{"id":4100,"date":"2026-09-09T19:45:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-09T19:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/routenote.com\/radar\/?p=4100"},"modified":"2026-09-09T19:38:01","modified_gmt":"2026-09-09T19:38:01","slug":"airpods-5-vs-airpods-pro-3-which-should-you-buy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/routenote.com\/radar\/airpods-5-vs-airpods-pro-3-which-should-you-buy\/","title":{"rendered":"AirPods 5 vs AirPods Pro 3: Which Should You Buy?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Apple&#8217;s AirPods lineup just became much more complicated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AirPods 5 have arrived with improved sound, Active Noise Cancellation, Live Translation, Siri AI and even volume controls on the more expensive version.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That means many of the reasons people previously upgraded to AirPods Pro are now available on Apple&#8217;s cheaper open-ear earbuds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So if you are choosing between AirPods 5 and AirPods Pro 3, which pair should you actually buy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The answer mostly comes down to three things:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">How much noise cancellation you want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you prefer silicone ear tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And whether you want the health features built into AirPods Pro 3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">AirPods 5 vs AirPods Pro 3 at a glance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AirPods 5 start at $129 in the US, with the Wireless Charging Case version costing $149. AirPods Pro 3 currently cost \u00a3219 in the UK and $249 at launch in the US.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AirPods 5 use an open-ear design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AirPods Pro 3 use silicone ear tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both offer Active Noise Cancellation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both support Adaptive Audio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both support Transparency mode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both offer Personalised Spatial Audio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both support Live Translation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both can work with Siri AI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But AirPods Pro 3 still contain several features the standard AirPods do not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">AirPods Pro 3 have better noise cancellation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If blocking outside noise is your priority, AirPods Pro 3 remain the better choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The silicone ear tips create a physical seal inside your ear before Apple even begins applying electronic noise cancellation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Apple says AirPods Pro 3 can remove up to twice as much noise as AirPods Pro 2 and four times as much as the original AirPods Pro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AirPods 5 take a different approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They remain open-ear headphones, but Apple says their ANC removes up to 50% more external noise than AirPods 4 with ANC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That should make AirPods 5 considerably better than previous standard AirPods in noisy environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But physics still favours the sealed AirPods Pro design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Winner: AirPods Pro 3<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">AirPods 5 may be more comfortable<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This one is much more subjective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some people love silicone ear tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Other people hate them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AirPods 5 simply sit inside the ear without creating a tight seal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That can make them feel lighter and less intrusive during long listening sessions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AirPods Pro 3 go further into the ear and use foam-infused silicone tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Apple offers five ear-tip sizes with AirPods Pro 3, including XXS, and redesigned the earbuds to improve stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If normal AirPods fit your ears well, AirPods 5 could be more comfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If AirPods tend to move or fall out of your ears, the Pro model is likely the safer choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Winner: Depends on your ears<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which sounds better?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AirPods Pro 3 should still provide the more controlled listening experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Their sealed design helps preserve bass frequencies and isolates music from the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But AirPods 5 have received a substantial sound upgrade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Apple has introduced a new multiport acoustic architecture inspired by AirPods Pro 3 along with next-generation Adaptive EQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That means the standard AirPods are no longer merely the basic option for casual listening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Apple is clearly trying to close the sound-quality gap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For quiet environments, the difference may be less important than it once was.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In noisy environments, AirPods Pro 3 are likely to retain an advantage because of their better isolation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Winner: AirPods Pro 3<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Both get Siri AI<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is effectively no reason to buy AirPods Pro 3 specifically for Apple&#8217;s new Siri AI experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AirPods 5 also support it when paired with a compatible iPhone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Siri AI can use personal context and information across things such as messages and emails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For music, that creates some interesting possibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Apple says you could ask Siri to play a song that someone recommended to you in a message rather than remembering the song title yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both headphones can therefore become much more capable hands-free interfaces for your iPhone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Winner: Tie<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Both support Live Translation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Live Translation was one of the headline AirPods Pro 3 features when they launched in 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AirPods 5 now support it too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Compatible AirPods can translate supported spoken languages and play the translated conversation directly into the listener&#8217;s ears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If Live Translation was one of the main reasons you were considering AirPods Pro 3, you can now get it considerably cheaper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Winner: Tie<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">AirPods Pro 3 can measure your heart rate<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is a major difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AirPods Pro 3 include a heart-rate sensor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Apple uses infrared light to measure changes in blood flow inside the ear, allowing users to monitor heart rate during exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AirPods Pro 3 can also work with the iPhone Fitness app to track more than 50 workout types.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AirPods 5 do not include the same heart-rate sensing system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want headphones that double as a fitness device, AirPods Pro 3 are clearly ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Winner: AirPods Pro 3<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">AirPods Pro 3 have hearing-health features<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AirPods Pro 3 are also designed as much more than headphones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Depending on regional availability, Apple&#8217;s hearing-health features include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hearing Test<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hearing Aid<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hearing Protection<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Conversation Boost<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These features turn AirPods Pro into something approaching a broader hearing-health device rather than simply wireless earbuds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Regular AirPods 5 do not offer the same full hearing-health system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Winner: AirPods Pro 3<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">AirPods Pro 3 have better battery life with ANC<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AirPods Pro 3 provide up to eight hours of listening with Active Noise Cancellation on a single charge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case provide up to five hours with ANC enabled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is a fairly significant difference if you regularly use headphones during long flights or entire working days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Winner: AirPods Pro 3<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">AirPods 5 are much cheaper<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is where things become difficult for AirPods Pro 3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AirPods 5 start at $129.