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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple AirPods (3rd generation) are a good choice if you're looking for a somewhat less expensive option with convenient integration with other Apple products, thanks to features like optimized Apple performance and a slightly longer battery life in the earbuds and case. However, if you prioritize sound quality and want superior active noise canceling, the Sony WF1000XM3 could be a better fit, although they come at a higher price. The Sony earbuds also offer better comfort and a higher build quality. Both options are similar in their wireless design and scores for overall sound quality, music, and calls, but the Sony's have an edge in 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 (3rd generation)
- Good for exercise
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM3
- Very good for phone calls
Key differences
Phone Calls
7.6
8.2
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for phone calls, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
8.3
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
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Key similarities
Music
7.1
7.5
The Sony WF1000XM3 and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both good for music.
Gaming
5.4
5.6
The Sony WF1000XM3 and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both poor for gaming.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
8.7
The Sony WF1000XM3 and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks.
TV and Video
5.5
5.7
The Sony WF1000XM3 and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both poor for TV and video.
Battery
6.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The Sony WF1000XM3 has 6 hours of battery life.
Cost
$179
$180
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $179 and the Sony WF1000XM3 costs $180.
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Sony WF1000XM3 both have excellent build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the Sony WF1000XM3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | Sony WF1000XM3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$179 | $180 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | August 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | 6 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 3.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | 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 | 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 | 7/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 9 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz, Christian Thomas | February 2023
"The Apple AirPods improves upon the 2019 model with its more ergonomic, yet unsealed, fit, water-resistant build, MagSafe charging case, and advanced software features. You can enjoy a wholly immersive movie experience with the new AirPods' spatial audio with head tracking, and enjoy HD audio during FaceTime calls. Of course, most of these features are limited to Apple hardware."
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."
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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