This page contains affiliate links — we earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you.
Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Apple AirPods Pro 2
Which should you actually buy? Here's our verdict.
The case for each
Sony WF-1000XM5 — Best ANC Earbuds
Why it wins
The strongest noise cancellation in any earbud, sound quality that embarrasses most over-ears, and Sony's LDAC codec for Android users who care about bitrate. When people say 'flagship earbuds,' this is the technical benchmark they're measuring against.
Watch out for
The polished case is a fingerprint magnet and the buds can be fiddly to grip with dry hands. iPhone users lose LDAC and the deep OS integration AirPods get — at this price, ecosystem fit should drive the decision.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)
Why it wins
The most complete earbud for anyone in Apple's world. The H2 chip's noise cancellation rivals over-ears, Adaptive Transparency tames sudden loud sounds, and the USB-C case plus hearing-aid-grade features make these closer to a health device than a toy. Pairing and handoff are effortless.
Watch out for
Premium price for features you only fully unlock on Apple hardware. The eartip fit test matters — a poor seal guts both the ANC and the bass, so run Apple's fit check.
Our verdict
Sony wins on sound quality and raw ANC depth; Apple wins on everything that touches an iPhone — instant pairing, spatial audio, Find My, hearing-aid features. On Android the AirPods lose half their tricks, which makes the Sony the default for anyone not in the Apple ecosystem. iPhone users should flip that logic: integration you use daily beats fidelity you notice occasionally.
Get the picks before everyone else
One short email when we publish new picks or spot a real deal. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.