AirPods 5 vs AirPods Pro 3: Should You Buy Now or Wait for September 9?
Apple's "Surprise and Shine" event on September 9 is one week away, and two new AirPods 5 models are all but confirmed. With the AirPods Pro 3 sitting at $199 on Amazon and AirPods 4 at $123, should you buy now — or hold out seven days for what could be a brand-new entry-level lineup? Here's everything we know and our honest recommendation.
Event Date
September 9, 2026 — Apple's "Surprise and Shine". Two AirPods 5 models expected.
Key Upgrade
H3 chip, possible Bluetooth LE Audio, microphone and acoustic upgrades from Pro line.
Buy Now
AirPods Pro 3 at $199 on Amazon. AirPods 4 at $123. Both at near all-time lows.
What Do We Know About the AirPods 5?
Two unreleased AirPods models have surfaced in macOS code, following Apple's established naming pattern. Here's what the leaks and supply-chain reports tell us:
- Two variants: A standard model (no ANC) and an ANC variant, mirroring the AirPods 4 lineup
- H3 chip: Apple's next-generation audio processor, promising reduced latency and improved audio quality over the H2 in the current AirPods 4
- Bluetooth LE Audio support: Possibly enabling more efficient streaming and multi-device audio sharing — a feature Android flagships have offered for two years
- Microphone and acoustic upgrades: Borrowed from the AirPods Pro line, delivering better call quality and clearer vocals
- Fastest refresh ever: Just 12 months since the AirPods 4 launch, compared to the typical 18-to-24-month AirPods cycle
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman characterizes the AirPods 5 as a "minor" update — an entry-level refresh rather than a reinvention. Don't expect Pro-level features like heart rate monitoring or hearing aid functionality. The camera-equipped AirPods (sometimes called AirPods Ultra) have been delayed until 2027.
How Will AirPods 5 Compare to AirPods Pro 3?
These are fundamentally different product tiers. The AirPods Pro 3 will remain Apple's flagship earbuds even after the AirPods 5 launch:
- Noise cancellation: AirPods Pro 3 offer 2x better ANC than their predecessor. The base AirPods 5 won't have ANC at all; the ANC variant will have weaker cancellation than the Pro
- Health features: Heart rate monitoring, FDA-cleared hearing aid mode, and hearing test — exclusive to the Pro 3. AirPods 5 won't include any health sensors
- Audio quality: Both should benefit from H-series chips, but the Pro 3's adaptive audio engine and custom drivers are a tier above
- Price gap: Expect AirPods 5 at $129-$179, versus AirPods Pro 3 at $249 retail (currently $199 on Amazon)
In short, if you want the best Apple earbuds experience, the AirPods Pro 3 are what you're after. The AirPods 5 are for buyers who want the Apple ecosystem at a lower price point and don't need premium features.
Should You Buy AirPods Pro 3 Now at $199?
Yes, if you want premium earbuds. The AirPods Pro 3 at $199 is $50 off the $249 retail price, and the September 9 event won't affect the Pro line. No AirPods Pro 4 is expected this year — that update was pulled from Apple's 2026 roadmap. You're not buying into a product that's about to be replaced.
Wait if you want base-model AirPods. The AirPods 4 at $123 is a fine deal, but with AirPods 5 landing in a week, you'll either get a newer model for a similar price or see AirPods 4 drop further as retailers clear stock. One week of patience could save you $20-$30 or get you the H3 chip upgrade.
What About Non-Apple Alternatives?
If you're not locked into the Apple ecosystem, several excellent options are available right now at competitive prices:
- Sony WF-1000XM6 ($248.95): Best cross-platform earbuds with class-leading sound quality. Eight microphones per earbud for exceptional call clarity. Works equally well with iPhone and Android
- Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro ($119.99): Incredible value with solid ANC and seamless Galaxy ecosystem integration. The cheapest premium earbuds on this list
- Bose QC Ultra Earbuds ($152.50): Still the noise cancellation king. Immersive spatial audio and the most comfortable fit of any premium earbud
Browse the full lineup in our wireless earbuds comparison to see specs, ratings, and live prices side by side.
The Bottom Line: Wait or Buy?
Buy AirPods Pro 3 now at $199 if you want premium ANC, health features, and the best Apple earbuds experience. The September 9 event changes nothing for the Pro line, and $199 is an excellent price that may not last.
Wait one week for AirPods 5 if you want affordable Apple earbuds. The H3 chip, improved microphones, and possible Bluetooth LE Audio make it worth holding out — even if Gurman says the update is minor. At the very least, AirPods 4 prices will drop after the announcement.
Don't wait for camera AirPods. They're delayed until September 2027 — 13 months away. Whatever you buy today will serve you well until then.
For a complete overview of everything Apple is expected to announce, see our September 9 event preview.
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Common questions about AirPods 5 vs AirPods Pro 3
Quick answers on the September 9 event, H3 chip, and which AirPods to buy now.
When will AirPods 5 be announced?
AirPods 5 are expected at Apple's "Surprise and Shine" event on September 9, 2026. Two models — a standard variant and an ANC variant — have appeared in macOS code. This is the fastest refresh cycle in AirPods history at roughly 12 months, compared to the typical 18-to-24-month gap.
Should I buy AirPods Pro 3 now or wait for AirPods 5?
If you want premium noise cancellation, heart rate monitoring, and hearing aid features, buy AirPods Pro 3 now — AirPods 5 won't replace the Pro line. If you only need everyday earbuds without ANC, waiting one week for the September 9 announcement makes sense. AirPods 4 prices will also drop after the event.
Will AirPods 5 have noise cancellation?
One of the two AirPods 5 models is expected to include active noise cancellation, similar to how AirPods 4 offered both a base and an ANC variant. However, the AirPods 5 ANC model will still sit below AirPods Pro 3 in Apple's lineup, with less powerful noise cancellation and no health features.
What is the H3 chip in AirPods 5?
The H3 chip is Apple's next-generation audio processor expected to debut in AirPods 5. It should deliver lower latency, improved audio quality, and better Bluetooth connectivity. It may also enable Bluetooth LE Audio support for more efficient streaming and multi-device audio sharing.
Are camera AirPods coming in 2026?
No. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman confirmed that camera-equipped AirPods (sometimes called AirPods Ultra) have been delayed to September 2027. The AirPods 5 coming this September are traditional earbuds without cameras.