A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
Company ProductName Specs
Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) may be a more budget-friendly choice and are excellent for general use, particularly for Apple device owners, as they easily pair with other Apple products and are optimized for them. They're also more portable and suitable for exercise due to their sweatproof design. On the other hand, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones offer superior noise isolation and active noise cancelling, making them better for air travel or noisy environments. They also generally have a higher sound quality and longer battery life. However, they are bulkier and more expensive. Your decision should be based on whether you prioritize portability and cost or sound quality and noise isolation for your listening experience. 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 phone calls
- Good for exercise
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony WH-1000XM5
- Very good for music
Key differences
Music
7.1
8.2
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is very good for music, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good.
Phone Calls
7.6
5.5
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for phone calls, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
6.0
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is only fair.
Noise Reduction
2.5
9.1
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is excellent for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Battery
6.0 Hours
40.3 Hours
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The Sony WH-1000XM5 has 40.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$178
$398
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $178 and the Sony WH-1000XM5 costs $398.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Headphones
Find your new headphones
Key similarities
Gaming
5.4
5.6
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.5
5.8
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both poor for TV and video.
Build Quality
9.0
8.8
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods (3rd generation) to have excellent build quality, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 has very good build quality.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the Sony WH-1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$178 | $398 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | May 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 5.6/10 | |
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 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | 40.3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 3.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 249.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
See more
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 WH-1000XM5
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Headphonesty
Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir | February 2023
"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 (3rd 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.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
More comparisons for you
Compare Apple Airpods (3rd generation) vs. Sony Linkbuds
VS
Compare Apple Airpods (3rd generation) vs. Beats Fit Pro
VS
Compare Apple Airpods (3rd generation) vs. Sennheiser 560S
VS
Compare Sony WH-1000XM5 vs. Bowers and Wilkins PI7
VS
Compare Sony WH-1000XM5 vs. Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX
VS
Compare Sony WH-1000XM5 vs. Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Headphones
VS
FAQs
FAQs about earbuds and headphones
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.
By the numbers
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
94,700
Recommendations made
14,205
Consumer hours saved
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.
Featured in
