# Which AirPods to Buy: AirPods 5, Pro 3, Max 2 or AirPods 4

> Apple sells four AirPods models in Australia, from AirPods 5 at A$219 to AirPods Max 2 at A$999, and all four have noise cancellation. This guide compares them feature by feature using Apple’s own figures, lists Australian retailer prices, sets clearance AirPods 4 and the original AirPods Max against their replacements, shows what works on Android and covers AppleCare and your consumer guarantees.

- Canonical URL: https://techxtelco.com/tech/which-airpods-to-buy/
- Published: 2026-10-30
- Updated: 2026-10-30
- Topics: Technology, Devices, Guides
- Author: Michel Elijah
- Image: https://anrkjmgqmwfosbvyzrzc.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/which-airpods-to-buy/hero-v1.webp
- Publisher: Tech X Telco (https://techxtelco.com)

Apple’s Australian store sells four AirPods models, from A$219 to A$999, all with Active Noise Cancellation. Apple no longer sells AirPods 4, but some retailers still have them on clearance. The tables below compare the current models, the older ones and what works on Android. Every figure is Apple’s or a retailer’s, read on 30 October 2026; we have not tested these earbuds.

**Quick answer**

Choosing on price with an iPhone: AirPods 5, A$219, with noise cancellation in an open-ear design. Want wireless charging and a volume swipe: AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case, A$249. Want noise cancellation Apple rates at up to 3x AirPods 5, a sealed in-ear fit, heart rate sensing or the Hearing Aid feature: AirPods Pro 3, A$429. Want over-ear headphones with wired lossless audio: AirPods Max 2, A$999.

Looking at AirPods 4 with noise cancellation on clearance? AirPods 5 cost less at Apple’s A$219 RRP than any clearance price we found for them, and Apple quotes stronger noise cancellation and an IP57 rating, against IP54, for AirPods 5.

### Every Current AirPods Model Compared

Apple’s Australian prices and specifications, read 30 October 2026.

| Feature | AirPods 5 | AirPods 5 (Wireless Charging Case) | AirPods Pro 3 | AirPods Max 2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Price (Apple AU) | A$219 | A$249 | A$429 | A$999 |
| Active Noise Cancellation | ✓ Up to 1.5x AirPods 4 with ANC | ✓ Up to 1.5x AirPods 4 with ANC | ✓ Up to 3x AirPods 5 | ✓ Up to 1.5x original AirPods Max |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Audio | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fit | Open-ear design | Open-ear design | In-ear, five silicone tip sizes from XXS to L | Over-ear |
| Battery per charge, ANC on | Up to 4 hours | Up to 5 hours | Up to 8 hours | Up to 20 hours |
| Battery per charge, noise control off | Up to 6 hours | Up to 7 hours | Not stated | Not stated |
| Total with case, ANC on | Up to 20 hours | Up to 22 hours | Up to 24 hours | Not stated |
| Charging | USB-C case | USB-C case; Qi and Apple Watch chargers | USB-C MagSafe case; Qi and Apple Watch chargers | USB-C on the headphones; Smart Case |
| Dust, sweat and water rating (earbuds and case) | IP57 | IP57 | IP57 | ✗ No rating listed |
| Hearing Test in Australia | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ Australia listed | ✗ |
| Hearing Aid in Australia | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ Australia listed | ✗ |
| Hearing Protection in Australia | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ Australia not listed | ✗ Not listed for Max 2; Loud Sound Reduction listed |
| Heart rate sensing | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ During workouts, with iPhone | ✗ |
| Find My and case speaker | ✓ Find My; no case speaker listed | ✓ Find My; speaker in case | ✓ Find My with Precision Finding; speaker in case | Not stated |
| Volume control | ✗ No volume swipe | ✓ Swipe on stem | ✓ Swipe on stem | ✓ Digital Crown |
| Lossless audio over USB-C | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ Wired |
| Chip | H2 | H2 | H2; Ultra Wideband in case | H2 in each ear cup |
| USB-C cable in the box | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |

Note: Battery figures, noise cancellation multiples and ratings are Apple’s own, from its testing. Apple says the IP57 rating covers non-water sports and exercise and is not permanent. Hearing availability is from Apple’s Hearing Health Feature Availability page. Nothing was tested.

