Apple debuted the all-new AirPods 5 this month, and they bring ANC to lower prices than ever before. If you’re shopping for AirPods, however, there are still several reasons you might want to opt for the more expensive AirPods Pro 3.
AirPods are one of Apple’s most personal products. The fit can vary dramatically between different people depending on the size of their ears. AirPods 5 offer an open-ear design, so they rest on the inside of your ear. AirPods Pro, meanwhile, offer a more traditional in-ear design with ear tips.
Personally, I find AirPods Pro to be more comfortable than AirPods 5. They’re also more secure for me, so I’m less worried they’ll fall out of my ears.
One of the key differentiators between AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 5 is that AirPods Pro 3 offer built-in heart rate monitoring capabilities. During a workout, AirPods Pro can measure your heart rate to provide additional fitness metrics.
If you wear an Apple Watch, AirPods Pro 3 work along with your Apple Watch to ensure you get the most accurate data possible. Apple’s algorithms monitor the data from AirPods Pro and Apple Watch, and factor in the type of workout you’re doing, to use the most consistent data possible. For example, if you’re lifting weights and the Apple Watch ends up at an awkward angle on your wrist, AirPods Pro 3 will step in to provide more accurate data.
Furthermore, in iOS 27, Apple brought GymKit to the iPhone, so you can use iPhone and AirPods to get an Apple Watch-style experience … but without wearing a watch. Learn more about this change in Zac’s full coverage.
AirPods Pro 3 offer a range of hearing health features that aren’t available on AirPods 5. This includes:
With the Hearing Test feature, you can take a 5-minute test to identify if you have hearing loss. Apple’s Hearing Aid feature, meanwhile, is a clinical-grade hearing aid that uses the results of your test to craft a sound profile for your needs. Finally, Hearing Protection, can help prevent exposure to loud environmental noise.
There are other reasons to choose AirPods Pro over AirPods 5, including longer battery life, even better ANC, and a more capable charging case. The difference in ANC, in particular, is notable: Apple says AirPods Pro 3 offer 3x more Active Noise Cancellation than AirPods 5.
What do you think about deciding between AirPods Pro and AirPods 5? Which do you prefer? Let us know down in the comments!
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