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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 and Sony WF1000XM3 both offer quality sound with active noise cancelling in a true wireless earbud form factor. For those prioritizing ease of use with Apple devices, the Airpods Pro 2 come with features like "Hey Siri" voice activation and instant pairing. They also have a more comfortable fit for most users, a better microphone quality for calls, and support for wireless charging. On the other hand, the Sony WF1000XM3 stands out with a slightly better soundstage—providing a more immersive listening experience—alongside more extensive app controls including an equalizer. However, the Airpods offer a low latency mode which may be better suited for watching videos or gaming. While the Sonys are larger and offer no sweat resistance, making them less ideal for exercise, they are usually cheaper than the Airpods, providing a high-quality audio experience at a more budget-friendly price point. Both have similar battery life. Ultimately, your choice should consider not only price but also the specific use cases like exercise, device ecosystem, and preferred customization options. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods Pro 2
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM3
- Very good for phone calls
Key differences
Gaming
8.4
5.6
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is very good for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is poor.
TV and Video
7.8
5.7
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is good for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1
8.3
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is excellent for noise reduction, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is very good.
Cost
$240
$180
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 has a price of $240 and the Sony WF1000XM3 costs $180.
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Key similarities
Music
7.0
7.5
The Sony WF1000XM3 and Apple Airpods Pro 2 are both good for music.
Phone Calls
7.8
8.2
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Sony WF1000XM3 to be very good for phone calls, while the Apple Airpods Pro 2 is good.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.8
8.7
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 and Sony WF1000XM3 are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks.
Battery
6.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 has 6 hours of battery life. The Sony WF1000XM3 has 6 hours of battery life.
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 and Sony WF1000XM3 both have excellent build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods Pro 2 and the Sony WF1000XM3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Pro 2 | Sony WF1000XM3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$240 | $180 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2022 | August 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.1/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.8/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.3/10 | 6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | 6 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | 3.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.3 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 24 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 5.3 Grams | 9 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods Pro 2
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz | May 2023
"Apple's upgraded H2 chip begets better active noise canceling (ANC) and battery life, while the case's U1 chip and integrated speaker lets you precisely locate it from the Find My app. If you own an iPhone, the new AirPods Pro is an obvious choice."
Sony WF1000XM3
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz | November 2022
"Wireless earbuds are a dime a dozen, and the Sony WF-1000XM3 makes it easy to justify the cost. The design and comfort are good, and the connection strength is consistent. While the lack of aptX or LDAC support is a big drawback, DSEE HX processing improves low-quality audio files. If you want stylish active noise canceling (ANC) earbuds, the WF-1000XM3 needs to be at the top of your list."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods Pro 2 or the Sony WF1000XM3
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
About Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
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Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
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Recommendations made
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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