## What the Differences Mean

The two AirPods 5 models use the same open-ear earbuds. The extra A$30 buys a case that also charges on a Qi pad or Apple Watch charger and has a speaker for Find My, a volume swipe on the stem, and one more hour per charge with noise cancellation, according to Apple. Apple says the two AirPods 5 cases are not interchangeable: each works only with its own earbuds.

AirPods Pro 3 seal the ear with silicone tips. They are the only current model with heart rate sensing during workouts, which Apple says works with the Fitness and Health apps and supported third-party apps on iPhone, and the Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features. Apple lists Australia for both hearing features. They are intended for adults, and Apple describes the Hearing Aid as being for perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. Australia was not on Apple’s list for the separate Hearing Protection feature when we checked.

AirPods Max 2 are over-ear headphones with up to 20 hours per charge. They charge by USB-C, and Apple says the Smart Case preserves battery charge in an ultra-low-power state. They are the only current model with wired lossless and ultra-low-latency audio over USB-C, and the only one with a USB-C cable in the box. Apple lists no dust or water resistance for them.

AirPods 5 went on sale on 18 September 2026, as covered in our [AirPods 5 launch report](https://techxtelco.com/news/airpods-5-australia/). Apple’s Australian newsroom put AirPods Pro 3 on sale from 19 September 2025 at A$429 and opened orders for AirPods Max 2 on 26 March 2026 at A$999.

### Current Models: Apple and Retailer Prices

Prices shown on each retailer’s website on 30 October 2026. Retailer prices change often.

| Model | Apple | JB Hi-Fi | Harvey Norman | The Good Guys | BIG W |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| AirPods 5 | A$219 | $219 | $217 | $219 | $219 |
| AirPods 5 (Wireless Charging Case) | A$249 | $249 | $247 | $249 | $249 |
| AirPods Pro 3 | A$429 | $429 | $427 | $429 | $429 |
| AirPods Max 2 | A$999 | $999 | $997 (Midnight) | $999 (Midnight) | Not listed |

Note: "Not listed" means the model did not appear on the retailer page we read.

## Older Models Still in Stores

Apple no longer prices AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation or the original AirPods Max on its Australian store, but they were still listed by some retailers on 30 October 2026. We did not find AirPods Pro 2 on sale at JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, The Good Guys or BIG W, and JB Hi-Fi’s AirPods page no longer listed AirPods 4.

### Older AirPods vs the Current Equivalent

Retailer prices read 30 October 2026; comparisons use Apple’s compare page.

| Model | Price and retailer | ANC | What you give up vs the current equivalent |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| AirPods 4 | $168 Harvey Norman (clearance); $187 The Good Guys (in store only); $219 BIG W | ✗ | Vs AirPods 5 at A$219: no ANC, Transparency or Adaptive Audio; IP54 instead of IP57; up to 5 hours per charge with noise control off, against 6 hours |
| AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation | $238 Harvey Norman (clearance); $247 The Good Guys (in store only); $269 BIG W (special) | ✓ | Vs AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case at A$249: Apple says AirPods 5 have up to 1.5x the ANC; 4 hours per charge with ANC instead of 5; 20 hours total instead of 22; IP54 instead of IP57 |
| AirPods Max (USB-C), Orange | $797 Harvey Norman (clearance) | ✓ | Vs AirPods Max 2 at A$999: H1 chip instead of H2; no Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness or Live Translation; Apple quotes up to 1.5x the ANC for Max 2; same 20 hours per charge |

Note: AirPods 4 with ANC were dearer at every retailer we checked than AirPods 5 at Apple’s A$219 RRP, and AirPods 5 include ANC.

To tell generations apart, Apple’s Identify your AirPods page says the model number is in Settings on an iPhone or iPad, under each earbud, or behind the left ear cushion on AirPods Max. Apple lists AirPods 5 as A3531 to A3533, the Wireless Charging Case model as A3439 to A3441, AirPods 4 as A3050, A3053 and A3054, AirPods 4 (ANC) as A3055 to A3057, AirPods Pro 3 as A3063 to A3065, AirPods Max 2 as A3454 and AirPods Max (USB-C) as A3184.

## Using AirPods With Android

Apple’s AirPods User Guide says AirPods work as a Bluetooth headset with a non-Apple device: you cannot use Siri, but you can listen and talk. To pair AirPods 5 or AirPods Pro 3, open the case next to the phone, double-tap the front of the case until the light flashes white, then select the AirPods in the phone’s Bluetooth list. Apple’s compare page warns that functionality may be limited on non-Apple devices.