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The upgraded AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case cost $149.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AirPods Pro 3 launched at $249 in the US and currently sell for \u00a3219 through Apple in the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is a considerable price difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And the cheaper AirPods still include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Active Noise Cancellation<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Transparency<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Adaptive Audio<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spatial Audio<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Live Translation<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Siri AI<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Conversation Awareness<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The $149 model also adds wireless charging and volume controls on the stem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The question therefore becomes whether the remaining Pro features are worth the extra money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which should you buy for listening to music?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For most casual listeners, AirPods 5 are probably enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They offer considerably better ANC than the previous generation and many of Apple&#8217;s smartest software features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you listen mostly at home, walking, commuting or working in relatively normal environments, AirPods 5 provide a very strong package.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AirPods Pro 3 make more sense if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You travel frequently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You want the strongest possible noise cancellation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You prefer a secure in-ear fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You exercise with your AirPods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You want heart-rate tracking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You use Apple&#8217;s hearing-health features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You want longer single-charge battery life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">AirPods 5 vs AirPods Pro 3: the verdict<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AirPods Pro 3 are still Apple&#8217;s better earbuds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But AirPods 5 may be Apple&#8217;s better-value earbuds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That distinction matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For $129 or $149, Apple is now giving standard AirPods users features that would once have made the Pro upgrade an obvious decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For serious travellers, fitness users and people who want Apple&#8217;s health technology, AirPods Pro 3 remain worth considering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For everyone else, AirPods 5 have suddenly become much harder to ignore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And if you hate silicone ear tips, the decision might be particularly easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AirPods 5 finally bring a genuinely premium feature set to Apple&#8217;s open-ear design.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Apple&#8217;s AirPods lineup just became much more complicated. AirPods 5 have arrived with improved sound, Active Noise Cancellation, Live Translation, Siri AI and even volume controls on the more expensive version. That means many of the reasons people previously upgraded to AirPods Pro are now available on Apple&#8217;s cheaper open-ear earbuds. So if you are choosing between AirPods 5 and AirPods Pro 3, which pair should you actually buy? The answer mostly comes down to three things: How much noise cancellation you want. Whether you prefer silicone ear tips. And whether you want the health features built into AirPods Pro&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4101,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2048],"tags":[2300,947,2479,1285],"coauthors":[2],"class_list":["post-4100","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tech","tag-airpods","tag-apple-2","tag-apple-airpods","tag-headphones"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>AirPods 5 vs AirPods Pro 3: Which Should You Buy? - RouteNote - Radar<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/radar\/airpods-5-vs-airpods-pro-3-which-should-you-buy\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"AirPods 5 vs AirPods Pro 3: Which Should You Buy? - RouteNote - Radar\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Apple&#8217;s AirPods lineup just became much more complicated. 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And whether you want the health features built into AirPods Pro...\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/radar\/airpods-5-vs-airpods-pro-3-which-should-you-buy\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"RouteNote - Radar\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-09-09T19:45:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-09-09T19:38:01+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/radar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/airpods-5.jpeg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"399\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"501\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Radar Team\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Radar Team\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/radar\/airpods-5-vs-airpods-pro-3-which-should-you-buy\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/radar\/airpods-5-vs-airpods-pro-3-which-should-you-buy\/\",\"name\":\"AirPods 5 vs AirPods Pro 3: Which Should You Buy? - RouteNote - Radar\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/radar\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/radar\/airpods-5-vs-airpods-pro-3-which-should-you-buy\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/radar\/airpods-5-vs-airpods-pro-3-which-should-you-buy\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/radar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/airpods-5.jpeg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-09-09T19:45:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-09-09T19:38:01+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/radar\/#\/schema\/person\/84acf3ef696cf23eb58b00a412a88b5d\"},\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/radar\/airpods-5-vs-airpods-pro-3-which-should-you-buy\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/radar\/airpods-5-vs-airpods-pro-3-which-should-you-buy\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/radar\/airpods-5-vs-airpods-pro-3-which-should-you-buy\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/radar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/airpods-5.jpeg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/radar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/airpods-5.jpeg\",\"width\":399,\"height\":501},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/radar\/airpods-5-vs-airpods-pro-3-which-should-you-buy\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/radar\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"AirPods 5 vs AirPods Pro 3: Which Should You Buy?\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/radar\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/radar\/\",\"name\":\"RouteNote - Radar\",\"description\":\"Radar is your home for the latest in artist and music news\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/radar\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/radar\/#\/schema\/person\/84acf3ef696cf23eb58b00a412a88b5d\",\"name\":\"Radar Team\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/radar\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/14878ad60959f746cebf48c876c5110c\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/621725d9fca5b58a6007a04f779a1ebcc709300c88313b81cbffe3b1cc9c5459?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/621725d9fca5b58a6007a04f779a1ebcc709300c88313b81cbffe3b1cc9c5459?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Radar Team\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/radar\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/radar\/author\/rn_adm_rad\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"AirPods 5 vs AirPods Pro 3: Which Should You Buy? - RouteNote - Radar","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/routenote.com\/radar\/airpods-5-vs-airpods-pro-3-which-should-you-buy\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"AirPods 5 vs AirPods Pro 3: Which Should You Buy? - RouteNote - Radar","og_description":"Apple&#8217;s AirPods lineup just became much more complicated. 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