Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Apple AirPods Pro 2: Showdown

In the realm of true wireless earbuds, Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Apple AirPods Pro 2. Apple and Sony engage in a heated battle, with the spotlight now on Sony’s latest XM5s.

Sony WF-1000XM5

Presenting a solid 8-hour battery life for the buds, active noise cancellation (ANC), and IPX4 water resistance, Sony amplifies these compact earbuds with additional foam tips for a snug fit. Featuring LDAC, the top-tier DSEE upscaler, and Bluetooth 5.3, the earbuds promise a genuine Sony audio experience.

Nevertheless, connectivity drop-outs, average ANC performance, and a slightly overwhelming app at the flagship level are drawbacks.

Pros:

• Agile, meaty, and enjoyable audio experience
• Comfortable and secure earpieces
• Maintained battery life from XM4

Cons:

• ANC can be surpassed
• Occasional connectivity issues
• On-ear volume control is hit-and-miss

Apple AirPods Pro 2

Boasting a 6-hour battery life for the buds, ANC, and IPX4 water resistance, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 marks a significant leap from their predecessors.

Fueled by the new H2 chip, audio performance reaches new heights with a wide, expansive soundscape and impeccable detail retrieval. Enhanced ANC places these buds among the best in the true wireless earbuds category.

While there are superior buds in certain aspects, particularly battery life, the AirPods Pro 2 shines for Apple ecosystem enthusiasts, offering an immersive and beautifully tuned audio experience.

Pros:

• Outstanding noise cancellation
• Superb sound and Spatial Audio quality
• Extended battery life

Cons:

• Pricier than some competitors
• Limited color options
• Less ideal for Android users

The highly anticipated Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds have finally hit the audio scene, marking a significant release this year. The burning question: how do they stack up against the top-tier true wireless earbuds, notably challenging the noise-cancelling prowess and stellar sound quality of the latest AirPods Pro? In this comparison, we delve into the showdown of Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Apple AirPods Pro 2.

While the WF-1000XM4 earbuds were long-standing favorites, the newer WF-1000XM5 models boast a compelling on-paper upgrade. Smaller and lighter, they maintain the high-quality sound signature of their predecessors. Despite the XM4s securing our top spot, the AirPods Pro 2 outshine them in certain aspects during our rigorous testing, particularly in active noise cancellation (ANC) capabilities and sound quality.

With our comprehensive, star-studded Sony WF-1000XM5 review now available, the stage is set for a head-to-head comparison against the AirPods Pro 2. Eager to determine the superior choice between Sony WF-1000XM5 and Apple AirPods Pro 2? Dive into the details below.

Break down the Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Apple AirPods Pro 2 in terms of price and release dates.

Sony’s WF-1000XM5 was officially revealed on July 24, with a global release set for August 2023. Priced at $299 in the US, £259 in the UK, and AU$499 in Australia, it’s a logical progression from the XM4s, which launched at $279.99 / £250 / AU$449.95.

In comparison, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 hit the market on September 23, 2022, with an initial cost of $249 / £249 / AU$399. While it’s rare to find significant discounts, occasional deals may shave off around $30 / £30 / AU$57.

With both earbuds sitting in a similar price bracket, a fair and pertinent comparison emerges. Will the Sony WF-1000XM5, being newer, outshine Apple’s offering? Or do the Apple AirPods Pro 2 remain the go-to choice for seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem? Let’s explore.

Comparing the Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Apple AirPods Pro 2: features, and noise cancellation capability.

Sony introduces enhanced ANC in the XM5s, leveraging a new driver unit, integrated processor, and three mics per earbud, a step up from the XM4s. Our review acknowledges improvements in audio richness and vocal clarity, although some low-level frequencies persist, like the hum of an office AC unit.

For top-notch noise cancellation, the Bose QCE II earbuds are a worthy alternative; explore more in our Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Bose QCE 2 guide.

The AirPods Pro 2 maintains commendable ANC months post-launch, described as world-fading during our testing. One team member lauds the AirPods Pro 2’s noise-canceling prowess, requiring a mental adjustment.

Connectivity challenges mar the XM5s, evident in music streaming drop-outs, a concern absent in our control earbuds and the AirPods Pro 2.

Notably, the Sony WF-1000XM5 boasts multi-point pairing, enabling seamless device transitions. While the AirPods Pro 2 lacks explicit multi-point pairing, Apple users can effortlessly shift music between multiple devices.

Sonic realms of Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Apple AirPods Pro 2.

The WF-1000XM5 earbuds boast a well-balanced, exciting sound, courtesy of the new driver unit. Our review labeled them a “zealous, exciting listen,” especially commending their “crisp bass weight and clout.” If you’re into bass but prefer earbuds over bulky headphones, the WF-1000XM5s should make your shortlist.

Sony enriches the audio experience with Spatial Audio, high-res audio support, LDAC, and DSEE Extreme upscaling. Spotify tracks benefit notably, while Tidal’s 360 Reality Audio reaches new heights.

Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 impresses with their audio quality, excelling in separating track elements, delivering robust bass, and presenting vocal crispness. Combined with Spatial Audio and noise cancellation, they create a truly exceptional listening journey.

For iPhone users, the AirPods Pro 2 is slightly edge ahead. Others might find Sony’s proposal compelling—though, it’s a close call.

The design aspect of Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Apple AirPods Pro 2

Sony’s WF-1000XM5 showcases key upgrades, featuring a glossy texture, a 25% reduction in size, and a remarkable 20% weight reduction, hitting around 5.84g per bud. Noteworthy is the inclusion of four ear tip sizes, including an “ultra-small” SS model, catering to smaller ears. During testing, we found them to be “among the most stable and comfortable.”

Distinctively, the AirPods Pro 2 sport a unique design with visible stems, a departure from Sony’s buds. Personal preference plays a role here. Despite the visual difference, we noted the AirPods Pro 2’s commendable comfort, offering extra small tips akin to the XM5s for those with smaller ears.

Battery comparison between Sony WF-1000XM5 and Apple AirPods Pro 2.

The WF-1000XM5 delivers eight hours per earbud and a total of 24 hours with the case. A quick 60-minute charge grants three hours of playtime.

While this stands decent against rivals, a day’s listening at work exhausts the battery, necessitating a recharge in the case.

AirPods Pro 2 offers six hours with ANC on and a substantial 30 hours in the case, surpassing Sony’s case capacity.

For extended battery life, consider factors like over-ear designs or true wireless buds with less power-hungry noise-canceling tech.

Let’s wrap up the Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Apple AirPods Pro 2 showdown.

Both earbuds excel, providing comfort, extra small tips, good battery life, stellar sound, and robust ANC. The choice is a win-win.

Sony claims improved ANC, but the impact is subtle, with AirPods Pro 2 edging in maximum immersion.

Ultimately, personal preference guides your decision. Apple loyalists benefit from seamless integration, making AirPods Pro 2 a sensible choice. For versatility across devices and added perks like 360 Reality Audio, Android users and Tidal enthusiasts might lean towards the WF-1000XM5.