Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Apple AirPods 5

Updated Nov 2026 · Scored by the Let’s Compare Data Engine · How we score

  • Sound quality isn't scored yet (we have no measured audio data), so the score covers features, battery, noise cancelling and build.

Verdict

Key takeaways

  • Apple AirPods Pro 3 and Apple AirPods 5 are closely matched overall (within 4 points).
  • Key differences: battery life per charge, where Apple AirPods Pro 3 has 8 vs 6 h; only Apple AirPods Pro 3 has wireless charging case; weight per earbud, where Apple AirPods 5 is 1.3 g lighter; case weight, where Apple AirPods 5 is 12 g lighter.
  • Best value: Apple AirPods 5 (from $129) — the strongest score-per-dollar of the two.
Apple AirPods Pro 3 and Apple AirPods 5 are closely matched
Apple AirPods Pro 3 · 84 overall, #6 of 68
79
Apple AirPods 5 · 81 overall, #18 of 68
75
Key differences
  • Battery Life per ChargeApple AirPods Pro 3 8 vs 6 h
  • Wireless Charging CaseApple AirPods Pro 3 only
  • Weight per EarbudApple AirPods 5 1.3 g lighter
  • Case WeightApple AirPods 5 12 g lighter

Scores by Category

Evenly split — each wins 1 of 6 categories

CategoryAirPods Pro 3AirPods 5Lead
Noise Cancelling
Tie
Battery
+30
Connectivity
Tie
Build
+12
Audio
Tie
Calls
Tie

Physical Comparison

AirPods Pro 3
43.99g
Weight
AirPods 5
32.3g
Weight
AirPods Pro 3
5.55g
Weight
AirPods 5
4.3g
Weight

Value for Money

Launch prices — enter today's prices (same currency for both).

Detailed Specifications

Audio

Feature
AirPods Pro 3
AirPods 5
Spatial Audio with Head Tracking
Yes
Yes

Noise Cancelling

Feature
AirPods Pro 3
AirPods 5
Active Noise Cancelling
Yes
Yes
Transparency Mode
Yes
Yes

Battery

Feature
AirPods Pro 3
AirPods 5
Battery Life per Charge
8 h33% more
6 h
Total Battery Life with Case
24 h
N/A
Quick Charge
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging Case
Yes
No

Connectivity

Feature
AirPods Pro 3
AirPods 5
Bluetooth Version

Calls

Feature
AirPods Pro 3
AirPods 5
Microphones per Earbud
3
3

Build

Feature
AirPods Pro 3
AirPods 5
IP Rating
Weight per Earbud
5.55 g
4.3 g23% less
Case Weight
43.99 g
32.3 g27% less

Specification Note

Specifications are compiled from official manufacturer data and other reliable internet sources. Some features may vary by region or model configuration.

Review Videos

Which would you buy?

Cast your vote