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Apple AirPods 5 vs Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation USB-C

The AirPods Pro 2 are the better earbuds for most people. They have stronger noise cancellation, a sealed in-ear fit with silicone tips, IP54 protection on both buds and case, and Apple's hearing test and hearing aid features. The AirPods 5 are the open-fit option: no ear tips, a looser fit that lets in more sound, and shorter battery life, but a lighter feel some people prefer for all-day wear. Reviewers rate the Pro 2's noise cancellation and fit highly; the AirPods 5 get credit for improved ANC and sound over the AirPods 4.

  • Choose the AirPods 5 if you dislike silicone tips and want an open, airy fit that stays aware of your surroundings.
  • Choose the AirPods Pro 2 if you want the strongest noise cancellation Apple sells and a secure sealed fit for commuting, flights or the gym.

Prices

  • Apple AirPods 5: $105.00 at eBay (last seen Nov 10)
  • Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation USB-C: $69.00 at Damitc.com (checked today)
  • Difference: the Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation USB-C is $36.00 cheaper than the Apple AirPods 5 at the latest prices (Nov 10 and Nov 14)
Apple
Apple AirPods 5

Apple AirPods 5

4.6(183 ratings)
$105.00at eBayChecked Nov 10
See all prices and details
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Pros
  • Open fit that does not plug the ear canal
  • Lighter feel for long wear
  • Improved ANC and sound over the AirPods 4
  • Hands-free Siri and Live Translation on supported iPhones
Cons
  • About 4 hours of listening per charge
  • No ear tips means less isolation and a looser seal
  • No hearing test or hearing aid features
  • Design looks the same as the previous model
Apple
Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation USB-C

Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation USB-C

5(9 ratings)
$69.00at Damitc.comChecked 9 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Damitc.com
Pros
  • Best noise cancellation in the AirPods line
  • Six hours per charge, 30 with the case
  • IP54 on buds and case
  • Hearing Test and hearing aid features
  • Secure fit that holds during runs
Cons
  • Silicone tips are not for everyone
  • Owners say it is expensive
  • Older model than the AirPods 5

What separates them

Apple AirPods 5Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation USB-C
FitOpen in-ear design with no ear tipsSealed in-ear design with silicone tips in multiple sizes
Noise cancellationImproved ANC, up to 50% better than the previous generationH2 chip ANC, up to 2x stronger than the original AirPods Pro
Battery lifeAbout 4 hours per chargeUp to 6 hours per charge, 30 hours with the case
Water and dust resistanceWater resistantIP54 on both earbuds and MagSafe case
Hearing healthNo hearing test or hearing aid featureBuilt-in Hearing Test and FDA-authorized Hearing Aid feature
Charging caseUSB-C charging caseUSB-C MagSafe case with U1 chip and Find My precision finding
ControlsStem force sensor with volume swipeStem force sensor with volume swipe
Awareness modeTransparency and Adaptive AudioAdaptive Transparency and Adaptive Audio

Price history

$247.32$114.99
Oct 28Nov 14
  • Apple AirPods 5: lowest $114.99 on Nov 2 at Walmart; $128.50 on Nov 14.
  • Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation USB-C: lowest $247.32 on Nov 14 at Amazon.

Prices at every store

Apple AirPods 5

  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $129.00Free shippingChecked 9 h ago
    Visit Best Buy
  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $129.00Free shippingChecked 9 h ago
    Visit Walmart
  • SweetwaterNew

    In stock

    $129.00Free shippingChecked 9 h ago
    Visit Sweetwater
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by madeversatile (100% positive, 2 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $105.00+ $5.72 shippingChecked Nov 10
    Visit eBay

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • SVA Campus StoreCheck price at SVA Campus Store

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All 33 stores and price history →

Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation USB-C

  • Damitc.comNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $69.00Checked 9 h ago
    Visit Damitc.com
  • SoundmaliNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $144.89Checked 9 h ago
    Visit Soundmali
  • AmazonRefurbished

