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Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize portability and use during exercise, the Apple AirPods (2nd generation) are highly recommended; their compact size and sweatproof design make them convenient for active use. However, if sound quality, comfort, and noise isolation are critical for you, particularly in environments like air travel, then the Sony WH-1000XM5 outperform with better scores in these areas and also feature active noise cancelling for superior noise reduction. The Sony headphones also boast a longer battery life and options for wired connectivity. If budget is a primary concern, the AirPods are significantly less expensive, but it's worth considering that the Sonys offer more features, which might justify the higher cost for some users. 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 WH-1000XM5
Very good for music
Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
5.8/10
8.2/10
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is very good for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
4.8/10
5.6/10
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for gaming, though the Sony WH-1000XM5 is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
6.9/10
5.5/10
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair for phone calls, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1/10
6.0/10
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is only fair.
Noise Reduction
2.5/10
9.1/10
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is excellent for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Battery
4.0 Hours
40.3 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The Sony WH-1000XM5 has 40.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$398
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the Sony WH-1000XM5 costs $398.
Build Quality
7.6/10
8.8/10
The Sony WH-1000XM5 has very good build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
"The Sony WH-1000XM5 are the best Sony Bluetooth headphones so far and one of the most well-rounded Bluetooth headphones around. Look no further if you need class-leading ANC with a mostly inoffensive sound signature. Just be ready to pony up the price premium."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the Sony WH-1000XM5
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.
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.