AirPods 5 vs AirPods Pro 3: Is Open-Ear ANC Good Enough to Save $100?

Apple's AirPods 5 and AirPods Pro 3 both offer active noise cancellation (ANC), but at different price points and with varying features. The AirPods 5 start at $129, incorporating ANC into their least expensive earbuds lineup, while the AirPods Pro 3 maintain a higher price of $249. Despite the cost difference, the AirPods 5 provide ANC that is said to reduce external noise by up to 50% more than the previous AirPods 4 models, whereas the AirPods Pro 3 offer three times more ANC according to Apple's testing.

Both earbuds feature open-ear designs, but the AirPods Pro 3 use silicone tips in five sizes, creating a tighter acoustic seal that enhances passive isolation. The Pro model also offers longer battery life, lasting up to eight hours with ANC enabled, and up to 24 hours with the charging case. In contrast, the AirPods 5 last up to eight hours with ANC active on a single charge.

Health features are another area where the Pro model surpasses the AirPods 5. AirPods Pro 3 include heart-rate monitoring during workouts, as well as Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features for users in supported regions. However, the AirPods 5 lack these health-related functionalities. Both earbuds support Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, and Live Translation on compatible Apple devices.

Ultimately, for those who require open-ear ANC for general office use, calls, and daily commuting, the AirPods 5 present a more affordable option. However, for frequent flyers, extended listening sessions, or consistently noisy environments, the AirPods Pro 3 still hold a stronger advantage due to their superior noise isolation and additional health-related features.