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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple Earpods are suitable if you're looking for an affordable, wired option with good call quality and compatibility for basic music listening. However, they don't isolate noise well and are not the best for exercise or travel. If you're considering higher-quality sound and features like active noise cancelling for a more immersive experience, especially during air travel, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is a great choice. These headphones offer better build quality, battery life, and wireless convenience, but they are more expensive and less portable. The Sony model also has an app for sound customization, which the Earpods lack. 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 Earpods
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony WH-1000XM5
- Very good for music
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Gaming
8.3
5.6
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is poor.
Phone Calls
8.0
5.5
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
6.0
The Apple Earpods is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is only fair.
TV and Video
7.4
5.8
The Apple Earpods is good for TV and video, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
9.1
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is excellent for noise reduction, while the Apple Earpods is poor.
Battery
N/A
40.3 Hours
The Apple Earpods does not have a battery. The Sony WH-1000XM5 has 40.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$20
$300
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the Sony WH-1000XM5 costs $300.
Build Quality
7.6
8.8
The Sony WH-1000XM5 has very good build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.8
8.2
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Sony WH-1000XM5 to be very good for music, while the Apple Earpods is good.
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How the Apple Earpods and the Sony WH-1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $300 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | May 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 40.3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 3.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.2 | |
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 | N/A | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6.5 Grams | 249.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | In-Line | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Earpods
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Dig into reviews and images
CNN Underscored
Michael Andronico | May 2023
"Apple’s wired buds sound just fine for the price, and their handy inline controls and clear microphone give them an edge on wireless earbuds that are much more expensive. Plus, you never have to worry about running out of battery — or worse, a stray earbud going missing."
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 Earpods 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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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
124,700
Recommendations made
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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.
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