AirPods 5 Brings ANC to $129, but 9to5Mac Says AirPods Pro 3 Still Lead in Three Areas
AirPods 5 bring ANC to $129, but 9to5Mac says the pricier AirPods Pro 3 still lead on fit, heart rate and hearing-aid features.
The first is fit. AirPods 5 use an open-ear design that rests against the inside of the ear, while AirPods Pro 3 use a traditional in-ear design with ear tips. The 9to5Mac writer said he personally finds the Pro model more comfortable and more secure, and is less concerned that it will fall out. He also noted that fit varies widely between users depending on ear size.
The second is heart rate monitoring, which AirPods Pro 3 include and AirPods 5 do not. During a workout the Pro model measures heart rate to supply additional fitness metrics. When paired with an Apple Watch, the two devices work together: Apple's algorithms monitor data from both and factor in the type of workout to use the most consistent readings. In the example given, if a user is lifting weights and the watch ends up at an awkward angle on the wrist, AirPods Pro 3 supply more accurate data. The comparison also noted that in iOS 27 Apple brought GymKit to the iPhone, allowing an iPhone and AirPods to provide an Apple Watch-style experience without wearing a watch.
The third is hearing health. AirPods Pro 3 offer a Hearing Test, a Hearing Aid and Hearing Protection, none of which are available on AirPods 5. The test takes about five minutes and identifies whether a user has hearing loss; Apple's Hearing Aid feature is described as a clinical-grade hearing aid that uses the test results to build a sound profile for the user, while Hearing Protection is intended to reduce exposure to loud environmental noise.
Other stated differences include longer battery life, a more capable charging case and stronger noise cancellation. Apple says AirPods Pro 3 offer three times more active noise cancellation than AirPods 5. AirPods 5 are priced at $129, or $149 with a wireless charging case. The comparison cited a $234 promotional price for AirPods Pro 3, while a separate deals list in the same article showed the model at $199, also against a $249 regular price.
The article was framed as a buying guide rather than a review of new hardware, and its judgments on comfort and security were presented as the writer's own experience after using both models.