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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are often somewhat less expensive than the Sony WF1000XM3 and they offer good call and meeting quality, reasonable comfort, and are optimal for use with Apple devices; they also support wireless charging and have a slightly longer battery life. However, the Sony WF1000XM3 excel in noise isolation due to active noise cancelling, have superior build quality and mic quality, and offer better soundstage. If you frequently fly or commute and prioritize sound quality and noise cancellation, the Sony WF1000XM3 is better suited for you. For Apple users looking for seamless integration and a more budget-friendly option with acceptable performance in various use cases, the Apple Airpods are a suitable choice. 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 (2nd generation)
- The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has no clear advantages over the Sony WF1000XM3.
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM3
- Good for music
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
5.8
7.5
The Sony WF1000XM3 is good for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
4.8
5.6
The Sony WF1000XM3 and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for gaming, though the Sony WF1000XM3 is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
6.9
8.2
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for phone calls, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
8.7
The Sony WF1000XM3 and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Sony WF1000XM3 is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
2.5
8.3
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Battery
4.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The Sony WF1000XM3 has 6 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$180
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the Sony WF1000XM3 costs $180.
Build Quality
7.6
9.0
The Sony WF1000XM3 has excellent build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
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Key similarities
TV and Video
5.4
5.7
The Sony WF1000XM3 and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for TV and video.
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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the Sony WF1000XM3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | Sony WF1000XM3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $180 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | August 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 4 Hours | 6 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | 3.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 24 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 9 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
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Sony WF1000XM3
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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 (2nd generation) 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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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.
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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.
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Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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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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