Sony IER-M500
Sony
24 Overall Score
vs
Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation
Apple
92 Overall Score
What Buyers Say
Sony IER-M500
No customer feedback yet
Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation
72 out of 100 medium confidence 25 reviews
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
Active noise cancellation 8
Sound quality 7
Comfort and fit 9
Battery life 5
Heart rate sensor 3
Live translation 3
Scores
Budget
Commute
Travel
Fitness
Calls
Gaming
Music
Specifications
| Sony IER-M500 | Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | ear-hook | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | XS, S, M, L | XXS, XS, S, M, L |
| Weight | 0.07 kg | 0.01 kg★ |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | — | dynamic |
| Drivers | — | 1★ |
| Impedance | — | 140 Ω |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | — | AAC, SBC |
| Surround | — | Spatial Audio |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✗ | ✓★ |
| ANC Type | — | adaptive |
| Transparency | — | ✓★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.3★ |
| Multipoint | — | ✓★ |
| Wired Connector | — | USB-C |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | — | 8 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | — | 5 Minutes for 1 Hour |
| Charging | proprietary | USB-C★ |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | — | 24 hrs★ |
| Case Charging | proprietary | USB-C★ |
| Wireless Charging | — | ✓★ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | — | ✓★ |
| Mic Count | — | 2★ |
| NC Mic | — | ✓★ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | — | Siri |
| Touch Controls | — | ✓★ |
| App | — | Android & iOS |
| Bone Conduction | ✗ | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | — | IP57 |
Pros & Cons
Sony IER-M500
- Strong comfort (72nd percentile)
- Strong sound (72nd percentile)
- Below average social proof (9th percentile)9th %ile
- Below average mic (12th percentile)12th %ile
- Below average connectivity (12th percentile)12th %ile
- Below average anc (31st percentile)
Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation
- 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 (33rd percentile)
Verdict
Winner: Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation
Scores 92 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 16 of 31 specs.