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $159.95Free shippingChecked 9 h ago
    Visit Amazon
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $247.32Free shippingChecked 9 h ago
    Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 3 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecApple AirPods 5Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation USB-C
Headphone styleIn-Ear—
Noise control technologyActive Noise Cancellation—
WirelessY—
BrandApple—
Works withiPhone—
Assembled product weight0.28 lb—
ColorWhite—
AccessoriesWireless Charging Case—
Battery consumption typeIntegrated Rechargeable Battery—
Power typeBattery—
Generation5th Gen—
Headphone typeEarbuds—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple AirPods 5Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation USB-C
Model nameAirPods 5—
Noise CancelingYes—
With MicrophoneYes—
With Charging CaseYes—
StyleIn-ear—
Wireless TypeBluetooth—
UseSports—
Assistant SupportSiri—
With Adaptive EQYes—
Water-ResistantYes

What reviewers say

Apple AirPods 5

  • 4.6 / 5183 ratings

With 4.6 out of 5 from 183 ratings, owners mostly like the sound, comfort and noise cancellation. The open fit is the main complaint: it lets noise in and can feel loose. Some question whether it is worth upgrading from AirPods 4, while CNET calls it a timely upgrade with substantially more effective noise cancellation.

What people mention
  • SoundPraisedReviewers praise the sound quality from the redesigned acoustic architecture.
  • ComfortPraisedOwners call the open-ear fit comfortable for long wear.
  • Noise cancellationMixedANC is praised, but the open design still lets in noise and distracts from music.
  • Fit securityCriticisedOne shopper found the fit insecure and said the earbuds can fall off.
A reviewer's verdict
  • CNET

    A timely upgrade for Apple fans, offering the same look as before but with substantially more effective noise cancellation.

    Read the review

Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation USB-C

Buyers praise the AirPods Pro 2 as the best in-ear headphones they've owned, citing effective noise cancellation, comfortable fit, and seamless Apple integration. The main complaint is the high price.

What people mention
  • Noise cancellationPraisedReviewers say it effectively blocks external noise on public transit and flights.
  • FitPraisedUsers find them comfortable and secure during workouts.
  • Sound qualityPraisedOwners call them the best in-ear headphones and note volume is loud enough without maxing out.
  • Apple integrationPraisedThey pair and switch seamlessly across Apple devices.
Reviews
  • 22 Cool Tech Gifts We Secretly Want for Ourselves for the Holidays 2026 - CNET
  • CNET Gift of the Year Awards: Supreme Tech for Your Holiday Wish List - CNET
  • Best Headphones to Buy in 2026, Tested and Reviewed
  • Best Earbuds of 2026: Wireless, Noise Canceling, In-Ear
  • Best True Wireless Earbuds
  • The Best Wireless Earbuds for 2026

Questions and answers

Which has better noise cancellation?
The AirPods Pro 2. Its H2 chip delivers up to twice the ANC of the original AirPods Pro, and the sealed tip fit blocks more sound than the open AirPods 5.
Which is better for running and the gym?
The AirPods Pro 2. The silicone tips lock in place and both buds and case carry an IP54 rating. The AirPods 5 are water resistant but sit looser in the ear.
Which lasts longer on a charge?
The AirPods Pro 2, at up to 6 hours versus about 4 hours for the AirPods 5. With the case, the Pro 2 reach up to 30 hours.
Do the AirPods 5 have any feature the Pro 2 lack?
They are a newer generation with a refreshed acoustic design and volume swipe on the stem. The Pro 2 also have volume swipe, so the main gain is the newer tuning and a lighter open fit.
Are the AirPods Pro 2 worth stepping up to?
Yes for most buyers. You get stronger ANC, longer battery, a sealed fit and hearing health features. Skip them only if silicone tips bother you.
Do both work with iPhone, iPad and Mac?
Yes. Both pair instantly and switch automatically across Apple devices, and both support Personalized Spatial Audio and hands-free Siri.

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—
Width3.23″ wide—
Depth3.23″ deep—
Max Battery Life4 hours—
Approx. Battery Life4—
TypeIn-Ear—
Connection TypeWireless—
True Wirelesstrue—
Ideal For Wireless TV Usefalse—
Ideal For Sports And Workoutstrue—
Android Controlsfalse—
iPhone Controlstrue—
Bluetoothtrue—
Sound Isolationtrue—
Approx. Battery Life (Case)20—
Noise Cancellingtrue—
Microphonetrue—
Number of Microphones3—
Power Switchfalse—
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