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Apple AirPods 5 vs Apple AirPods Pro 3

Buy the AirPods Pro 3 if you want the best noise cancellation and a secure seal for commuting, flights or workouts. The AirPods 5 is the open-fit option for people who dislike silicone tips and want to stay aware of their surroundings. Owners praise both for sound and comfort, but the open design of the AirPods 5 lets in more noise and can feel loose for some ears.

  • Choose the AirPods 5 if you prefer an open fit without silicone tips and want to hear traffic, announcements and conversations while you listen.
  • Choose the AirPods Pro 3 if you want stronger noise cancellation, a sealed in-ear fit and a more secure hold during exercise.

Prices

  • Apple AirPods 5: $125.99 at eBay (checked today)
  • Apple AirPods Pro 3: $170.00 at Mercari (last seen Nov 7)
  • Difference: the Apple AirPods 5 is $44.01 cheaper than the Apple AirPods Pro 3 at the latest prices (Nov 7 and Nov 8)
Apple
Apple AirPods 5

Apple AirPods 5

4.6(183 ratings)
$125.99at eBayVerified
See all prices and details
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Store links may earn us a commission.

Pros
  • Open fit stays comfortable and keeps you aware
  • Strong sound quality and improved ANC
  • Hands-free Siri and Live Translation
  • Wireless charging case
Cons
  • Open design lets in outside noise
  • Fit can feel loose; buds may fall out
  • Some owners see it as a small step up from AirPods 4
Apple
Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation Wireless Earbuds

Apple AirPods Pro 3

Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation Wireless Earbuds

$170.00at MercariObserved Nov 7, 2026, 5:39 AM
See all prices and details
Visit Mercari
Pros
  • Best-in-class noise cancellation from the sealed fit
  • Secure hold for workouts and travel
  • Comfortable silicone tips in multiple sizes
  • Simple USB-C charging
Cons
  • Seal blocks awareness unless Transparency is on
  • Silicone tips take getting used to
  • Fewer open-ear conveniences than the AirPods 5

What separates them

Apple AirPods 5Apple AirPods Pro 3
FitOpen-fit earbuds that rest at the ear openingIn-ear design with silicone tips that seal the ear canal
Noise cancellationActive Noise Cancellation, improved up to 50% over the previous generationActive Noise Cancellation with a sealed tip that blocks more sound passively
AwarenessTransparency and Adaptive Audio keep surroundings audibleTransparency mode, but the seal mutes surroundings by default
Stability during workoutsCan feel insecure; one shopper reported buds falling offTip seal holds the bud in place better for running and gym use
ControlsStem force sensor with volume swipe and hands-free SiriStem press controls with Siri support
Charging caseWireless charging case with USB-CUSB-C charging case
Water resistanceWater-resistantWater-resistant
Software featuresLive Translation, Conversation Awareness and Personalized Spatial AudioSiri, spatial audio and standard Apple audio features

Price history

$239.00$114.99
Oct 28Nov 9
  • Apple AirPods 5: lowest $114.99 on Nov 2 at Walmart; $129.00 on Nov 9.
  • Apple AirPods Pro 3: lowest $170.00 on Nov 7 at Mercari; $239.00 on Nov 9.

Prices at every store

Apple AirPods 5

  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $129.00Verified
    Visit Walmart
  • BrandsMart USANew

    In stockReturn policy

    $129.00Verified
    Visit BrandsMart USA
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by chrisbris15 (99.6% positive, 17,600 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $125.99Free shippingVerified
    Visit eBay
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $129.00Free shippingObserved at 7:03 PM
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • SVA Campus StoreCheck price at SVA Campus Store
  • CuracaoCheck price at Curacao

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All 28 stores and price history →

Apple AirPods Pro 3

  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $199.00Verified
    Visit Walmart
  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $239.00Free shippingObserved at 7:03 PM
    Visit Best Buy
  • MercariNew

    Availability unknown

    $170.00Observed Nov 7, 2026, 5:39 AM
    Visit Mercari
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $199.00Observed Nov 7, 2026, 5:39 AM
    Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 4 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecApple AirPods 5Apple AirPods Pro 3
WirelessYYes
ColorWhiteWhite
With MicrophoneYesYes
StyleIn-earIn-ear
Assistant SupportSiriSiri
Water-ResistantYesYes
Noise CancellingtrueActive Noise Cancelling
MicrophonetrueYes
USB TypeUSB-CUSB-C
Wireless TechnologyBluetoothBluetooth
Type of HeadphoneIn-EarIn-Ear
Headphone styleIn-Ear—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple AirPods 5Apple AirPods Pro 3
Noise control technologyActive Noise Cancellation—
BrandApple—
Works withiPhone—
Assembled product weight0.28 lb—
AccessoriesWireless Charging Case—
Battery consumption typeIntegrated Rechargeable Battery—
Power typeBattery—
Generation5th Gen—
Headphone typeEarbuds—
Model name

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.

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.

Apple AirPods Pro 3

Owners of earlier AirPods Pro generations consistently praise the noise cancelling, the tight Apple integration and the comfortable fit. Complaints center on battery life and on Android users missing key features.

What people mention
  • Noise cancellingPraisedOwners say it silences plane engines and open-plan office chatter well for earbuds this small.
  • Apple integrationPraisedPairing and switching between iPhone, iPad and Mac is described as instant.
  • Battery lifeCriticisedReviewers note the earbuds need recharging more often than over-ear headphones and degrade with age.
  • FitMixedMany find the tips comfortable, but some say the seal loosens during runs.
Reviews
  • 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
  • Best Headphones to Buy in 2026, Tested and Reviewed - Is that too much to pay
  • The Best Wireless Earbuds We've Tested for 2026 - PCMag editors select and review products independently

Questions and answers

Which is better for noisy commutes?
The AirPods Pro 3. Its sealed tips block more sound before ANC even starts, so trains and planes stay quieter.
Which stays in better during running?
The AirPods Pro 3. The tip seal grips the ear canal, while the open-fit AirPods 5 can work loose.
Which is better if I want to hear traffic?
The AirPods 5. Its open design keeps surroundings audible without switching modes.
Is the AirPods Pro 3 worth stepping up to?
Yes if noise cancellation and a secure fit matter most. Stay with the AirPods 5 if you dislike silicone tips.
Do both have water resistance?
Yes. Both are listed as water-resistant, which covers sweat and light rain.
Which has more smart features?
The AirPods 5 adds Live Translation, Conversation Awareness and Adaptive Audio alongside Siri.

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AirPods 5
—
Noise CancelingYes—
With Charging CaseYes—
Wireless TypeBluetooth—
UseSports—
With Adaptive EQYes—
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—
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