I tested the AirPods Pro 2 USB-C vs. Sony WF-1000XM5 — and these are the best wireless earbuds

Lee Dunkley
·9-min read
Sony WF-1000XM5 vs. AirPods Pro 2 USB-C listing image.
Sony WF-1000XM5 vs. AirPods Pro 2 USB-C listing image.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 USB-C

Apple has updated its AirPods Pro 2 with a USB-C port on the charging case, but that's not all. The 2023 version will be able to connect wirelessly to a new lossless audio protocol available on the Apple Vision Pro when it arrives next year. Externally, they look identical to the 2022 version, but there's been an update to the acoustic architecture and durability has increased to IP54 for dust and moisture protection.

For

  • World-class noise cancelation

  • Volume controls right on stem

  • Dolby Atmos spatial audio

  • Improved battery life

Against

  • Audio performance needs finessing

  • Lackluster call quality

  • Lanyard costs extra

Sony WF-1000XM5

Sony's flagship noise canceling wireless earbuds have pretty much everything I hoped for, with several upgrades headlined by an all-new Sony V2 audio processor that enables powerful Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, stronger sound and even better active noise cancelation. There's an updated Headphones Connect app too, offering stronger customization and adaptive sound features.

For

  • Outstanding sound quality

  • Strong noise cancelation

  • Exceptional functionality

  • Excellent level of control

Against

  • Smaller earbud size affects seal and fit

  • Battery life same as predecessor

  • Flaky 360 Reality Audio personalization set up

If you're shopping for the best noise-canceling earbuds, the Sony WF-1000XM5 and new AirPods Pro 2 USB-C are two of the top options to consider. I regularly use each set of earbuds on my daily routine, and both pack adaptive noise-cancelation and top-tier audio performance into practical designs ideal for every kind of activity.

I've been using the new Sony's flagship earbuds since I carried out my WF-1000XM5 review, and have found that the earbuds are nothing short of excellent. As a close rival to the Apple AirPods Pro 2, which debuted in September 2022, I wanted to see how they compared to Apple's updated AirPods Pro 2 USB-C with adaptive audio upgrades via iOS 17 — don't forget to check out our Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs. AirPods Pro 2 USB-C face-off to discover the differences.

Does Apple's suite of adaptive audio features and upgraded audio architecture in the new AirPods Pro 2 2023 version make a difference? Here's how they compare in terms of specs, design, performance, battery life and more.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 USB-C vs. Sony WF-1000XM5: Specs compared

Sony WF-1000XM5 vs. AirPods Pro 2 USB-C listing image
Sony WF-1000XM5 vs. AirPods Pro 2 USB-C listing image

Apple AirPods Pro 2 USB-C vs. Sony WF-1000XM5: Price and availability

Sony WF-1000XM5 accessories and packaging
Sony WF-1000XM5 accessories and packaging

Apple kept the AirPods Pro 2 USB-C version at $249 / AU$399, which is the same price as the original AirPods Pro launched at in 2019. In the U.K. though, the new AirPods got a surprising price drop to £229 (from £249). Meanwhile, the WF-1000XM5 are on sale at $299 / £259 / AU$499, which is a $20 increase over their predecessor and considerably more expensive than the AirPods.

Both models are on sale now, and at the price they are far from the best cheap wireless earbuds. It's important to appreciate though that you're spending big for top-tier performance, premium features, and big brand experience of two of the best wireless earbuds money can buy.

I recommend bookmarking our coverage or the best AirPods deals and best headphones deals pages to stay notified of the latest wireless earbuds sales. At least for now, the AirPods Pro 2 will be more affordable than the WF-1000XM5, which should be considered if you're on a budget.

Winner: Apple AirPods Pro 2 

Apple AirPods Pro 2 USB-C vs. Sony WF-1000XM5: Design

The AirPods Pro 2 vs the AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C
The AirPods Pro 2 vs the AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C

Sony made the WF-1000XM5 25% smaller than the previous-gen XM4 earbuds. They retain their traditional form, donning a simple rounded shape with a protruding eartip. There are four foam tips supplied including a new XS sizes to ensure smaller ears can find the best seal.

