Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) vs Sony WF-1000XM5

Mark Ellis Reviews

The second-generation AirPods Pro are a significant improvement over the previous version. They offer richer audio experiences and compete with larger headsets in terms of sound quality. The noise-cancelling and transparency modes are impressive, with the latter allowing clear and natural ambient sounds. The AirPods Pro seamlessly integrate with the Apple ecosystem and have improved device switching and connection stability. The battery life is impressive, and the case is user-friendly and convenient. The competition in the noise-cancelling earbud market falls short compared to Apple's offering. Overall, the AirPods Pro are worth the price for Apple users.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Review: A New Standard

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) offer impressive bass response and improved noise cancellation. The new adaptive Transparency mode allows you to hear some ambient sounds while still blocking out loud noises. The microphones are among the best in wireless earbuds. The spatial audio features are similar to the previous generation and may not add much to music. Some users have experienced difficulty with the "Hey Siri" command outdoors. Overall, the AirPods Pro are easy to pair, fit well, and have top-notch sound quality, noise cancellation, and microphones. They are also water-resistant and convenient for various activities.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 review

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 is a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering better sound quality, improved active noise-cancelling, longer battery life, and new features. The design remains the same, but the charging case now has a built-in speaker and a lanyard loop. The active noise-cancelling is impressive, blocking out twice as much outside noise as before. The new H2 chip and optimized acoustic vents and mics contribute to the improved performance. The battery life has also been extended, offering six hours of use on a single charge and up to 30 hours with the charging case. The sound quality is excellent, with added weight, greater detail, and dynamic subtlety. Overall, the AirPods Pro 2 is a five-star performer that competes with the best in its class.

Video Review: AirPods Pro 2 After Six Months

The reviewer had the AirPods Pro 2 for nearly 3 months but returned them and switched to the Bose true wireless 2. They found the Bose to have better noise canceling, sound quality, battery life, and fit. The AirPods Pro 2 had issues with slipping out and the reviewer had to use third-party foam tips to help. The FindMy feature was a positive, but the reviewer preferred the smaller Airtags that can be attached to the Bose case. The only thing missed was the seamless connectivity with multiple Apple devices.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 review

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) improves on its predecessor with better noise canceling, sound quality, and battery life. It is recommended for iPhone owners who want Apple-exclusive features. The earbuds come with a charging case that is water-resistant and has a speaker for locating. The AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) has touch controls, supports Spatial Audio, and can be customized through the iPhone Settings app. It has a good fit with silicone ear tips and supports automatic play/pause functionality. The earbuds have a microphone array for phone calls, but the sound quality declines in noisy environments. The AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) has a good sound profile with a focus on bass and mids. It has better noise canceling and Adaptive Transparency mode. The earbuds connect via Bluetooth 5.3 and have a battery life of 5 hours and 43 minutes with ANC on. They support fast charging and can be paired with an iPhone or Android phone. Overall, the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) is a great choice for iPhone owners, but there are other alternatives available.

Sony WF-1000XM5 Review: Sony sets the new earbuds' bar

The Sony WF-1000XM5 wireless earbuds set a new standard with their class-leading ANC and excellent sound quality. They come in a smaller and sleeker design compared to their predecessor, the XM4. The fit may require some adjustment, but once secured, they provide a comfortable experience. The earbuds offer extensive features and cross-platform compatibility, working well with both Apple and Android devices. Overall, the WF-1000XM5 are the best true wireless earbuds available, surpassing the competition in noise canceling and sound performance.

Sony WF-1000XM5 review: The buds to beat

The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds are highly regarded for their excellent audio quality, long battery life, and top-notch active noise cancellation (ANC). They have a smaller and more comfortable design compared to their predecessors. The earbuds come with a glossy finish that can make them a little slippery to hold. The charging case is compact and features a USB-C port and a dedicated pairing button. The audio quality is exceptional, with clear and detailed sound. The ANC is excellent, although not the absolute best in the market. The earbuds offer impressive call quality and come with a feature-rich companion app. The battery life is excellent, with up to 8 hours of playback with ANC on. The earbuds are priced at $300, but if you're looking for high-end, all-around earbuds, the WF-1000XM5 are hard to beat.

Sony WF-1000XM5 review: The new king of wireless earbuds

The Sony WF-1000XM5 wireless earbuds outperform the AirPods Pro 2 in various categories, including audio performance, battery life, call quality, connectivity, noise cancellation, and special features. They have category-leading sound and noise cancellation, with features like DSEE, equalizer, and head tracking. The design is sleek and comfortable, with a smaller and lighter build. The buds have a long battery life and come with special features like quick charging and customizable controls. The price is higher than previous models, but the overall quality makes them worth it. The Sony WF-1000XM5 are considered the AirPods Pro killer.

