AirPods 5 vs AirPods Pro 3: new cheaper model vs the top dog?
The AirPods 5 are kind of a surprise. Do they have any new features that may make them a better choice over the AirPods Pro 3?
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New base model, meet your leader | Image by PhoneArena
The AirPods 5 are now official. A weird little update only 12 months after the AirPods 4 launched — Apple doesn't typically refresh its audio products so often. So, it looks like a small recalibration and repositioning more than anything.
But hey, they do finally have volume control on the stems (the $150 model) and some minor tweaks that might put them in the buying decision waiting room of your brain for a few moments.
Let's see what we know about them so far, and how they stack up to the flagship AirPods Pro 3.
AirPods 5 vs AirPods 4 specs:
| AirPods 5 | AirPods Pro 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Color options | White | White |
| Audio | Single driver: Custom Apple driver Redesigned acoustic chambers | Single driver: Custom Apple driver Redesigned acoustic chambers |
| Connectivity and codecs | Bluetooth 5.3, AAC Auto-switch on iCloud devices | Bluetooth 5.3, AAC Auto-switch on iCloud devices |
| Battery life | Base model with ANC on: Buds - 4 hours With case - 20 hours | ANC On: Buds - 8 hours With case - 24 hours |
| Ingress protection | IP57, buds and case | IP57, buds and case |
AirPods 5 vs AirPods Pro 3 design
Since last year's AirPods 4, the base models have been redesigned to look much more like the Pro models. The stems have the new short look and when they are in your ears, nobody will know if they are Pros or not.
Of course, the major difference here is that the AirPods Pro 3 have silicone tips that are meant to go inside your ears, while the AirPods 5 are just open buds that free-sit in your ear concha.
Some might choose the latter for comfort, as in-ears can be quite uncomfortable for a subset of users. Or, you may just want to spend less money on AirPods, that's also valid.
But, if you do get the AirPods 5 with wireless charging case ($20 more than the base model), you also get yet another AirPods Pro feature — a touch pad on the stem, where you can swipe to control volume. It's a very nice quality of life feature, and it's kind of embarrassing that the base AirPods 5 at $130 don't have it.
That aside, the AirPods 5 — both variants — now meet the IP57 rating that the AirPods Pro 3 provide. It's an upgrade from the IP54 rating of last year and now says that the AirPods 5 and their case can survive quick submersions in shallow water. Just like the Pro 3.
AirPods 5 vs AirPods Pro 3 Sound and ANC
The AirPods 5 now come with ANC full stop. Even the $130 model — in the AirPods 4 generation, you had to splurge for the upgraded edition to get ANC.
Not only that, but it has been improved for better noise reduction, Apple says about 50%. That's still not saying much since they are open-fit buds and aren't super-effective at blocking noise due to design constraints. The AirPods Pro 3 will still be superior at silencing the world around you.
But hey, a small reduction to ambient noise is always nice.
Now, about sound, Apple says the AirPods 5 have redesigned acoustic chambers. Just like the AirPods Pro 3 came with new chambers and bass reflex for deeper sound. I still need to get my hands on the AirPods 5 to hear if there's any significant upgrade here.
But, in reality, AirPods have always sounded safe and balanced, with a V-curved EQ that the general audience enjoys. I would not expect these to sound bad or grinding.
Special features
Of course, AirPods work seamlessly with Siri on your iPhone. And, since Apple's assistant is finally getting that major AI upgrade, you will be able to freely converse with Siri, get live translation in your ears, request information, or ask for Maps navigation and other queries simply by speaking into your AirPods.
Surely all of these features will be available across the AirPods line, as they are powered by the iPhone in your pocket.
Now, the $149 AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case have a couple of upgrades. The touch pads for volume control are a great addition migrated right from the Pro line. Their case supports MagSafe wireless charging. And they have a slightly longer battery life than previous standard generations—hitting 5 hours on the buds and 22 hours total with the case.
However, it is worth noting that if you have the AirPods Pro 3, you still come out ahead on battery, boasting an even more impressive 8 hours on a single charge and 24 hours total with the case.
Multi-device
It's quick, easy, and intuitive, and works the same on all AirPods models.
AirPods 5 vs AirPods Pro 3: which ones to get?
If you are simply looking to save money, surely the AirPods 5 will sound good enough and have a dependable mic. Of course, if you want to play it safe, wait for those reviews to start rolling out. Or simply outsmart the system — get yourself a pair of AirPods 4 when they get the inevitable discount!
If you are considering AirPods 5 for their open-design comfort, you're in the right place. I am quite happy that Apple is among the very few earphone manufacturers that still support this design. My ears are also not super keen on taking most in-ear models and I prefer open buds whenever I can get away with it. AirPods have consistently been comfortable and unoffensive in sound for me. Though, admittedly, a bit vanilla and unexciting. Let's see if the AirPods 5 sound better.
If you are after excellent sound and / or ANC, there's no doubt in my mind that the AirPods Pro 3 will still sound better. Still, I'm waiting for the AirPods 5 to actually ship to cast final judgment.
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