Summary and Rating: Sony WF-1000XM5 vs AirPods Pro 2
Pros – Sony WF-1000XM5
- Good sound, hard to complain about.
- Supports high-resolution audio with LDAC codec.
- Smaller, lighter, and more comfortable than previous models.
- Memory foam tips provide an excellent seal and noise isolation.
- True multipoint connectivity for seamless use with two devices simultaneously.
- Strong 8-hour battery life with ANC (24 hours total with case).
Pros – AirPods Pro 2
- Excellent, natural-sounding stock tuning with a consistent and clear midrange, making vocals and instruments stand out.
- Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, including iCloud-based device switching.
- Excellent ANC.
- Sleek, comfortable design.
Cons – Sony WF-1000XM5
- Recessed midrange can make vocals and certain instruments feel less dynamic.
- Memory foam tips can wear out quickly and may cause discomfort over extended use.
- 360 Reality Audio content is less readily available on streaming platforms.
- Lacks integration with Apple’s Find My app.
Cons – AirPods Pro 2
- Limited codec support (AAC and SBC only) may not satisfy audiophiles.
- Android functionality is basic, lacking advanced features like Spatial Audio and Find My.
Bottom Line:
It’s technically a draw in this popular matchup, but we prefer the sound of the AirPods Pro 2.
Introducing the Sony WF-1000XM5 and the AirPods Pro 2
The Sony WF-1000XM5 and the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) are two of the most popular premium earbuds out there.
Both models deliver impressive features, from advanced noise cancellation to immersive sound profiles, but they cater to slightly different needs and ecosystems.
We tested them thoroughly side-by-side. Why are these popular? Which one, if either, should you consider?
Who are these Headphones for?
Sony WF-1000XM5
Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds
The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds are ideal for commuters and travelers who value decent sound, advanced noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit. They integrate seamlessly with both Android and iOS devices, offering features like Adaptive Sound Control and support for high-resolution audio codecs such as LDAC.
AirPods Pro 2
The AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are tailored for those seeking a combination of high-quality sound, comfort, and cutting-edge tech. They offer excellent sound quality with a slightly warm sound profile, adapting to various music preferences.
While they seamlessly integrate with the Apple ecosystem, offering features like Spatial Audio personalization, they’re versatile enough for general use. For Android users, they provide basic Bluetooth connectivity.
For other AirPods Pro 2 comparisons see the following:
Who are these Headphones NOT for?
Sony WF-1000XM5
The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds might not appeal to people looking for a budget-friendly option in the crowded earbuds market.
AirPods Pro 2
These earbuds may not be ideal for audiophiles seeking extreme sound customization or those outside the Apple ecosystem who can’t take full advantage of features like Spatial Audio. Additionally, their limited codec support may not satisfy users who prioritize high-resolution audio.
Check out our gear category page for more earbud comparisons and reviews of audio gear.
Alternatives to these Headphones
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro
Our favorite earbuds to date. Natural sounding, not shouty, satisfying bass.
Check Price:
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4
One of our top earbud choices with excellent balance and satisfying bass. (full review)
Check Price:
Bowers & WIlkins Pi8
A serious competitor in the premium earbud arena – excellent sound quality, great connectivity options, very good ANC.
Check Price:
Sound: Sony WF-1000XM5 vs AirPods Pro 2
Winner: AirPods Pro 2
Frequency Response Diagram Sony WF-1000XM5
Frequency Response Diagram AirPods Pro 2
Both of these earbuds offer an enjoyable listen with good detail resolution. There is nothing shocking or unacceptable in their frequency responses, but there is some room for improvement, particularly with the WF-1000XM5.
Let’s dive into the details.
Bass
The AirPods Pro 2 and the Sony WF-1000XM5 both exhibit a similar bass sound profile. You’re getting a warm, punchy bass from both buds, with clear sub-bass and a nice dip around 150 Hz to allow room for the mids.
The bass on the WF-1000XM5 has more emphasis because the midrange is recessed. This gives a bottom-heavy feel to the overall balance on these buds.
Midrange
Although the overall sound quality of the WF-1000XM5 earbuds is good, I had problems with the midrange.
Compared to the AirPods Pro 2 or competitors like the Galaxy Buds3 Pro, the recession in the midrange frequency response makes brass, strings, and vocals sound a little distant, and there is a lack of joy in the sound.
On the other hand, the AirPods Pro 2 seem to maintain a more consistent midrange, ensuring vocals and instruments are clear and well-represented.
Highs
The treble range of both headphones is nicely tapered off, which helps remove any shouty or overly sibilant sound quality.
Conclusions About The Sound
There is nothing offensive about the sound of the WF-1000XM5, but with the recessed midrange, they lack excitement. If someone hated their sound, I would be surprised.
With the AirPods Pro 2, the stock tuning is more natural sounding, and there is a little more sparkle in vocal tracks and solo instruments than with the XM5 buds.
While I don’t find either of these buds as exciting to listen to as competitors like the Galaxy Buds3 Pro or the Sennheiser Momentum TW4, they both provide a quality listen.
