Apple AirPods 2nd Gen

Apple AirPods 2nd Gen

Apple
35 Overall Score
vs
Sony WF-1000XM6

Sony WF-1000XM6

Sony
95 Overall Score

What Buyers Say

Apple AirPods 2nd Gen

45 out of 100 high confidence 279 reviews

The AirPods (2nd Gen) receive mixed feedback, with many praising the sound quality and value of refurbished units, but a significant number report early failures like battery death, one side stopping, or charging issues within months. Verified buyers and long-term users note decent performance, while complaints about long wait times, poor refurbishment quality, and customer service problems are common. Overall, the product is a gamble: great when it works, but reliability is inconsistent.

Pros
  • Great sound quality
  • Good value for refurbished price
  • Works like new
  • Easy pairing with Apple devices
  • Comfortable fit
Cons
  • Battery dies quickly
  • One side stops working
  • Charging case fails
  • Long delivery wait times
  • Poor refurbishment quality
👎 Battery life 12
🤔 Build quality 15
👍 Value for money 10
👍 Sound quality 14
👎 Refurbishment quality 18
👎 Delivery time 6

Sony WF-1000XM6

85 out of 100 low confidence 8 reviews

The Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds are widely praised for their excellent noise cancellation, improved comfort, and clear sound quality. Users appreciate the textured surface that prevents slipping, the secure fit, and the long battery life. Call quality and microphone performance are also highlighted as strong points. Overall, these earbuds are seen as a worthy upgrade from previous models, especially for those seeking a high-end listening experience.

Pros
  • Excellent noise cancellation
  • Improved comfort and fit
  • Clear and balanced sound quality
  • Textured surface prevents slipping
  • Long battery life
Cons
  • No negative points mentioned in reviews
👍 Noise cancellation 5
👍 Sound quality 5
👍 Comfort and fit 5
👍 Battery life 3
👍 Call quality 4
👍 Build quality 2

Scores

Calls
Apple
41
Sony
100
Travel
Apple
23
Sony
100
Commute
Apple
23
Sony
96
Budget
Apple
48
Sony
94
Fitness
Apple
24
Sony
87
Gaming
Apple
46
Sony
85
Music
Apple
24
Sony
84

Specifications

Apple AirPods 2nd GenSony WF-1000XM6
Design
Form Factorin-earin-ear
Wearing Styletrue wirelesstrue wireless
Ear Tips—Four Sizes
Weight0.16 kg0.05 kg★
Audio
Driver Type—dynamic
Driver Size—8.399999618530273 mm★
Drivers—1★
Freq Min—20 Hz★
Freq Max—40 kHz★
Impedance23 Ω48 Ω
Hi-Res Audio—✓★
CodecsApple AirPods with Charging Case, 2nd GenLDAC
Noise Control
ANC—✓★
ANC Type—adaptive
Transparency—✓★
Connectivity
Wireless✓✓
Bluetooth5.05.3★
Profiles—A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, TMAP
Multipoint—✓★
Wired Connector—SONY WF1000XM6/B Headphones
Range—10 m★
Earbud Battery
Battery Life5 hrs8 hrs★
Charge Time—2 hrs★
Fast Charging15 minutes gives you up to 3 hours of listening time5 min for 1 hour playback
ChargingLightningUSB-C★
Case Battery
Case Battery24 hrs24 hrs
Case ChargingLightningUSB-C★
Wireless Charging✗✓★
Microphone
Microphone✓✓
Mic Count28★
NC Mic✓✓
Features
Voice AssistantSiriBuilt-in voice control
Touch Controls✓✓
App—Sony | Sound Connect
Volume Limiting—✗
Gaming Mode✓★✗
Bone Conduction✗✓★
Water Resistance—IPX4

Pros & Cons

Apple AirPods 2nd Gen

  • Strong social proof (98th percentile)98th %ile
  • Strong mic (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
  • Strong comfort (72nd percentile)
  • Strong connectivity (66th percentile)
  • Below average user sentiment (3rd percentile)3rd %ile
  • Below average battery (23rd percentile)
  • Below average sound (29th percentile)
  • Below average anc (31st percentile)

Sony WF-1000XM6

  • Strong mic (100th percentile)100th %ile
  • Strong connectivity (99th percentile)99th %ile
  • Strong anc (97th percentile)97th %ile
  • Strong sound (89th percentile)89th %ile

Verdict

★ Winner: Sony WF-1000XM6

Scores 95 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 18 of 38 specs.

Sony WF-1000XM6 Better at:

CallsMusicBudgetGamingTravelCommuteFitness