### What Works on Android

Based only on Apple’s own documentation, read 30 October 2026.

| Feature | Works on Android? |
| --- | --- |
| Playback and calls | ✓ Apple says you can listen and talk |
| Siri | ✗ Apple says you cannot use Siri |
| Switching between ANC and Transparency | Not stated |
| Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness | ✗ Apple says these need a compatible Apple device |
| Automatic switching between devices | ✗ Needs an Apple Account and a compatible Apple device |
| Find My | ✗ Apple lists iOS 27 or later as a requirement |
| Personalised Spatial Audio | ✗ Apple says it is not available on other devices |
| Hearing Test and Hearing Aid | ✗ Need a compatible iPhone or iPad; the Hearing Aid also works on a compatible Mac |
| Heart rate sensing | ✗ Needs an iPhone with iOS 26 or later |
| Live Translation | ✗ Needs an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone |
| Firmware updates | ✗ Delivered through an iPhone, iPad or Mac; without one, Apple suggests an Apple Store or Authorised Service Provider appointment |

Note: "Not stated" means Apple’s pages do not say either way.

### Which One Fits You

Editorial guidance based on Apple’s stated specifications; nothing was tested.

- Lowest Apple price with noise cancellation, and you dislike ear tips: AirPods 5, A$219.
  Charging is by USB-C only, and no cable is included.

- You already charge on a Qi pad or Apple Watch charger: AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case, A$249.
  You also get the volume swipe and the case speaker.

- You want a sealed fit, workout heart rate or the Hearing Aid feature: AirPods Pro 3, A$429.
  Heart rate and hearing features need an iPhone; the hearing features are for adults.

- Long listening sessions, flights or wired lossless audio: AirPods Max 2, A$999.
  Apple lists no dust or water resistance, so weigh that if you exercise in them.

- You use an Android phone: any model plays music and takes calls.
  Most of the features that separate the models need an Apple device, so the price gap buys less.

- Tempted by a clearance AirPods 4: compare the price with AirPods 5 first.
  AirPods 4 without ANC have no noise cancellation or Transparency.

### Common Questions

- Do AirPods 4 have noise cancellation?
  Only AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. The standard AirPods 4 have none. Both have been replaced at Apple by AirPods 5, which include ANC at A$219.

- AirPods Pro 3 or AirPods 5?
  Pro 3 add a sealed in-ear fit, heart rate sensing, the Hearing Test and Hearing Aid, and up to 8 hours per charge with ANC, for A$210 more. AirPods 5 suit people who prefer an open-ear fit.

- Do AirPods work with Android?
  Yes, for listening and calls. Apple says Siri is unavailable, and features such as Find My, automatic switching and Personalised Spatial Audio need Apple devices.

## AppleCare and Your Consumer Rights

Apple’s Australian store says AppleCare can be added from four days after your AirPods ship or are picked up, and is separate from, and in addition to, the Apple Limited Warranty and Australian Consumer Law. The ACCC says consumer guarantees are automatic and cannot be taken away, while warranties are extra promises on top.

For more device guides, see the [Tech X Telco technology section](https://techxtelco.com/tech/).

## Sources and How This Was Checked

Prices, specifications, battery figures and feature availability come from Apple’s Australian AirPods, compare, product, specification and store pages, Apple Support pages and Apple’s Australian newsroom, all read on 30 October 2026. Retailer prices are from the JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, The Good Guys and BIG W websites on the same date. No AirPods were tested for this guide; noise cancellation and battery comparisons are Apple’s own figures.

### Official Pages Used

- [Apple (AU): AirPods](https://www.apple.com/au/airpods/): current models, battery figures and hearing feature summary.

- [Apple (AU): Compare AirPods models](https://www.apple.com/au/airpods/compare/): feature, battery, case, water resistance, chip and non-Apple device comparisons, including older models.

- [Apple (AU): Buy AirPods 5](https://www.apple.com/au/shop/buy-airpods/airpods-5): A$219 and A$249 prices, the four-model line-up, AppleCare timing and cable not included.

- [Apple (AU): Buy AirPods Pro 3](https://www.apple.com/au/shop/buy-airpods/airpods-pro-3): A$429 price and cable not included.

