Headphones.co
Best ForCompareAll HeadphonesDealsAlertsSearch

Discover

  • Best By Use Case
  • Product Catalog
  • Deals
  • Alerts
  • Search

Compare

  • Comparison Hub

Company

  • About
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

Headphones.co — Find your perfect headphones.

Home/Compare/Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Apple AirPods Pro 2

Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Apple AirPods Pro 2

Our Verdict

The Sony WF-1000XM5 wins on sound quality and ANC, while the AirPods Pro 2 wins on comfort, ecosystem integration, and portability. Apple users default to AirPods; everyone else should seriously consider the Sony.

Buy Sony WF-1000XM5 if…

  • You want the best sound quality in true wireless earbuds
  • You listen to hi-res music via LDAC
  • You prioritize ANC performance above all else
$248 at Amazon

Buy Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) if…

  • You are deep in the Apple ecosystem
  • You want the most compact, pocketable case
  • Hearing health features matter to you
$189.99 at Amazon
Sony Sony WF-1000XM5

Sony

Sony WF-1000XM5

Best overall true wireless earbuds with class-leading ANC and sound quality in a compact design.

TRUE WIRELESSANCBALANCED latencyMSRP $279.99
$248at AmazonBuy Now
VS
Apple Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)

Apple

Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)

The default true wireless choice for iPhone users with excellent ANC and seamless Apple ecosystem integration.

TRUE WIRELESSANCLOW latencyMSRP $249
$189.99at AmazonBuy Now

Side-by-Side Comparison

DimensionSony WF-1000XM5Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)
Active Noise CancellationSony WF-1000XM5 wins94.0
92.0
ComfortApple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) wins88.0
90.0
Battery LifeSony WF-1000XM5 wins82.0
78.0
Microphone QualityTie80.0
82.0
Sound QualitySony WF-1000XM5 wins92.0
85.0
PortabilityApple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) wins93.0
95.0
Price / ValueApple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) wins78.0
76.0
$248 at Amazon$189.99 at Amazon

Feature and Spec Differences

SpecificationSony WF-1000XM5Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)
CategoryWireless EarbudsWireless Earbuds
Battery Life8 hours6 hours
Latency ProfileBALANCEDLOW
Weight5 g5 g
FoldableNoNo
Glasses FriendlyYesYes
Case IncludedYesYes

Get Price Alerts

Sony WF-1000XM5

Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)

Alternatives To Consider

Anker Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NCBest value ANC earbuds with premium features like LDAC, multipoint, and 50h total battery at under $80.Beats Beats Fit ProApple H1-powered workout earbuds with secure wingtip design, ANC, and spatial audio.Bose Bose QuietComfort Earbuds IIOutstanding noise cancellation that rivals over-ears at a now-reduced price point.

Learn More

Sony WF-1000XM5Full review, specs, and buying optionsApple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)Full review, specs, and buying options

Find the Best For…

Best Budget Headphones Under $100Headphones ranked for buyers who want the best possible experience under $100, where value, sound quality, and comfort per dollar matter most.Best Earbuds for CommutingEarbuds ranked for subway, bus, and walking commutes where ANC, pocketability, and reliable battery through the round trip matter most.Best Gaming HeadphonesHeadphones ranked for PC, console, and mobile gaming where mic clarity, positional audio, low latency, and marathon comfort come first.Best Headphones for AudiophilesHeadphones ranked for listeners who prioritize sonic accuracy, detail retrieval, and faithful music reproduction above convenience features.Best Headphones for Video CallsHeadphones ranked specifically for video conferencing where mic clarity, background noise suppression, and all-day comfort in meetings are the priorities.Best Headphones for Working OutHeadphones ranked for gym, running, and active use where sweat resistance, secure fit, and motivating sound matter more than office features.Carry-On Friendly HeadphonesHeadphones ranked for buyers who care about foldability, easier packing, and a smaller travel footprint without giving up everyday comfort.Deep Focus HeadphonesHeadphones ranked for coding, study, and long concentration blocks where isolation and low-fatigue comfort matter more than flashy extras.Desk-Switching HeadphonesHeadphones ranked for people moving between laptop, phone, and tablet all day where multipoint reliability, call quality, and low-fatigue comfort all matter.Glasses-Friendly HeadphonesHeadphones ranked for buyers who wear glasses and need soft clamp pressure, stable seals, and comfort that survives full work or travel sessions.Long Battery HeadphonesHeadphones ranked for buyers who want fewer charging stops, strong battery endurance, and dependable all-day wireless use.Office Call HeadphonesHeadphones ranked for hybrid work, long meeting blocks, and voice clarity where mic quality and day-long comfort come first.Sound Quality HeadphonesHeadphones ranked for buyers who care more about tuning, detail, and musical enjoyment than pure ANC bragging rights.Travel ANC HeadphonesHeadphones ranked for flights, commuting, and noisy travel days where ANC, comfort, and battery matter more than hype.

We earn commissions from purchases made through our links. Learn more