Sony WF-1000XM5 earbud (left), AirPods Pro 2 earbud (right)
Specs Compared
Sony WF-1000XM5
- Driver – 8.4 mm Dynamic Driver X
- Frequency Range – 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Cable – USB-C charging cable included
- Weight – Approx. 5.9 g per earbud
- Impedance – Not specified
- IP Rating – IPX4 (splash and sweat resistant)
- Battery Life – Up to 8 hours (earbuds) with ANC on; additional 16 hours with charging case
- Bluetooth Version – 5.3
- Codecs Supported – SBC, AAC, LDAC
AirPods Pro 2
- Driver – Custom high-excursion Apple driver
- Frequency Range – 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Cable – USB-C to Lightning cable included
- Weight – Approx. 5.3 g per earbud
- Impedance – Not specified
- IP Rating – IPX4 (splash and sweat resistant)
- Battery Life – Up to 6 hours (earbuds) with ANC on; additional 24 hours with charging case
- Bluetooth Version – 5.3
- Codecs Supported – AAC, SBC
Build / Comfort
Winner: Draw
Sony WF-1000XM5
The AirPods Pro 2 stick with Apple’s signature look—clean, white, and minimalist. They’re lightweight, which makes them comfortable for long listening sessions. The short stems are a smart touch, not too obtrusive, and the touch controls, especially the new volume swipe gesture, are intuitive.
Sony, on the other hand, has made some impressive upgrades with the WF-1000XM5. They’re smaller and lighter than their predecessors, which is a big win for comfort. The matte finish feels premium and doesn’t collect fingerprints like the AirPods do, which is a small but appreciated detail.
They sit securely in my ears without feeling bulky, which is a noticeable improvement over the older WF-1000XM4s. That said, I still prefer the sleek stem-style earbud over round, bulbous ones.
Charging Cases
Apple’s case has stepped up its game with the built-in speaker for status alerts and Find My functionality. It’s compact and works with MagSafe or Qi wireless chargers, which is super convenient.
But, like the earbuds, the glossy finish shows scratches easily.The Sony case is also compact and practical, with a nice matte finish to match the earbuds. It supports wireless charging too.
Ear Tips and Fit
This is where it gets personal. Apple includes four sizes of silicone tips, which are super easy to swap and do a decent job of sealing the ear. Plus, the venting system makes them comfortable for hours without that “plugged-up” feeling.Sony went with memory foam tips, which mold perfectly to your ear for an incredible seal and great noise isolation. While they work brilliantly for sound quality, they’re not as breathable, and after a few hours, I found them less comfortable than silicone tips. Plus, memory foam tips tend to wear out faster and might need replacing more often.
IP Rating and Durability
Both models have an IPX4 rating, so they’ll handle sweat and light splashes without issue. They’re not waterproof, though, so neither is a good choice for swimming. Between the two, Sony’s matte finish feels more durable in the long run compared to Apple’s shiny aesthetic.
AirPods Pro 2 (left), Sony WF-1000XM5 (right)
Connectivity
Winner: Sony WF-1000XM5
iOS and Android Compatibility
If you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem, the AirPods Pro 2 are unbeatable. They pair instantly with iPhones, and features like automatic switching between devices, Spatial Audio personalization, and Siri integration make them feel like an extension of your Apple gadgets.
But when I tested them with an Android device, they were pretty bare-bones—just basic Bluetooth earbuds. You lose handy features like Find My and seamless integration, so unless you’re an iOS user, you’re not getting the full experience.
The Sony WF-1000XM5, on the other hand, play nicely with both iOS and Android. They automatically appear in your list of devices in Google’s Find My Device on Android but won’t be listed in Apple’s Find My app.
With the Sony Headphones Connect app available on both platforms, you can tweak settings like the EQ, Adaptive Sound Control, and even customize the touch controls no matter what device you’re using.
Bluetooth and Codecs
Both the AirPods Pro 2 and the WF-1000XM5 use Bluetooth 5.3, which means strong, reliable connections in my testing. The codec support, though, is a big differentiator. The AirPods Pro 2 stick to SBC and AAC, which is fine for most casual listeners, but Sony offers the high-quality codec LDAC.
Multipoint Connectivity
This is where their philosophies really diverge. The AirPods Pro 2 don’t have traditional Bluetooth multipoint. Instead, they use iCloud to let you switch between your Apple devices automatically. It’s seamless and works like magic within the Apple ecosystem, but if you’re juggling devices outside of that (like an Android phone and a Windows PC), you’re out of luck.
The Sony WF-1000XM5, though, have true multipoint. I had them connected to my laptop and phone simultaneously, and switching between the two was effortless.
Whether I was watching a video on my computer or taking a call on my phone, they handled it without a hiccup. For someone who works across platforms like I do, this is a huge plus.
Spatial Audio
The spatial audio on both the AirPods Pro 2 and Sony WF-1000XM5 delivers impressive immersion, but Apple’s ecosystem makes it all easier to use.
