Updated 11 November 2026
Apple currently sells four AirPods models in Australia: AirPods 5, AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case, AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Max 2. Here’s the Australian Apple News buying guide to help you choose the right pair.
AirPods 5
AirPods 5 are the new entry point in the line-up, and Active Noise Cancellation is now included on both versions. Apple rates the ANC as up to 1.5 times stronger than AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. Both models also offer Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode, Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Voice Isolation, Hey Siri, Siri Interactions, Live Translation (when paired with a compatible Apple Intelligence iPhone) and Siri AI.
The standard AirPods 5, at $219, use a USB-C Charging Case and are rated at up to four hours of listening on one charge with ANC on. They do not include a USB-C charge cable or power adapter in the box.
AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case cost $249. The extra $30 buys a wireless case that works with an Apple Watch charger and Qi chargers, a speaker for Find My, a force sensor with volume swipe, and longer battery life — up to five hours on one charge with ANC on. If you already have a Qi or Apple Watch charger on the bedside table, this is the version most people should buy.
Neither AirPods 5 model offers hearing-test or hearing-aid features, heart-rate sensing or lossless audio. They are the right choice if you want noise cancellation and Apple’s usual everyday features without paying for the Pro model.
Apple’s AirPods 5 site: https://www.apple.com/au/airpods-5/.
AirPods Pro 3
AirPods Pro 3 are Apple’s in-ear flagship, at $429. Apple calls them the world’s best in-ear Active Noise Cancellation and rates the ANC as up to three times stronger than AirPods 5. They also add heart-rate sensing during workouts, plus Hearing Test, Hearing Aid and Loud Sound Reduction features — none of which are on AirPods 5. (As with other hearing features, availability can depend on region and eligibility; check Apple’s current feature-availability notes if that is a deciding factor.)
Battery life is the other clear step up: up to eight hours on one charge with ANC on, and up to 10 hours in Transparency mode when using the Hearing Aid feature. The MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) works with an Apple Watch charger and Qi chargers, and includes a lanyard loop and a speaker for Find My.
Choose AirPods Pro 3 if you want the strongest in-ear noise cancellation Apple sells, you will use them for workouts, or the hearing features matter to you. The jump from $249 to $429 is significant, so they are not automatic for everyone.
Apple’s AirPods Pro site: https://www.apple.com/au/airpods-pro/.
AirPods Max 2
AirPods Max 2 are the over-ear model, at $999. Apple rates their ANC as up to 1.5 times stronger than the original AirPods Max. They add Adaptive Audio, Transparency, Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Loud Sound Reduction, Live Translation and Siri AI, plus lossless and ultra-low-latency audio over USB-C — the only current AirPods with lossless audio. Battery life is rated at up to 20 hours on one charge with ANC on, and they ship with a Smart Case.
They do not have heart-rate sensing or the Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features found on AirPods Pro 3. These are the ones to buy if you want an over-ear headset, longer listening sessions and lossless audio at a desk or on a plane. They are also the most expensive option by a wide margin.
How the four models compare
| AirPods 5 $219 | AirPods 5 + wireless case $249 | AirPods Pro 3 $429 | AirPods Max 2 $999 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fit | Open-ear buds | Open-ear buds | In-ear buds | Over-ear |
| ANC | Yes, up to 1.5x AirPods 4 with ANC | Yes, same ANC, plus volume swipe | Yes, up to 3x AirPods 5; hearing features | Yes, up to 1.5x original Max; lossless USB-C |
| Battery, one charge with ANC | Up to 4 hours | Up to 5 hours | Up to 8 hours | Up to 20 hours |
| Case | USB-C Charging Case | Wireless USB-C case, Qi and Apple Watch charger, Find My speaker | MagSafe USB-C case, lanyard, Find My speaker | Smart Case |
| Not included | USB-C cable or adapter | USB-C cable or adapter | — | — |
Apple’s AirPods Max site: https://www.apple.com/au/airpods-max/.
Which AirPods should you buy?
If you want a simple, cheaper pair with noise cancellation, start with AirPods 5. Spend the extra $30 on the wireless charging case unless you are happy to plug in a USB-C cable every time.
If you want the best in-ear sound control, workout heart-rate sensing or hearing features, AirPods Pro 3 are the ones to get. If you prefer over-ear cans and lossless audio, AirPods Max 2 are in a category of their own.
New subscribers can get three months of Apple Music free with eligible AirPods. After the trial, an individual Apple Music plan is $14.99 a month. If you are already weighing up Music, TV and iCloud together, see our guide to which Apple One bundle to buy.
AirPods can be engraved when you buy them from Apple. If you want accidental-damage cover, Apple’s published AppleCare service fee for AirPods is $45 per incident; the plan itself is optional and sits on top of your rights under Australian Consumer Law. See our guide to Apple products and Australian Consumer Law. The older AirPods 4 product page now redirects to AirPods 5, so the 5 is the current non-Pro model to buy new.