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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you value portability and are already using Apple devices, the AirPods Pro 2 may suit you due to their easy connectivity, effective noise cancellation, and additional features like spatial audio that are enhanced when paired with Apple products. However, if you are seeking the best sound quality and noise cancellation, along with more comfort during long listening sessions, the over-ear Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones would be the better choice. They also offer 360 Reality Audio for a more immersive experience but require supported apps to utilize this feature. Keep in mind, the Sony headphones would be more expensive than the AirPods Pro 2. 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 Pro 2
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony WH-1000XM5
- Very good for music
Key differences
Music
7.0
8.2
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is very good for music, while the Apple Airpods Pro 2 is good.
Gaming
8.4
5.6
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is very good for gaming, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is poor.
Phone Calls
7.8
5.5
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is good for phone calls, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.8
6.0
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is only fair.
TV and Video
7.8
5.8
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is good for TV and video, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is poor.
Battery
6.0 Hours
40.3 Hours
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 has 6 hours of battery life. The Sony WH-1000XM5 has 40.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$199
$398
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 has a price of $199 and the Sony WH-1000XM5 costs $398.
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Key similarities
Noise Reduction
9.1
9.1
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 and Sony WH-1000XM5 are both excellent for noise reduction.
Build Quality
9.0
8.8
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods Pro 2 to have excellent build quality, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 has very good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods Pro 2 and the Sony WH-1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Pro 2 | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$199 | $398 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2022 | May 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.1/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.8/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.8/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.3/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | 40.3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | 3.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.3 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 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 | 8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 5.3 Grams | 249.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods Pro 2
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz | May 2023
"Apple's upgraded H2 chip begets better active noise canceling (ANC) and battery life, while the case's U1 chip and integrated speaker lets you precisely locate it from the Find My app. If you own an iPhone, the new AirPods Pro is an obvious choice."
Sony WH-1000XM5
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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 Pro 2 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
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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