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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize active noise cancellation and are willing to pay a premium, the Sony WF1000XM5 might be a better choice as they offer superior noise isolation, are optimized for both Android and Apple devices, and support high-quality LDAC codec for better sound over Bluetooth. They also have a slightly smaller and stemless design, enhancing portability, and offer wireless charging. However, for those who exercise frequently or require earbuds with a more secure fit, the Beats Powerbeats Pro could be more suitable as they have ear hooks designed for stability during rigorous activities, are sweatproof, and generally cost less. They don't have active noise cancellation, but their sound quality is comparable to the Sony's for general music listening. 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 Beats Powerbeats Pro
- Good for phone calls
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM5
- Very good for music
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
6.5
8.0
The Sony WF1000XM5 is very good for music, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is only fair.
Phone Calls
7.0
5.0
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is good for phone calls, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
9.2
4.9
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Noise Reduction
4.6
8.7
The Sony WF1000XM5 is very good for noise reduction, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is poor.
Battery
10.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Beats Powerbeats Pro has 10 hours of battery life. The Sony WF1000XM5 has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$124
$298
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Beats Powerbeats Pro has a price of $124 and the Sony WF1000XM5 costs $298.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.5
5.1
The Beats Powerbeats Pro and Sony WF1000XM5 are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.7
5.4
The Beats Powerbeats Pro and Sony WF1000XM5 are both poor for TV and video.
Build Quality
8.8
8.5
The Beats Powerbeats Pro and Sony WF1000XM5 both have very good build quality.
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How the Beats Powerbeats Pro and the Sony WF1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats Powerbeats Pro | Sony WF1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$124 | $298 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2019 | July 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.5/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.6/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 10 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 18 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 4.6/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6/10 | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 11 Grams | 6 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Beats Powerbeats Pro
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Christian Thomas | November 2022
"Sweat resistance, actual noise isolation, and a secure fit in your ears make these the true wireless earphones you want in Apple-land. Android users may find other options they like better, as these only support AAC."
Sony WF1000XM5
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Harley Maranan | July 2023
"The Sony WF-1000XM5 is among the best noise canceling earbuds currently on the market, and they aren’t cheap. These earbuds aren’t the best choice for budget-conscious listeners. But if you prioritize active noise cancelation, sound quality, and extensive software support, the WF-1000XM5 is worth its premium price tag."
Get a great deal on the Beats Powerbeats Pro or the Sony WF1000XM5
About Beats
Beats is an American, consumer-focused, audio products manufacturer. Founded originally by American rapper and producer Dr Dre, the company is now a subsidiary of Apple. Beats sells a wide range of audio products, including several models of headphones, earbuds and speakers as well as full car audio systems.
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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