The design of the AirPods Pro 2 buds hasn't really changed much from the original AirPods Pro and the drop-stem design is synonymous with Apple. The new USB-C wireless charging case looks no different to the previous version except for the USB-C port, and comes with the same lanyard loop and built-in speaker that arrived in 2022. XS-sized ear tips are also included.

While the Sony earbuds are rated at IPX4 for durability, the AirPods Pro 2 USB-C have been upgraded to IP54 for dust and water resistance for both the earbuds and the wireless charging case. Both models are suitable for active lifestyles, but only the AirPods rank among the best running headphones.

The WF-1000XM5 come in black and silver options, while the AirPods Pro are only ever available in white.

Winner: Tie

Apple AirPods Pro 2 USB-C vs. Sony WF-1000XM5: Controls

Sony WF-1000XM5 in sliver being removed from their charging case
Sony WF-1000XM5 in sliver being removed from their charging case

The XM5 and AirPods Pro 2 each have distinct touch controls for audio playback. The AirPods Pro 2 are controlled with taps on the buds and sliding your finger on the stem for volume changes. On the XM5 buds, tap commands can be assigned to individual buds and have the familiar single, double and triple taps or long press method.

In terms of voice activation, the AirPods Pro 2 are summoned with a “Hey Siri," command. You can also have Siri send incoming updates via Announce Messages and Announce Notifications. Sony's earbuds are compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa, so you have a bit more flexibility for voice commands.

Winner: Sony WF-1000XM5

Apple AirPods Pro 2 USB-C vs. Sony WF-1000XM5: Features

Apple AirPods Por 2 USB-C in hand over a pool
Apple AirPods Por 2 USB-C in hand over a pool

As part of a iOS 17 software update, the AirPods Pro 2 got a suite of new audio features, including one of Sony earbud's best features called Speak-to-Chat.

Apple's Conversational Awareness detects when you start a conversation and automatically lowers your playback volume. The WF-1000XM5 takes it one step further with Head Gesture controls, which lets users to accept incoming calls by shaking or nodding their head thanks to built-in motion sensors.

Both models have adaptive modes to dynamically control the level of active noise cancellation based on the sound in a user’s environment. Sony has 20 different ambient listening levels in its Headphones Connect app, while Apple's new Adaptive Audio mode dynamically blends Transparency and ANC. The Sony earbuds offer Sony 360 Reality Audio support, and the AirPods have Spatial Audio with head tracking.

Winner: Tie

Apple AirPods Pro 2 USB-C vs. Sony WF-1000XM5: Sound quality

Sony WF-1000XM5 worn by Tom's Guide Audio Editor Lee Dunkley
Sony WF-1000XM5 worn by Tom's Guide Audio Editor Lee Dunkley

When it comes to performance, the Sony WF-1000XM5 are pretty much as good as it gets today for wireless audio over Bluetooth. Thanks to Sony's LDAC support with compatible playback devices, the deep level of detail and wide frequency range makes these earbuds one of the most engaging listening experiences I've heard.

Although the AirPods Pro 2 USB-C sound remarkably good, they don't quite match the level of engagement that's on offer from the Sony XM5. It's just possible though that the AirPods Pro 2 USB-C could be the ones to beat in the future though when Apple's new lossless audio protocol arrives to work with the Apple Vision Pro headset, due out sometime in 2024.

Winner: Sony WF-1000XM5

Apple AirPods Pro 2 USB-C vs. Sony WF-1000XM5: ANC

Reviewer wearing AirPods Pro 2 for running and using touch controls
Reviewer wearing AirPods Pro 2 for running and using touch controls

When it comes to noise canceling both Apple and Sony are in the top three wireless noise canceling earbuds around right now. ANC isn't an area that Apple needed to focus on for the upgrade to the new AirPods Pro 2 USB-C, and in my tests they remain just as strong and effective as before.

The WF-1000XM5 noise-canceling tech claims to reduce ambient noise by approximately 20% more than it did with the WF-1000XM4. That's difficult to measure, but the combination of Sony's more powerful V2 chipset and HD Noise Canceling processor certainly does seem to deliver remarkably effective results, and the XM5 maintains Sony's position as one of the best noise-canceling earbuds you can buy.

