Apple
AirPods 5
H3 · Basic ANC · USB-C
87
/ 100
From $199
VS
AirPods Pro 4 wins by 7
Apple
AirPods Pro 4
H3 · Adaptive ANC · Real-time translation
94
/ 100
From $279
Specdex verdict
AirPods Pro 4 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods 5 lands at 87 and AirPods Pro 4 at 94. That puts AirPods Pro 4 ahead by 7 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick AirPods 5 if…
- ✓Adds basic ANC to non-Pro AirPods
- ✓H3 chip efficiency
- ✓More natural call audio
Pick AirPods Pro 4 if…
- ✓H3 chip doubles ANC performance
- ✓Real-time Live Translate
- ✓Improved fit/heart-rate sensor
Score breakdown
AirPods 5
87 anc 80
sound 86
comfort 88
battery 84
features 88
AirPods Pro 4
94 anc 96
sound 92
comfort 94
battery 82
features 98
Specs side-by-side
Spec
AirPods 5
AirPods Pro 4
Chip
H3
H3
Connectivity
BT 5.4
BT 5.4
Release year
2025
2025
Battery
—
6 h (ANC) / 35 h case
Water rating
—
IP57
AirPods 5
Pros
- +Adds basic ANC to non-Pro AirPods
- +H3 chip efficiency
- +More natural call audio
Cons
- −ANC weaker than Pro 4
- −Open-fit still
- −No ear-tip seal
AirPods Pro 4
Pros
- +H3 chip doubles ANC performance
- +Real-time Live Translate
- +Improved fit/heart-rate sensor
Cons
- −Pricier than AirPods Pro 3
- −Android compatibility limited
- −Battery ~6h still
FAQ: AirPods 5 vs AirPods Pro 4
Which is better, AirPods 5 or AirPods Pro 4? +
AirPods Pro 4 scores 94 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 7. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is AirPods 5 worth the price? +
At $199, AirPods 5 delivers a Specdex score of 87 — strongest in comfort.
Is AirPods Pro 4 worth the price? +
At $279, AirPods Pro 4 delivers a Specdex score of 94 — strongest in features.
Does AirPods 5 or AirPods Pro 4 last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.