Apple’s AirPods 5 make Active Noise Cancellation available in its $129 earbuds for the first time, bringing them closer to the $249 AirPods Pro 3. The AirPods 5 are available with either a USB-C charging case for $129 or a Wireless Charging Case for $149, while the Pro model keeps its sealed in-ear design and adds stronger noise cancellation, hearing tools, and workout features.

For most buyers, the $149 AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case offer the better balance of price and features. The AirPods Pro 3 are the stronger choice for frequent travelers, users who want the best noise reduction, and anyone who needs Apple’s hearing or heart-rate features.

AirPods 5 and AirPods Pro 3 fit and noise cancellation

The AirPods 5 use an open-ear design without silicone tips. That makes them more comfortable for people who dislike a sealed in-ear fit, but it also limits how much outside sound they can block. Apple says the AirPods Pro 3 provide up to three times more effective noise cancellation because their foam-infused silicone ear tips create a physical seal.

Both AirPods 5 versions include open-ear ANC, force sensor controls, and optical in-ear sensors. The Pro 3 use touch controls, support volume swipes, and include ear tips in five sizes. In listening tests, the AirPods 5 sounded muddier than the Pro 3, especially through the lower midrange.

Battery life, controls, and charging

The standard AirPods 5 provide up to four hours of listening with ANC enabled, followed by up to 20 hours through the case. The $149 version extends those figures to five hours per charge and 22 hours with the case. It also adds volume swipes on the stems, wireless charging, and a case speaker that helps locate it with Find My.

The AirPods Pro 3 last up to eight hours on a single charge with ANC and up to 24 hours using the case. Their case supports USB-C, an Apple Watch charger, Qi, and MagSafe charging. It also includes a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip for Precision Finding with a compatible iPhone, plus a speaker and a lanyard loop.

Health and workout features

The AirPods Pro 3 are the only option of the two with Hearing Test, Hearing Aid, Hearing Protection, Automatic Conversation Boost, and Loud Sound Reduction features. They also track heart rate during workouts, which can be useful for people who do not want to rely on an Apple Watch.

The AirPods 5 retain many everyday listening features but do not include those hearing-health tools or heart-rate sensing. Their open design is the better fit for shoppers who prioritize comfort and awareness of their surroundings over maximum isolation.

Which AirPods should you buy?

The $149 AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case are the most practical choice for most buyers. For $20 more than the entry-level model, they add longer ANC battery life, better controls, wireless charging, and a more useful case. The $129 version makes sense when the lowest price is the priority and USB-C-only charging is acceptable.

Choose the AirPods Pro 3 if noise cancellation, a secure in-ear fit, longer battery life, hearing features, or workout heart-rate tracking matters most. Their $100 premium over the higher-end AirPods 5 may be less significant when retailer discounts are available, so checking current prices before buying could change the value comparison.