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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're budget-conscious and embedded within the Apple ecosystem, the Apple AirPods (2nd generation) provide seamless integration with Apple devices and are more affordable. However, if you prioritize sound quality and noise cancellation for a more immersive experience, the Sony WF1000XM5 earbuds would be the superior choice, albeit at a higher cost. The Sony set also typically offers better battery life and more customization options through its app. Remember, the AirPods' open design may be more comfortable for those who dislike the feeling of in-ear headphones but will let in more ambient noise compared to Sony's snug fit and noise isolation. 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)
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM5
- Very good for music
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
5.8
8.0
The Sony WF1000XM5 is very good for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
6.9
5.0
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair for phone calls, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
4.9
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
8.7
The Sony WF1000XM5 is very good for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Battery
4.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The Sony WF1000XM5 has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$298
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the Sony WF1000XM5 costs $298.
Build Quality
7.6
8.5
The Sony WF1000XM5 has very good build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
4.8
5.1
The Sony WF1000XM5 and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.4
5.4
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and Sony WF1000XM5 are both poor for TV and video.
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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the Sony WF1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | Sony WF1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $298 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | July 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 4 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 18 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 8.8/10 | |
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 | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 6 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
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Sony WF1000XM5
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Sound Guys
Harley Maranan | July 2023
"The Sony WF-1000XM5 is among the best noise canceling earbuds currently on the market, and they aren’t cheap. These earbuds aren’t the best choice for budget-conscious listeners. But if you prioritize active noise cancelation, sound quality, and extensive software support, the WF-1000XM5 is worth its premium price tag."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the Sony WF1000XM5
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.
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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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