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Apple AirPods 5 vs Apple AirPods Pro 2

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

AppleAirPods 5AppleAirPods Pro 2
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2026September 2023
Sound
TypeOpen-earIn-ear
Noise cancellingYesYes
Transparency modeYesYes
Spatial audio with head trackingYesYes
Bluetooth codecsSBC and AACSBC and AAC
Lossless over USB-CNoNo
ChipH2H2
DriversCustom high-excursion Apple driver and custom high dynamic range amplifier in a new multiport acoustic architectureCustom high-excursion Apple driver and custom high dynamic range amplifier
Chip–H2 in each AirPod; U1 chip in the MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C)
Noise cancelling detailUp to 1.5x more Active Noise Cancellation than AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation; Adaptive Audio, Transparency and Conversation AwarenessUp to 2x more Active Noise Cancellation than AirPods Pro (1st generation) and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation; Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode and Conversation Awareness
Audio featuresPersonalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking; Adaptive EQ; Voice Isolation; studio-quality audio recording; Live Translation; lossless audio with Apple Vision ProPersonalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking; Adaptive EQ; Personalised Volume; Voice Isolation; Live Translation (with iOS 26 and an Apple Intelligence iPhone); lossless audio when paired with Apple Vision Pro
Hearing health–Hearing Test, Hearing Aid and Loud Sound Reduction in the UK; active Hearing Protection is available only in selected regions, not the UK
Battery
Listening time (maker's claim)Up to 4 hoursUp to 6 hours
With the caseUp to 20 hoursUp to 30 hours
Wireless chargingNoYes
Battery life detailUp to 6 hours per charge with noise control offUp to 5.5 hours with Spatial Audio and head tracking on; up to 4 hours of Lossless Audio listening with Apple Vision Pro
Charging caseCharging Case (USB-C), charged by USB-C cable onlyMagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) with speaker for Find My and lanyard loop; charges with MagSafe, Apple Watch or Qi-certified chargers or a USB-C cable
Fast charging5 minutes in the case gives around 1 hour of listening5 minutes in the case gives around 1 hour of listening
Design
Weight (each earbud)4.3 g5.3 g
Water and sweat resistanceIP57IP54
Bluetooth5.35.3
ControlsForce sensor on the stems (press to play, pause, answer calls and skip; press and hold to switch listening modes); camera remote; “Hey Siri” or just “Siri”; Siri Interactions by nodding or shaking your headTouch control on the stems (press to play, pause, answer calls and skip; press and hold to switch listening modes; swipe up or down for volume); “Hey Siri” or just “Siri”; Siri Interactions
MicrophonesDual beamforming microphones and an inward-facing microphone; speech-detecting accelerometerDual beamforming microphones and an inward-facing microphone; speech-detecting accelerometer
Fit and ear tipsOpen-ear design with no ear tipsSilicone ear tips in four sizes (XS, S, M, L)
Case weight32.3 g50.8 g
Water resistance detailIP57 (IEC 60529) for the AirPods and charging caseIP54 (IEC 60529) for the AirPods Pro and charging case
Works withFull features with iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV and Apple Vision Pro on the latest software; works as Bluetooth headphones with other devices, with limited featuresFull features with iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV and Apple Vision Pro on the latest software; works as Bluetooth headphones with other devices, with limited features
ColoursWhiteWhite
In the boxAirPods 5 and Charging Case (USB-C), documentation; no USB-C cable or power adapterAirPods Pro 2, MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) with speaker and lanyard loop, silicone ear tips (XS, S, M, L), USB-C Charge Cable, documentation

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