Apple’s Personalized Spatial Audio is seamless, especially with Dolby Atmos tracks on Apple Music. The head-tracking is intuitive, making movies and music feel like a surround-sound experience.
Sony’s 360 Reality Audio, tailored through the Headphones Connect app, offers a similar effect with incredible customization. (You need to take a picture of your ear to get a tailored sound profile.)
However, the problem with the Sony buds is that compatible 360 Reality Audio content is simply more difficult to find on streaming platforms.
AirPods Pro 2 (left), Sony WF-1000XM5 (right)
Noise canceling
Winner: Draw
Both the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) and the Sony WF-1000XM5 bring impressive active noise canceling (ANC) capabilities to the table, but their strengths differ depending on the frequency range.
Sony WF-1000XM5
Sony’s earbuds are powerhouses in handling low-frequency noise. With two dedicated processors and a six-microphone array, the WF-1000XM5 excels at canceling deep, rumbling sounds like the hum of engines or HVAC systems.
Our tests reveal fantastic attenuation of the sub-bass, making them an excellent choice for frequent travelers or commuters dealing with consistent low-end noise. The memory foam tips also play a key role, creating a tight seal in the ear canal, which helps block out mid-range distractions like nearby conversations.
AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
Apple’s H2 chip, paired with a six-microphone system, delivers a different focus for ANC. (see here for more info on AirPods Noise Canceling)
While the AirPods Pro 2 are competent at handling low-end sounds, they show a particular advantage over the Sony WF-1000XM5 in managing mid-range frequencies, such as chatter and office noise.
The soft silicone ear tips, combined with their Adaptive Transparency mode, help filter out sudden high-frequency noises without overly isolating the user.
Battery Life
Battery Life of Popular ANC Headphones Compared
Winner: Sony WF-1000XM5
Sony states that the WF-1000XM5 earbuds offer up to 8 hours of playback with active noise cancellation (ANC) enabled, with the charging case providing an additional 16 hours, totaling 24 hours of use.
In comparison, the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) deliver up to 6 hours of listening time with ANC on, and the MagSafe Charging Case extends this to 30 hours.
These numbers held up in our tests. Starting with a full charge, at 70% volume on continuous play, the WF-1000XM5 lasted 7 hours and 32 minutes, and the AirPods lasted 6 hours and 5 minutes before they died.
As you can see in the comparison chart above, most earbuds offer about the same battery life in the current market. That said, the Sony WF-1000XM5 currently leads the pack at 8 hours with ANC on.
Calls
Winner: AirPods Pro 2
For our call tests, we tested in normal and windy conditions.
In our call tests, both earbuds handled calls smoothly without any dropouts or sound issues.The sound quality from the mics on the AirPods Pro 2 was slightly better, especially under normal conditions.
Sony claims that the WF-1000XM5 features a mesh design over the microphones, which is supposed to significantly reduce wind interference.In our tests, however, this didn’t help at all.
Though the AirPods Pro 2 also struggled a bit under windy conditions, calls with the WF-1000XM5 were barely understandable.
You can hear the results for yourself below.
Sony WF-1000XM5
AirPods Pro 2
Final thoughts:
Overall Winner: Draw
The Sony WF-1000XM5 and the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) stand out as premium wireless earbuds because they offer quality sound and they do all the other stuff (connectivity, ANC, etc.) very well.
Ultimately, the choice between the WF-1000XM5 and AirPods Pro 2 depends on individual preferences and ecosystem compatibility.
The WF-1000XM5 gives you superior noise cancellation, especially for low-frequency sounds, better Android connectivity, and support for high-resolution audio with the LDAC codec.
On the other hand, the AirPods Pro 2 gives you better stock tuning. They also offer seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem, with user-friendly features like Personalized Spatial Audio and intuitive touch controls.
All things considered, it’s technically a draw. But my personal preference in this matchup would be the AirPods Pro 2 due their more natural and exciting sound profile out-of-the-box. My personal bias is sound quality; it takes priority over all other features in the rating here.
Comparing these options to competitors – the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro and the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 still offer a more exciting listening experience.
FAQ:
How does the WF-1000XM5 fit compare to older Sony models like the WF-1000XM4?
The WF-1000XM5 are smaller and lighter than the WF-1000XM4, offering a more secure and comfortable fit for various ear sizes.
How customizable are the touch controls on the WF-1000XM5?
The touch controls can be adjusted using the Sony Headphones Connect app, allowing users to assign specific functions for greater convenience.
How do the AirPods Pro 2 perform during workouts?
With four sizes of silicone tips, the AirPods Pro 2 provide a snug fit that generally stays secure during exercise. We recommend the Gcioii Ear Hooks if you have small ears that do not hold earbuds well.
Do the AirPods Pro 2 work with Android?
While the AirPods Pro 2 work with Android devices via Bluetooth, features like automatic switching, Spatial Audio, and Siri integration are exclusive to Apple devices.
Questions or Comments?
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