Sony WF-1000XM5 vs. AirPods Pro 2: A Battle of Flagship Earbuds

Explore the ultimate comparison between the Sony WF-1000XM5 and AirPods Pro 2 to find out which flagship earbuds reign supreme.

Introduction to Wireless Earbuds

Wireless earbuds have come a long way in recent years, continually improving in quality and functionality. Among the best options currently available are the AirPods Pro 2 and the Sony WF-1000XM5. We rated both models at 4.5 stars in our reviews. They both excel in sound quality, noise cancellation, comfortable fit, and an impressive user experience. So, is there a clear winner between the two? Let’s dive in!

Specifications Comparison: Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs. Sony WF-1000XM5

Design and Comfort

The first-generation AirPods Pro 2 were unveiled in September 2022 and have since been replaced by the latest version, which now features a USB-C charging port, aligning with the industry's shift toward universal charging solutions.

Both versions maintain Apple’s signature sleek and minimalist design, featuring glossy white finishes and short stems where microphones and touch controls are located. Each pair comes with silicone ear tips in various sizes (XS, S, M, L) to ensure a comfortable and secure fit for different ear shapes.

The accompanying charging case is also white and compact, making it easy to carry around. A unique feature of this case is its built-in speaker, which supports the “Find My” function, helping users locate their case if lost. The case also supports MagSafe and wireless charging, providing versatile charging options.

On the other hand, the Sony WF-1000XM5 boasts a smooth plastic design and new foam ear tips that enhance comfort. They have been meticulously designed to be smaller, lighter, and more streamlined than their predecessor, the WF-1000XM4, making them perfect for long listening sessions without discomfort.

The accompanying charging case for the Sony earbuds has also been redesigned for a more compact profile, making it convenient to carry in your pocket, whether commuting to work or traveling.

However, the glossy finish of the WF-1000XM5 can make them slippery to handle, especially during use. Additionally, while the overall fit is good, it may not be as secure as the XM4 model, which could be a concern during more active pursuits like running or intense workouts. The WF-1000XM5 is comfortable for everyday use, but those with a more active lifestyle should consider the potential for a looser fit.

Given the fit issues with the Sony earbuds compared to the AirPods Pro 2, we give this round to Apple.

Winner: AirPods Pro 2

Features and Control

Both the AirPods Pro 2 and Sony WF-1000XM5 are premium earbuds packed with advanced features for sound playback and control. The AirPods Pro 2 come equipped with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Adaptive Transparency mode, personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, and an adaptive equalizer. You can make adjustments in standby mode via the "Settings" app on your connected iPhone or iPad.

The force sensors on the stems allow for easy playback control on the go. Moreover, you can use Siri for hands-free control. The iOS 18 update introduced simple head movement controls for Siri prompts, making it easy to manage incoming calls by nodding "yes" or shaking "no." The automatic ear detection feature pauses your music when you remove one earbud and resumes it as soon as you put it back in.

A standout feature of the AirPods Pro 2 is the speech recognition function, which automatically lowers the volume and amplifies voices when you start talking. They switch seamlessly between Apple devices, allowing you to manage music and quickly transition between a Mac and iPhone during work calls or meetings.

Features like the "Find My" function ensure precise tracking and personalized alerts through the charging case speaker. Additionally, the compatibility with hearing aids allows users to enhance their hearing experience, making the AirPods Pro 2 an excellent choice for Apple users.

The Sony earbuds also come with impressive features that enhance the user experience. The touch controls are precise and intuitive, with a pleasant sound cue confirming each interaction, making navigation easy while minimizing the chance of accidental taps.

One notable improvement (compared to the previous model) is the expanded functionality, enabling users to adjust volume without losing access to voice assistant features. This seamless integration lets you enjoy your music while managing calls without interruption.

The XM5 earbuds also feature innovative head gesture controls, allowing you to accept an incoming call with a nod and decline it by shaking your head. This "hands-free" capability is handy when your hands are busy.

The Bluetooth connection is reliable and stable, even at a distance, ensuring a continuous listening experience whether you’re walking or moving around the house. Overall, Sony combines user convenience with cutting-edge technology, making these earbuds an excellent choice for sound lovers.

It's tough to declare a definitive winner in this category, so we won't.

Winner: Tie

Battery Life

When using the AirPods Pro 2 with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) at about 50% volume, the battery lasts around six hours, making them ideal for daily commutes or long meetings. However, during intensive ANC use, the battery life may drop to about five hours. A quick five-minute charge provides an additional hour of use, and the charging case supports four full charges, totaling 30 hours of listening time.

In contrast, the Sony WF-1000XM5 boasts impressive battery life: up to eight hours with noise cancellation on and up to 12 hours with it off. The charging case offers around 36 hours of total playback time, making them suitable for daily use. Plus, the quick charge feature allows for an additional hour of playback in just three minutes—perfect for both casual listeners and audiophiles.

Here, we give Sony the edge.

Winner: WF-1000XM5

Sound Quality

The AirPods Pro 2 deliver exceptional sound quality, standing out in the competitive market of true wireless earbuds. Our review showed they produce powerful, deep bass while maintaining clarity in mid and high frequencies. The treble is finely tuned, showcasing the clarity and sharpness that bring out the subtle nuances of vocals and instruments. Every detail of your favorite tracks is beautifully rendered, allowing even the most intricate arrangements to shine.