Winner: Sony WF-1000XM5

Apple AirPods Pro 2 USB-C vs. Sony WF-1000XM5: Battery life

While the battery life of earbuds will vary based on how you use your earbuds, the Sony WF-1000XM5 average 8 hours of listening with ANC on and 12 hours with ANC off. The charging case can hold up to 24 hours of total charge.

Apple increased the battery life between the AirPods Pro 2 vs. AirPods Pro. Now, a full charge holds gets you 5.5 hours of listening with ANC, and 30 hours total with the charging case.

Both charging cases offer wireless charging and quick charging features, but the AirPods Pro 2’s case supports more charging solutions, including MagSafe and compatibility with Apple Watch chargers.

Winner: Sony WF-1000XM5

Apple AirPods Pro 2 USB-C vs. Sony WF-1000XM5: Verdict

The Sony WF-1000XM5 and Apple AirPods Pro 2 are two of the best wireless earbuds you'll find now, but there can only be one winner.

With Apple's latest USB-C generation and adaptive audio updates, the AirPods Pro 2 have become one of the most feature-rich listening experiences on the market. They're more affordable than the Sony, and offer similarly rich results in terms of sound quality and noise cancelation within Apple's iOS ecosystem.

On the other hand, although they're considerably more expensive, the Sony WF-1000XM5 offer a major step up in sound quality thanks to their LDAC support. They are one of the best-sounding wireless earbud experiences I've heard, and the elite noise cancelation and outstanding features via the awesome Headphones Connect app make these the more impressive set of wireless earbuds overall.

While the AirPods Pro 2 USB-C may be the audiophile earbuds of the future when Apple introduces true lossless audio over wireless, until then the better balance of features and performance make the Sony WF-1000XM5 my first choice.

Winner: Sony WF-1000XM5

More from Tom's Guide

  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next

Latest stories

  • Conservatives Routed in Worst Election Result for 200 Years

    LONDON—The Conservatives, the world’s winningest political party, were booted out of power in dramatic style on Thursday after 14 years of chaotic and divisive rule.The Labour Party had secured a landslide victory, ending an era of Conservative rule over Britain that stretches back to 2010; the year that the iPad and Instagram were launched and Lady Gaga wore that meat dress to the MTV music awards.In that time, the Conservatives have cycled through five leaders, each of them dragging the party

  • Horrifying moment husband wheels suitcase containing murdered wife from home while carrying child

    A husband who strangled his wife in front of her two children and lover on a video call was captured wheeling the suitcase containing her body out of his home.

  • The world must prepare for President Michelle Obama

    The 2024 US Presidential race intensifies. Speculation abounds over potential replacements for President Joe Biden amid increasing pressure from his party and the media to step aside after a jaw-dropping, catastrophic debate against Donald Trump last week. Among the names circulating, a game-changer is emerging: Michelle Obama. Could this be America’s worst nightmare?

  • When Ms ‘Malaysia’ visits Malaysia: American tourist gets warm welcome from locals awed by unique name (VIDEO)

    KUALA LUMPUR, July 5 — An American tourist decided to visit Malaysia for a special reason: Malaysia also happens to be h...

  • Embattled Biden makes latest gaffe saying he’s the ‘first Black woman to serve with a Black president’

    President’s July 4 blunder comes as he desperately tries to claw back confidence among voters and party members after last week’s debate flop

  • Joyce Chen confirms she has become a mother

    The TVB actress shares photos of her and her daughter, not revealing partner's identity

  • As AG stays silent, Rosmah presses on with bid to strike out money laundering and tax evasion charges

    KUALA LUMPUR, July 4 — Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor's money laundering and tax evasion trial proceeded today despite the lac...

  • Voices: Tory downfall: The 9 reasons it has all gone wrong for Rishi Sunak

    A series of world events, poor decisions and fatal gaffes conspired to see Rishi Sunak lead the Tories to the worst electoral defeat in his party’s 346-year history

  • Putrajaya submits diplomatic protest note to UN rejecting Manila’s bid to reclaim Sabah after Paris court rule

    Malaysia submits diplomatic note to UN Secretary-General António Guterres rejecting the Philippines’ claim to Sabah r...