- [Apple (AU): Buy AirPods Max 2](https://www.apple.com/au/shop/buy-airpods/airpods-max-2): A$999 price and colours.

- [Apple (AU): AirPods 5](https://www.apple.com/au/airpods-5/): open-ear design, IP57, battery figures and Find My on AirPods 5.

- [Apple (AU): AirPods Pro 3](https://www.apple.com/au/airpods-pro/): Precision Finding and Ultra Wideband in the AirPods Pro 3 case.

- [Apple (AU): AirPods Max 2 Technical Specifications](https://www.apple.com/au/airpods-max/specs/): AirPods Max 2 chip, controls, USB-C charging, Smart Case and box contents.

- [Apple Newsroom (AU): Apple introduces AirPods 5](https://www.apple.com/au/newsroom/2026/09/apple-introduces-airpods-5-with-best-in-class-open-ear-active-noise-cancellation/): AirPods 5 Australian prices and 18 September 2026 availability.

- [Apple Newsroom (AU): Introducing AirPods Pro 3](https://www.apple.com/au/newsroom/2025/09/airpods-pro-3-introduce-the-ultimate-audio-experience/): AirPods Pro 3 Australian price and 19 September 2025 availability.

- [Apple Newsroom (AU): Apple introduces AirPods Max 2](https://www.apple.com/au/newsroom/2026/03/apple-introduces-airpods-max-2-powered-by-h2/): AirPods Max 2 price and 26 March 2026 orders.

- [Apple (AU): Hearing Health Feature Availability](https://www.apple.com/au/airpods-pro/feature-availability/): Hearing Test, Hearing Aid and Hearing Protection availability by country.

- [Apple Support: How to check your heart rate with AirPods Pro 3](https://support.apple.com/en-au/123184): how AirPods Pro 3 heart rate sensing works with iPhone.

- [Apple Support: AirPods Pro 3 Tech Specs](https://support.apple.com/en-au/125135): ear tip sizes and box contents for AirPods Pro 3.

- [Apple Support: Identify your AirPods](https://support.apple.com/en-au/109525): model numbers, where to find them and case compatibility.

- [Apple Support: About firmware updates for AirPods](https://support.apple.com/en-au/106340): how firmware updates are delivered.

- [AirPods User Guide: Pair AirPods with a non-Apple device](https://support.apple.com/en-au/guide/airpods/dev499c9718b/web): pairing with Android and what works on non-Apple devices.

- [JB Hi-Fi: Apple AirPods](https://www.jbhifi.com.au/collections/headphones-speakers-audio/apple-airpods): AirPods 5 and AirPods Pro 3 prices.

- [JB Hi-Fi: Apple AirPods Max](https://www.jbhifi.com.au/collections/headphones-speakers-audio/apple-airpods-max): AirPods Max 2 prices.

- [Harvey Norman: Apple AirPods](https://www.harveynorman.com.au/headphones-audio-music/headphones/airpods): current-model prices and AirPods 4 clearance prices.

- [Harvey Norman: Apple AirPods Max - Orange](https://www.harveynorman.com.au/apple-airpods-max-orange.html): original AirPods Max (USB-C) clearance price.

- [The Good Guys: AirPods search results](https://www.thegoodguys.com.au/search?q=airpods): current-model prices.

- [The Good Guys: Apple AirPods 4](https://www.thegoodguys.com.au/apple-airpods-4-mxp63zaa): AirPods 4 price and in-store-only status.

- [The Good Guys: Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation](https://www.thegoodguys.com.au/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-mxp93zaa): AirPods 4 with ANC price and in-store-only status.

- [BIG W: AirPods and EarPods](https://www.bigw.com.au/tech-audio/apple/airpods-earpods/c/63270116): current-model and AirPods 4 prices.

- [BIG W: Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation](https://www.bigw.com.au/product/apple-airpods-4-active-noise-cancellation/p/245250): AirPods 4 with ANC special price.

- [ACCC: Consumer rights and guarantees](https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/buying-products-and-services/consumer-rights-and-guarantees): consumer guarantees and how they differ from warranties.

Related on Tech X Telco: [AirPods 5 Arrive 18 September: Australian Prices and Differences Between the Two Models](https://techxtelco.com/news/airpods-5-australia/)