One distinctive feature is the expansive soundstage that creates an immersive listening experience, enveloping the listener from all sides. The spatial audio with head tracking significantly enhances this captivating quality, mimicking a live concert or cinematic environment. Sounds seamlessly surround you as you move your head, making each listening session engaging and fresh. This redefines how you experience your music library.

On the flip side, our reviewer noted that the sound quality of the Sony WF-1000XM5 is equally impressive. They stated, “You won’t find anything better, even if you spend more.” Sony consistently achieves outstanding sound quality, and the XM5 earbuds are no exception. They deliver a sound that enhances the already impressive features of the XM4, producing balanced bass that is both rich and resonant.

Across various genres, from hard rock to jazz, the XM5 earbuds allow for clear distinction and reproduction of different musical elements. For instance, in Bill Lawrence’s complex track “Zeal,” which overwhelmed earbuds priced over $400, the XM5 effectively reproduced layered synthesizers, strings, and percussion, making them easily discernible. The use of Sony’s LDAC Bluetooth codec on Android enhances detail and dynamic range, especially for high-resolution lossless audio files that the AirPods Pro 2 don’t support.

The soundstage is notable for its detail and precision, although it typically remains confined within the listener’s head, concentrating much of the sound in a compact area during standard stereo playback. In contrast, immersive 3D audio formats like Sony 360 Reality Audio (360RA) and Dolby Atmos significantly expand the listening experience, with 360RA demonstrating the most effectiveness.

Additionally, Sony has introduced a beta feature called "Find Your Equalizer," which allows users to personalize their sound. You select a song, and the system offers three equalizer settings to choose from. After each step, you select your preferred modification from a list, ultimately saving these settings as a custom preset in the Headphones app for future adjustments. Though I personally didn’t enjoy the resulting sound profile—favoring low frequencies while reducing highs—this tool is interesting for those who prefer not to tweak individual equalizer sliders manually.

Winner: WF-1000XM5

Call Quality

The latest AirPods Pro 2 have significantly improved call quality, showcasing excellent sound that surpasses previous models. This is primarily due to their advanced noise cancellation technology, which effectively filters out background noise, allowing the user's voice to come through clearly. During our tests, even distracting sounds like passing trucks were completely blocked for the user, making conversations easy and free from interference.

However, in very loud outdoor environments, voice clarity may drop slightly. This can make the voice sound somewhat distant to the listener. Nevertheless, feedback from callers indicates that they can hear the speaker effortlessly, as if they were speaking directly into the phone’s microphone.

Conversely, the new Sony WF-1000XM5 headphones feature impressive sound quality thanks to their innovative dual processor and advanced microphone system. Each earbud contains six microphones and a bone conduction sensor that captures your voice’s vibrations. This data is processed by AI trained on hundreds of millions of voice samples, effectively separating your voice from ambient noise.

During testing, we were genuinely impressed by the WF-1000XM5's ability to suppress external sounds that often interfere during calls. Noise from traffic, construction, and even strong winds were completely eradicated, allowing the person on the other end to hear you clearly.

It’s worth noting that in situations with overwhelming background noise, the volume of your voice may be slightly reduced, and some compression may affect the finer nuances of speech. Overall, however, the XM5s provide a broader dynamic range compared to the AirPods Pro, making them ideal for conversations both outdoors and indoors, where microphone quality truly shines.

Winner: Tie

Pricing Overview

The AirPods Pro 2 are priced at approximately $200 without discounts and are available only in white. The Sony WF-1000XM5 retails for about $170 and comes in three colors: black, silver, and smoky pink.

Both products are frequently offered at discounted prices, so it’s advisable to compare prices before making a purchase.

Final Verdict

Choosing between the AirPods Pro 2 and the Sony WF-1000XM5 largely depends on your preferences. The Sony WF-1000XM5 are known for their superior sound quality and exceptional noise cancellation (ANC). They deliver rich, detailed sound and allow users to customize the equalizer in the Sony Headphones app, making them ideal for audiophiles.

On the flip side, the AirPods Pro 2 offer seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem. They provide easy connectivity, spatial audio, and excellent overall performance. While both models feature impressive noise cancellation, many users—especially those primarily utilizing Apple devices—prefer the AirPods Pro 2 for their convenience and ease of use.

In summary, if sound quality and noise cancellation are your top priorities, the Sony WF-1000XM5 will likely be the better choice. However, if you actively use the Apple ecosystem and value ease of use with great sound quality, the AirPods Pro 2 might be the more suitable option.

Overall, we rate the Sony WF-1000XM5 slightly higher than the AirPods Pro 2. However, truth be told, the difference is minor.

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FAQs

• What are the main features of the AirPods Pro 2?
  The AirPods Pro 2 are known for their Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Transparency, and spatial audio features.
• How long does the battery last for Sony WF-1000XM5?
  The Sony WF-1000XM5 can last up to 8 hours with ANC on and 12 hours with it off.
• Are the AirPods Pro 2 water-resistant?
  Yes, they have an IP54 rating, making them resistant to dust and water splashes.
• Can I customize the sound on the Sony WF-1000XM5?
  Yes, you can adjust the equalizer settings through the Sony Headphones app.
• Which one has better call quality?
  Both offer great call quality, but the Sony WF-1000XM5 has advanced noise-canceling features that enhance voice clarity.