[DigitalToday reporter Jinju Hong (홍진주)] Apple has added active noise cancelling (ANC) to AirPods 5 unveiled this month, lifting the appeal of its entry wireless earbuds. But the higher-end AirPods Pro 3 still keeps distinctions in health features, fit and noise-control performance.

According to the IT outlet NineToFiveMac on Sept. 28 (local time), the differences between the two products extend beyond price to design, health functions, hearing protection and ANC performance across the user experience.

The most noticeable difference is the fit. AirPods 5 adopts an open-fit design that rests lightly on the ear, while AirPods Pro 3 uses a more traditional in-ear structure with ear tips.

An open-fit design allows outside sound to be heard naturally and can feel less stifling. But comfort and how securely it stays in place can vary depending on ear shape. AirPods Pro 3, with ear tips that seal inside the ear, can offer a more stable fit.

In health functions, AirPods Pro 3 has a clear edge. AirPods Pro 3 includes heart-rate measurement, allowing it to collect heart-rate data during exercise. When used with an Apple Watch, it is designed to combine data from the two devices so it can be used according to workout conditions.

In workouts such as weight training, where wrist position changes frequently, AirPods Pro 3 can serve as a supplementary measurement device. AirPods 5, by contrast, does not have heart-rate measurement.

Apple also expanded the 'GymKit' feature in iOS 27. It broadened the ecosystem in a way that uses an iPhone and AirPods to offer workout tracking similar to an Apple Watch. The feature targets users who do not wear a smartwatch when exercising.

Hearing-related features are also concentrated in AirPods Pro 3. Pro 3 supports hearing tests, a hearing-aid function and hearing protection. The hearing test runs for about 5 minutes and checks a user's hearing condition. Based on the results, it can set up a personalised sound profile to use the hearing-aid function.

The hearing-protection function focuses on protecting hearing in situations involving prolonged exposure to loud noise. AirPods 5 does not offer these hearing-related features.

The pro model remains differentiated in audio and noise-control performance. AirPods Pro 3 has longer battery life than AirPods 5 and offers more functions in the charging case.

The gap is particularly large in ANC performance. Apple explained that AirPods Pro 3 provides ANC that is 3 times stronger than AirPods 5. With ANC applied to AirPods 5 for the first time, lower-priced models can now reduce surrounding noise, but advanced noise-control functions remain in the Pro line.

Ultimately, the difference between the two is not simply a relationship of 'new product and older model.' AirPods 5 adds ANC to an open-fit design, strengthening the basic wireless earbud experience for everyday music listening and calls.

AirPods Pro 3, by contrast, builds on an in-ear design to broaden its range into health and fitness and noise control, including heart-rate measurement and workout tracking, hearing tests and hearing-aid functions, hearing protection and enhanced ANC.

As a result, choices between the two are expected to diverge based not only on price but also on fit, whether workout data will be used, the need for hearing-related features and whether users want strong noise blocking.