
Apple
$249

Sony
$279
Sony WF-1000XM5 edges out the Apple AirPods Pro 2 in the headphones category, particularly in performance, scoring 6.4/10 vs 5.2/10. If you want the better overall performer, Sony WF-1000XM5 is the clear pick.
Scores are relative within the headphonescategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
| Spec | Apple AirPods Pro 2 | Sony WF-1000XM5W |
|---|---|---|
| Type | In-ear (TWS) | In-ear |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Driver Size | 11mm✓ | 8.4mm |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz | 20 Hz - 40,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 16 Ohm | 16 Ohm |
| Sensitivity | — | 105 dB/mW |
| ANC | true | true |
| Transparency Mode | Yes (Adaptive Transparency) | Yes (Speak-to-Chat, Quick Attention) |
| EQ App | Apple Music / Settings app | Sony Headphones Connect |
| Touch Controls | Yes (force sensor stem) | Yes (touch panel) |
| Voice Assistant | Siri | Google Assistant, Alexa |
| Battery Life | 6hrs | 8hrs✓ |
| Case Battery | 30hrs✓ | 24hrs |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 |
| Multipoint | false | true |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 (earbuds), IP54 (case) | IPX4 |
| Foldable | No | — |
| Weight | 5.3g✓ | 5.9g |
| Colors | White | Black, Platinum Silver, Midnight Blue |
| Price | 249$✓ | 279$ |
Buy Apple AirPods Pro 2 if…
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Buy Sony WF-1000XM5 if…
Buy the Sony WF-1000XM5 if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Who do you think wins this matchup?
Sony WF-1000XM5 edges out the Apple AirPods Pro 2 in the headphones category, particularly in performance, scoring 6.4/10 vs 5.2/10. If you want the better overall performer, Sony WF-1000XM5 is the clear pick.
No, Sony WF-1000XM5 scores higher (4.5 vs 4.0).
Apple AirPods Pro 2 is cheaper at $249 vs $279 for the Sony WF-1000XM5.
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Buy the Sony WF-1000XM5 if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Apple AirPods Pro 2 has a larger battery (345mAh vs 300mAh for the Sony WF-1000XM5), which generally means longer use between charges.
Sony WF-1000XM5 lasts longer with 8 hours vs 6 hours for the other.