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WF1000XM5
Company ProductName Specs




Life P3
Company ProductName Specs




What we think

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The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·

If sound quality and noise isolation for air travel are a priority, and you're willing to invest in premium options, the Sony WF1000XM5 would be a better fit as they excel in these aspects. The Soundcore Life P3, on the other hand, offers good value with multiple built-in controls, a longer battery life in the case, and better exercise use at a lower price. However, if you frequently watch TV or play games, both models have limitations due to latency. Neither model is sweatproof certified, so for rigorous exercise, you might want to consider other options. Both models offer wireless charging and an app with equalizer and controls customization, but keep in mind that the Sonys have a slightly better build quality and score higher for overall sound quality. 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 Sony WF1000XM5
  • Very good for music
Advantages of the Soundcore Life P3
  • Very good for exercise

Key differences

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Music

8.0
WF1000XM5
Life P3
5.7
The Sony WF1000XM5 is very good for music, while the Soundcore Life P3 is poor.

Podcasts and Audiobooks

4.9
WF1000XM5
Life P3
5.9
The Soundcore Life P3 and Sony WF1000XM5 are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Soundcore Life P3 is somewhat better.

Battery

9.0 Hours
WF1000XM5
Life P3
7.0 Hours
The Sony WF1000XM5 has 9 hours of battery life. The Soundcore Life P3 has 7 hours of battery life.

Cost

$298
WF1000XM5
Life P3
$80
Product image
Product image

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The Sony WF1000XM5 has a price of $298 and the Soundcore Life P3 costs $80.
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Key similarities

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Gaming

5.1
WF1000XM5
Life P3
5.1
The Sony WF1000XM5 and Soundcore Life P3 are both poor for gaming.

Phone Calls

5.0
WF1000XM5
Life P3
5.1
The Soundcore Life P3 and Sony WF1000XM5 are both poor for phone calls.

TV and Video

5.4
WF1000XM5
Life P3
5.5
The Soundcore Life P3 and Sony WF1000XM5 are both poor for TV and video.

Noise Reduction

8.7
WF1000XM5
Life P3
9.1
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Soundcore Life P3 to be excellent for noise reduction, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is very good.

Build Quality

8.5
WF1000XM5
Life P3
8.8
The Soundcore Life P3 and Sony WF1000XM5 both have very good build quality.

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How the Sony WF1000XM5 and the Soundcore Life P3 compare to other earbuds and headphones

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Spec Comparison

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Sony WF1000XM5Soundcore Life P3
Sony WF1000XM5Soundcore Life P3

GENERAL

Price
$298
$80
Brand
SonySoundcore
Release Date
July 1, 2023June 1, 2021
Form Factor
EarbudsEarbuds
Connectivity
WirelessWireless

SOUND

Music Score
8.1/105.8/10
Phone Calls Score
5/105.1/10
Gaming Score
5.2/105.2/10
TV and Video Score
5.5/105.5/10
Exercise Score
6.2/108.4/10

PERFORMANCE

Battery life
9 Hours7 Hours
Wireless charging
YesYes
Charging time
1.5 Hours0.8 Hours
Bluetooth version
5.35
Case Battery Life
1835

FEATURES

Active Noise Cancelling
YesYes
Noise Reduction Score
8.8/109.1/10
Virtual Surround
YesNo
Android App
YesYes
iOS App
YesYes
Mic Quality
6.5/106.5/10

BUILD AND DESIGN

Build Quality
8.5/108.8/10
Comfort score
7.6/107.6/10
Size
MediumSmall
Weight (headset or single earbud)
6 Grams4.5 Grams
Microphone style
IntegratedIntegrated

Shopping

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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."

Soundcore Life P3

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Dig into reviews and images

Tom's Guide

Alex Bracetti | July 2021
"Anker continues its trend of stealth releases, recently dropping the Soundcore Life P3 out of nowhere. This product essentially replaces the disappointing Life A2 NC as the brand’s flagship ANC model under $100. It comes with bassy audio and enough features to give even the best noise-cancelling earbuds pause."

Get a great deal on the Sony WF1000XM5 or the Soundcore Life P3

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.

About Soundcore

Soundcore is a sub-brand belonging to Anker Innovations. Starting in 2014, initially marketing wireless, Bluetooth, speakers, Anker now offers an array of, budget-friendly, wireless earbuds and headphones that directly compete, especially in the Active Noise Canceling field, with other brands several times as expensive.

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Why trust us

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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.

By the numbers

108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
122,600
Recommendations made
18,390
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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