Sony WF-C500
Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation
What Buyers Say
Sony WF-C500
Users are overwhelmingly positive about these Sony earbuds, praising their comfort, battery life, and reliable Bluetooth connectivity. The sound quality is considered good for the price, though not audiophile-grade. A few issues were noted, such as a non-functional charging case and accidental button presses when sleeping, but overall satisfaction is high.
Pros
- Comfortable fit
- Good battery life
- Reliable Bluetooth connectivity
- Tactile button controls
- Good sound quality for price
Cons
- Charging case malfunction
- Accidental button presses while sleeping
- Sound not audiophile-grade
- Best sound requires specific app
- No noise cancellation in some models
Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation
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
Scores
Specifications
| Sony WF-C500 | Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | true wireless | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | — | XXS, XS, S, M, L |
| Weight | 0.14 kg | 0.01 kg★ |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 5.800000190734863 mm★ | — |
| Drivers | — | 1★ |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | 140 Ω |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | AAC, SBC |
| Surround | — | Spatial Audio |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✗ | ✓★ |
| ANC Type | — | adaptive |
| Transparency | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3★ |
| Profiles | SBC, AAC | — |
| Multipoint | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Wired Connector | — | USB-C |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 10 hrs★ | 8 hrs |
| Charge Time | 0.1666666716337204 hrs★ | — |
| Fast Charging | 10 min for 1 hour playback | 5 Minutes for 1 Hour |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | 20 hrs | 24 hrs★ |
| Case Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Wireless Charging | ✓ | ✓ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 1 | 2★ |
| NC Mic | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant, Siri | Siri |
| Touch Controls | ✗ | ✓★ |
| App | Sony | Headphones Connect | Android & iOS |
| Gaming Mode | ✗ | — |
| Bone Conduction | ✗ | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IP57 |
Pros & Cons
Sony WF-C500
- Strong social proof (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong sound (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
- Strong build (79th percentile)
- Strong battery (75th percentile)
- 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)
Pricing
Sony WF-C500 offers 1.2x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 92 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 10 of 35 specs.
