The only time the AirPods Pro were considered an inferior product was when they took on the universally acclaimed powerhouse known as the Sony WF-1000xM5 — their premium sound performance and vast set of features set the bar for wireless earbuds to come. Most lifestyle and tech publications still have them ranked above Apple’s porcelain danglers, even after the latest iOS rollout.
Two years of second-place finishes likely pushed Apple to develop the AirPods Pro 3, which has more features, stronger ANC, and a sportier design. This third-gen release is a fantastic investment for Apple users. For everyone else, well, read my take as an Android user testing the AirPods Pro 3 if you want more insight.
You’re looking at two of the best wireless earbuds money can buy. But which one leads the category? Read our in-depth comparison to find out.
ANC and spatial audio
Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
Apple’s noise cancellation surpasses Sony’s, at least when it comes to wireless earbuds. The technology does away with nearly all low- and mid-frequency sounds. These buds handle high-frequency sounds better than the AirPods Pro 2; sirens and whistles are barely audible. Transparency mode remains clutch for increasing ambient awareness. Also, modes like Conversation Boost allow you to communicate clearly without removing the buds. Much of the same can be said about the WF-1000xM5’s adaptive noise cancellation, though its high-frequency reduction isn’t as effective. Wind resistance is stronger on the WF-1000xM5.
Personalized Spatial Audio performs well on the AirPods Pro 3. Dolby Atmos content sounds immersive and natural. Effects and vocals are placed accurately on the soundscape and transition smoothly with every head gesture. Sony’s 360 Reality Audio format does a convincing job of making music sound livelier. Sadly, the feature works with very few streaming platforms.
Winner: Apple AirPods Pro 3
Read our full review of the AirPods Pro 3.
Audio quality and platform compatibility
Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
Sony’s sound technologies are awesome. Its 8.4mm Dynamic Driver X units produce wide sound with enhanced bass and treble that blend beautifully with crisp mids and striking highs. The 10-band EQ with multiple well-engineered presets is perfect for personalizing sound. There’s the Find Your EQ setting that tailors sound to your hearing. My favorite feature, DSEE, is essential for increasing fidelity on low-quality recordings. LDAC codec support boosts bitrate transmission to reveal more detail on tracks when streaming from DSPs (e.g, Apple Music, Spotify) via Android.
Speaking of which, the WF-1000xM5 easily pairs to Android and iOS/macOS devices. The Sony Sound Connect app is multi-platform and places all functionality at the tip of your finger.
The AirPods Pro 3 sound terrific out of the box (bass and highs are prominent). They just lack the WF-1000xM5’s practical sound customization. Pairing to Android devices can be difficult at times, and about 70 percent of the buds’ features are restricted to iOS.
Winner: Sony WF-1000xM5
Read our full review of the Sony WF-1000xM5.
Where they meet in the middle
Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
Features are abundant on these two models. Many of the AirPods Pro 3’s top perks were previously discussed, but there are extras worth mentioning, such as heart rate monitoring and Live Translation. Both features work surprisingly well. Other notables include audio sharing, auto switching, “Hey Siri” voice activation (iOS/macOS only), Personalized Volume, and Voice Isolation. The WF-1000xM5 receive many of the same features as the WH-1000xM6 headphones, from multi-level audio settings to smart controls (Quick Attention, Speak-to-Chat).
Comfort and fit are both hit and miss. While the AirPods Pro 3’s new curvy sound port provides optimal fit, it feels unpleasant on the ear after three hours of wear. The WF-1000xM5’s circular design is comfy, but it doesn’t form a secure fit (many experts blame the bundled memory foam tips).
Battery life is almost identical. Both wireless charging cases hold up to 24 hours of listening time. A single charge offers 8 hours of ANC. The WF-1000xM5 can extend playtime to 12 hours when disabling ANC and special features, whereas the AirPods Pro 3 tap out at 10 hours. Charging times are faster on the WF-1000xM5: a 3-minute charge equals 3 hours of use. There is one caveat — you need a PD-compatible charger. The AirPods Pro 3 generate 1 hour on a 5-minute charge.
Winner: Tie
And the winner is…
Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
It’s too early to call this bout. Therefore, we’re chalking it up to a tie, and for all the right reasons.
The addition of highly anticipated features and improvements to key areas (e.g, ANC, battery life) earns the AirPods Pro 3 high praise. As for the WF-1000xM5, they’re still a force to be reckoned with, powered by singular proprietary technologies that deliver class-leading sound and equally great noise cancellation.
Your choice may come down to pricing. Apple’s buds are the more affordable pair at $249. The current tariff fiasco has caused Sony to raise the WF-1000xM5’s MSRP from $299 to $329. However, they are on sale frequently; Amazon had the buds priced at $190 during its July Prime Day event.
In the end, you’re getting exceptional value from each model that no other luxury rival can match.
