Apple's AirPods Pro 3 offer heart-rate and hearing features AirPods 5 lack
Apple recently launched AirPods 5, bringing active noise cancellation down to a lower price point than before. However, AirPods Pro 3 retain several features not found in the cheaper model, including in-ear tip design, built-in heart rate monitoring during workouts, and hearing health tools such as a hearing test, hearing aid function, and hearing protection.
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The comparison suggests Apple is segmenting its AirPods lineup by health and fitness capability rather than just noise cancellation, positioning Pro 3 as a wellness device rather than simply premium earbuds. Buyers focused on workout tracking or hearing health may find the price gap justified, while casual listeners could be satisfied with the cheaper AirPods 5.
- AirPods 5 now bring ANC to a lower price but use an open-ear design.
- AirPods Pro 3 add heart rate monitoring that can complement or substitute Apple Watch data.
- Only AirPods Pro 3 include hearing test, hearing aid, and hearing protection features.
Apple AirPods Pro 3 — AirPods Pro 3 bring active noise cancellation, a more secure in-ear fit, and built-in heart rate monitoring for workouts, making them a great step up from the AirPods 5. If you want the most complete AirPods experience with better comfort and fitness tracking, this is the pick discussed in the article.
See Apple AirPods Pro 3 on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: 9to5mac.com — Chance Miller, 2026-09-28
Published there as: “AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods 5: Three reasons to go Pro”
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