Engadget's review of the new AirPods 5 concludes that the most significant improvements appear on both versions, but the more expensive model is the one that will leave buyers more satisfied. That makes the purchasing decision straightforward, according to the review.
For Apple, the review reinforces a familiar tiered-product strategy: share headline features across the lineup, then reserve the fuller experience for the premium tier. The review suggests that the higher price is justified for those who want the best version of the product.
Since this is a single review, there's no conflicting opinion to weigh. Still, the conclusion is clear: if you're choosing between the two, the pricier AirPods 5 is the one to get, assuming the budget allows.