Apple now offers two very different options for users who want premium wireless earbuds: AirPods 5 and AirPods Pro 3.

At first glance, both look similar and share several Apple features. However, the biggest difference is their design and intended use.

AirPods 5 use an open-ear design, while AirPods Pro 3 use in-ear silicone tips. This affects comfort, noise cancellation, bass, sound isolation and the overall listening experience.

So, is AirPods Pro 3 worth paying more for, or are AirPods 5 enough for everyday use?

Let’s compare them.

Quick Comparison

1. Design: Open Ear vs In Ear

The biggest difference is the physical design.

AirPods 5 sit in the ear without silicone ear tips. This makes them a good option for people who don’t like the sealed feeling of traditional in-ear earbuds.

AirPods Pro 3 use silicone ear tips that create a seal inside the ear canal. This improves passive noise isolation and helps deliver stronger bass and a more immersive sound experience.

If you prefer a natural, lightweight feeling, AirPods 5 may be more comfortable.

If you want maximum isolation and immersion, AirPods Pro 3 have the advantage.

Winner for open-ear comfort: AirPods 5

Winner for isolation: AirPods Pro 3

2. Sound Quality

Both models deliver high-quality audio, but AirPods Pro 3 are designed for a more immersive listening experience.

AirPods 5 feature a redesigned acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ, which improves sound compared with earlier open-ear AirPods.

However, the sealed design of AirPods Pro 3 provides better isolation and allows you to experience music with greater depth and impact.

Vocals, instruments and bass generally sound more immersive on the Pro model, particularly in noisy environments.

Winner: AirPods Pro 3

3. Bass Performance

This is another area where AirPods Pro 3 have an advantage.

Because the Pro model creates a seal inside the ear, it can produce deeper and more powerful low frequencies.

AirPods 5 provide balanced bass that works well for everyday listening, but they cannot provide the same physical isolation and low-end impact as an in-ear design.

If you listen to EDM, hip-hop, Bollywood music or bass-heavy tracks, the Pro 3 are the better choice.

Winner: AirPods Pro 3

4. Active Noise Cancellation

Both models now offer ANC, but they work differently.

AirPods 5 bring improved ANC to Apple’s open-ear design. Apple says the new model delivers significantly better noise reduction than the previous generation.

However, AirPods Pro 3 combine ANC with physical ear-tip isolation.

That makes them the better option for:

• Flights
• Trains
• Offices
• Busy streets
• Cafes
• Long-distance travel

If noise cancellation is one of your biggest priorities, the Pro model is worth considering.

Winner: AirPods Pro 3

5. Comfort

Comfort is highly personal.

AirPods 5 are likely to be more comfortable for people who don’t like silicone ear tips or the pressure associated with sealed earbuds.

They are particularly suitable for long periods of casual listening.

AirPods Pro 3 have been redesigned for a better fit and offer multiple ear-tip sizes, allowing users to find a more secure seal.

However, some people will still prefer the open feeling of AirPods 5.

Winner: AirPods 5 for open-ear comfort

6. Features

Both models support Apple’s ecosystem features, including integration with iPhone and other Apple devices.

AirPods 5 include features such as:

• Adaptive EQ
• Personalized Spatial Audio
• Active Noise Cancellation
• Siri features
• Live Translation
• Easy Apple-device pairing

AirPods Pro 3 offer these features while adding a more advanced premium feature set.

The Pro model is designed for users who want Apple’s most feature-rich in-ear experience.

Winner: AirPods Pro 3

7. Health and Smart Features

AirPods Pro 3 are positioned as Apple’s more advanced health-focused earbuds.

They include additional health-related capabilities that are not available on the standard AirPods 5.

This makes the Pro model more attractive if you want your earbuds to do more than simply play music and handle calls.

AirPods 5 concentrate more on everyday audio, comfort and convenience.

Winner: AirPods Pro 3

8. Battery Life

Battery performance depends on features such as ANC and how the earbuds are used.

AirPods 5 offer good everyday battery life, with the higher-end AirPods 5 model providing up to five hours of listening with ANC.

The charging case extends total listening time considerably.

AirPods Pro 3 also provide competitive battery performance and are designed for users who regularly use ANC and other advanced features.

For most users, battery life shouldn’t be the deciding factor between these two.

Winner: Close

AirPods 5 vs AirPods Pro 3: Which One Should You Buy?

Choose AirPods 5 if you:

• Prefer an open-ear design
• Don’t like silicone ear tips
• Want lightweight everyday earbuds
• Mainly use your AirPods at home or in the office
• Want good ANC without a sealed fit
• Want a more affordable AirPods option
• Prioritize comfort

Choose AirPods Pro 3 if you:

• Want the best sound quality
• Want stronger bass
• Need powerful ANC
• Travel frequently
• Prefer an immersive listening experience
• Want better noise isolation
• Want Apple’s most advanced earbud features
• Want additional health-related features

AirPods 5 vs AirPods Pro 3: Which Is Better?

Final Verdict

The AirPods 5 are the better choice if you want comfortable, lightweight earbuds with improved sound, ANC and Apple’s ecosystem features without going all the way to the Pro model.

The AirPods Pro 3 are the better choice if you want the best overall listening experience, stronger bass, better noise cancellation, improved isolation and more advanced features.

Our Recommendation

For everyday iPhone users: AirPods 5

For music lovers and frequent travellers: AirPods Pro 3

For maximum ANC: AirPods Pro 3

For open-ear comfort: AirPods 5

For the most advanced features: AirPods Pro 3

For the best overall audio experience: AirPods Pro 3

Bottom Line

If you don’t like in-ear earbuds, buy AirPods 5.

If you want better sound, stronger ANC and a more premium experience, AirPods Pro 3 are worth the upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are AirPods Pro 3 better than AirPods 5?

Yes, if sound quality, bass, ANC and advanced features are your priorities. AirPods 5 are better if you prefer an open-ear design and greater comfort.

Do AirPods 5 have ANC?

Yes. AirPods 5 introduce improved Active Noise Cancellation while retaining their open-ear design.

Which has better bass, AirPods 5 or AirPods Pro 3?

AirPods Pro 3 have better bass because their in-ear design creates a seal that improves low-frequency performance.

Which is more comfortable?

AirPods 5 may be more comfortable for people who dislike silicone ear tips. AirPods Pro 3 may provide a more secure fit for users who prefer in-ear earbuds.

Are AirPods 5 worth buying instead of AirPods Pro 3?

Yes, if you mainly want comfortable everyday earbuds and don’t need maximum ANC or the most advanced features.

Which AirPods are better for travelling?

AirPods Pro 3 are the better choice for travelling because their in-ear design and stronger ANC provide better isolation from surrounding noise.