Apple AirPods Pro 3
Sony WF-1000XM5
What Buyers Say
Apple AirPods Pro 3
The AirPods Pro 3 receive high praise for their exceptional active noise cancellation, improved sound quality with deep bass and clear vocals, and comfortable secure fit. Users highlight the new heart-rate sensor, adaptive audio, and live translation as valuable upgrades. However, a few reviewers report discomfort due to the hard plastic shape or fit issues, and some note the case battery could be stronger. Overall, they are seen as a premium but worthwhile upgrade for daily use.
Pros
- Exceptional active noise cancellation
- Improved sound quality with deep bass
- Comfortable and secure fit
- Useful heart-rate sensor
- Adaptive audio and transparency mode
Cons
- Uncomfortable hard plastic shape for some
- Fit issues causing earbuds to fall out
- Case battery could be stronger
- High price point
- Different fit compared to previous generations
Sony WF-1000XM5
The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds receive mixed feedback. While many users praise the excellent sound quality and effective noise cancellation, a significant number report issues with Bluetooth connectivity, fit, and reliability, including charging problems and microphone failures. The earbuds are generally considered a good upgrade for some, but others find them uncomfortable and prone to dislodging, with the ANC not living up to expectations compared to previous models or competitors.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Effective noise cancellation
- Comfortable fit for many
- Good battery life
- Great app customization
Cons
- Bluetooth connectivity issues
- Poor fit for some ears
- Uncomfortable for extended wear
- ANC not as good as expected
- Charging case problems
Scores
Specifications
| Apple AirPods Pro 3 | Sony WF-1000XM5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | true wireless | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | XXS, XS, S, M, L | XS, S, M, L |
| Weight | 0.01 kg | 0.01 kg |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | — | 8.399999618530273 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1 | 1 |
| Freq Min | — | 20 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | — | 40 kHz★ |
| Impedance | 140 Ω | 16 Ω |
| Sensitivity | — | 102 dB★ |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | AAC, LC3, LDAC, SBC |
| Surround | Spatial Audio | Dolby Atmos |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | Adaptive Audio | adaptive |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Profiles | — | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | USB-C | USB Type C |
| Range | — | 10 m★ |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 8 hrs | 8 hrs |
| Charge Time | — | 2 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | 5 minutes in the case provides around 1 hour of listening time | 3-minute quick charge will give you up to 60 minutes of play |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | 24 hrs | 24 hrs |
| Case Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Wireless Charging | ✓ | ✓ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 2 | 6★ |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa |
| Touch Controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| App | Android & iOS | Sony Headphones Connect |
| Volume Limiting | — | ✗ |
| Gaming Mode | — | ✓★ |
| Bone Conduction | ✗ | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | IP57 | IPX4 |
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods Pro 3
- Strong connectivity (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong social proof (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong build (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong anc (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (32nd percentile)
Sony WF-1000XM5
- Strong connectivity (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong sound (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong mic (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong anc (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (16th percentile)16th %ile
Verdict
Scores 94 overall, wins 2 of 7 usage categories and 0 of 40 specs.