. The €149 model still requires pressing.
The cases vary
The MagSafe charging case for the AirPods Pro 3 weighs 43.99 grams and is about 30 percent bulkier than the AirPods 5 case. However, it includes a loop for a carrying strap, which Apple sells separately. The Pro case and the AirPods 5 wireless charging case have a speaker for the "Find My" feature, but the standard case for the €149 model does not.
Charging is done via USB-C everywhere, but a cable is no longer included with the AirPods 5. The wireless charging case and the MagSafe case also work with Qi chargers and the Apple Watch charger.
One aspect is the same for both series, and it's surprising: Lossless audio isn't supported by either the Pro series. Apple only offers it on the AirPods Max 2 via the wired USB-C connection. So, anyone wanting lossless audio won't find it in either the AirPods 5 or the Pro 3.
For whom which series is worthwhile
The Pro 3 headphones are the right choice for three groups: for those who need true silence on trains, planes, or in open-plan offices; for those who want to measure their heart rate during workouts without a second watch; and for those who use the hearing health features. In these cases, the extra €100 is money well spent.
For everything else, the price is tighter than it was in 2024. The AirPods 5 bring noise cancellation to the base model for the first time, share the chip, sound technology, and water resistance rating with the Pro series, and are lighter. If you prefer open-back listening anyway, the extra cost isn't justified – then the question is whether the €20 for the wireless charging case is worthwhile, which offers an extra hour of battery life, the ability to adjust volume, and a speaker for finding the earbuds. Those upgrading from the previous model can find the answer in a generational comparison with the AirPods 4.
Which weighs more heavily on you – the triple noise cancellation of the Pro 3 or the open fit of the AirPods 5, which lets in more of your surroundings when you're out and about? Let us know in the comments which design you prefer.
Frequently Asked Questions: AirPods 5 vs. AirPods Pro 3
They're worthwhile if you need true silence, want to measure your heart rate during training, or use the hearing health features. For everyday music listening, the difference has narrowed: the chip, sound technology, and protection rating are identical in both series.
Apple states a factor of three compared to the AirPods 5, measured according to IEC 60268-24. The reason lies in the design: The Pro 3 seal the ear canal with a silicone insert, while the AirPods 5 sit openly in the ear.
Yes, both versions. This was different with the AirPods 4, where only the more expensive version was equipped with it.
The more expensive model offers an extra hour of battery life per charge, swipe-to-volume control via the pressure sensor, and a case with a speaker for "Find My" search, which can also be charged wirelessly.
No. Apple only offers lossless audio with the AirPods Max 2 via the wired USB-C connection. Neither the AirPods 5 nor the Pro 3 support it.
Each charge provides four hours of playback time for the AirPods 5, five hours for the version with the wireless charging case, and eight hours for the Pro 3, all with noise cancellation enabled. With the charging case, the models achieve 20, 22, and 24 hours respectively. Five minutes in the case provides approximately one hour of playback.
Both are IP57-rated for dust, sweat, and water resistance—including the charging case. However, neither is designed for water sports. The Pro 3 models also offer heart rate monitoring during workouts.