Sony WF-1000XM5 review: Best-ever wireless earbuds

The Sony WF-1000XM5 wireless earbuds are a major upgrade with a smaller and lighter design. They offer powerful sound, excellent noise cancellation, and a wide range of features. The fit may be a bit tricky for some users, but the overall comfort is good. The sound quality is impressive, with detailed vocals and a balanced response. The active noise cancellation is effective, and the battery life is solid. The call quality has improved, and the connectivity is strong. Despite the price increase, these earbuds are worth the investment and are among the best wireless earbuds of the year.

Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds Long-Term Review: Refined Excellence

The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds are smaller and more portable than their predecessor, with improved active noise cancellation (ANC). The glossy finish on the earbuds' sides can make them difficult to remove from the case. The earbuds come with proprietary foam tips that need to be inserted and twisted for effective ANC. The sound quality is clear and dynamic, with refined bass and treble. The earbuds have excellent call quality and wind reduction technology. The ANC performance is on par with or better than AirPods Pro 2. The earbuds support multipoint connectivity and have features like Speak-to-Chat and Adaptive Sound Control. The battery life is impressive, with up to 8 hours of playback time and fast charging. Overall, the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds are recommended for Android users, although AirPods Pro 2 offer a more seamless experience for iPhone users.

Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds review: smaller is better

The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds are smaller and more comfortable than their predecessors, the XM4. They have top-notch sound quality, excellent noise cancellation, and superb call quality. The earbuds have Bluetooth multipoint with LDAC and a sleek design. The ANC performance is better than the XM4, but not significantly. The transparency mode is improved but not as good as the AirPods Pro 2. The earbuds have good call quality and the sound quality is excellent, with a balanced bass response and clear vocals. The battery life is the same as the XM4, with quick charging capabilities. Overall, the XM5 is a fantastic set of wireless earbuds, especially for those who found the XM4 too big.

Review: Sony WF-1000XM5

The Sony WF-1000XM5 wireless earbuds offer Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity with various codecs and multi-point connectivity. They feature Dolby Atmos and head-tracking technology for an immersive audio experience. The earbuds have three mics, noise cancellation, and wind-noise reduction. The sound is delivered by newly designed 8.4 mm drivers. The earbuds can be controlled through a touch surface and the Sony Headphones app allows customization. The app also offers EQ settings, DSEE Extreme, and 360 Reality Audio optimization. The earbuds have extensive functionality and reliable compatibility with voice assistants. In terms of sound performance, they offer accurate and faithful reproduction of music.

Sony WF-1000XM5 review: smaller and sonically special, but rivals are gaining

The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds are smaller and lighter than their predecessors, but they still offer great sound quality and noise cancellation. However, there are some alternatives that may suit specific needs better. The earbuds have Bluetooth 5.3, three mics per earbud, and a new dual integrated Processor V2. Battery life is good, and the package includes four pairs of premium foam tips. The Sony Connect app is similar to previous models but may feel cluttered. The build quality is excellent, but there were occasional connectivity drop-outs during testing. The sound quality is impressive, with strong bass and detailed audio. The design is compact and ergonomic, but the on-ear volume control can be a bit cumbersome. The earbuds are priced at $299.99 / £259 / AU$499. Overall, the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds offer great value for Sony fans and bass enthusiasts, but there are competitors that offer similar or better features.

Sony WF-1000XM5 review: smaller, better-fitting earbuds are no longer outright best

The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds are smaller, lighter, and more comfortable than their predecessors. They offer good sound quality, effective noise cancelling, and support for Android spatial audio. However, they are no longer the best in terms of noise cancelling and are beaten by Bose. The earbuds have a long battery life, future-proofed connectivity, and a pocketable case. They lack customizability for gesture controls and do not have extra wings for running. They also do not support spatial audio for movies on iPhones. Overall, while the XM5 earbuds are still great, they are no longer the clear leader in the market.

Sony WF-1000XM5

The Sony WF-1000XM5 wireless earbuds have impressed the reviewer with their stellar sound quality. They address concerns raised in mixed reviews about ANC, mic/call quality, and Bluetooth stability. The 4-tap volume control is usable, with each consecutive tap adjusting the volume by one extra step. The only complaint is the slippery glossy plastic.