  • The Head of NASA Is Being Awfully Catty About China's Amazing New Moon Samples

    China recently became the first country to ever return samples taken from the far side of the Moon, a historic mission that could have profound implications on our understanding of its evolution and ability to host human life. But thanks to a law called the Wolf Amendment, which was enacted by the US government in […]

  • Opinion: What Britain’s first Asian prime minister meant to my family

    The defeat of the Conservative Party in the UK election ends Rishi Sunak’s two-year premiership. Does it also sour the story of Britain’s first Asian prime minister, asks Sunder Katwala.

  • Beijing is laughing at the West’s weakness

    Russian aggression in Ukraine poses a threat to world peace and stability. China provides material support for Russia’s actions. All this is entirely clear. In Beijing, immediately after a meeting with Xi Jinping in April this year, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that “Russia would struggle to sustain its assault on Ukraine without China’s support”. This included selling huge quantities of machine tools and micro-electronics that would be used in the Russian defence industry.

  • How Obama mentored the new UK prime minister to help him tell his story

    The leader of the Labour Party, Keir Starmer, has been mentored by Barack Obama. The relationship is likely to continue if Starmer wins the UK election.

  • Victoria Starmer: Britain's 'reluctant' new first lady

    Sir Keir Starmer’s wife of 17 years has been largely absent from the campaign trial and isn’t at all keen on moving into No10. From her political roots to their unlikely meeting, Katie Strick charts the life of the PM’s fiercely private other half

  • Canadian Police Seek Suspects in Pants-on-Fire Arson

    One of two suspects in an arson in Richmond, British Columbia, set himself on fire and “despite efforts of both the suspects, [his] pants continued to burn,” according to Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).The RCMP released footage of the incident, which they said occurred in the early hours of April 24.“At approximately 4:30 am Richmond RCMP attended for an alarm at a business located in the 2600 block of Simpson Road,” police said.“Frontline officers located a broken window and small fire directly in front of it. Evidence was also located which indicated the fire had been intentionally set.“A subsequent review of video surveillance from the area determined that two unidentified men wearing masks had approached the business on foot prior to allegedly smashing the window and then lighting an object on fire. While lighting it, one of the suspect

  • ‘I’ve lost my job and my house, but my wife and I are worth £650m – how can we pay less tax?’

    Rishi Sunak, 44, finds himself in a bind. After a highly successful career in the City of London, followed by a brief but eventful spell in politics, he has suffered a serious demotion and been evicted from his home.

  • Zelensky U-turns as he invites Russia to attend peace summit without giving up land

    Volodymyr Zelensky has invited Russia to the next peace summit despite previously saying it could only join if it relinquished land in Ukraine.

  • Michelle and Barack Obama Celebrate Daughter Malia's Birthday with Sweet Throwback Photos: 'Still Willing to Hold Your Dad’s Hand'

    "You deserve the world and more," Michelle wrote to her daughter on Instagram

  • Van Jones Reveals ‘Behind The Scenes’ Moves That Could End Biden Campaign

    The CNN commentator detailed the “big conversation” taking place right now among Democratic insiders.

  • Lebanon's Hezbollah rains 200 rockets on Israel as Gaza war rages

    Lebanon's Hezbollah launched more than 200 rockets and drones at Israeli army positions on Thursday, escalating tensions between the two adversaries amid the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.After months of deadlocked Gaza ceasefire efforts, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he agreed to send a delegation for talks aimed at securing the release of hostages seized in Hamas's October 7 attack that sparked the war.The announcement, which came a day after Hamas said it had "ideas" on halting the nearly nine-month conflict, followed a phone call between Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden."The leaders discussed the recent response received from Hamas" and "the President welcomed the Prime Minister's decision to authorise his negotiators to engage with US, Qatari and Egyptian mediators in an effort to close out the deal," the White House said.Israel launched a military offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip on October 7, in response to an unprecedented attack by the Palestinian Islamist militant group on its territory.The next day Hezbollah, in support of its ally Hamas, opened a front on Israel's northern border with Lebanon, and the two sides have since exchanged near-daily cross-border fire.Hezbollah said it fired more than 200 rockets and "explosive drones" at army positions in northern Israel and the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights in retaliation for an Israeli strike that killed one of the Iran-backed group's commanders.Air raid sirens blared across northern Israel in the morning, and an AFP correspondent witnessed rockets crossing the frontier that were mostly intercepted by Israeli air defences but sparked wildfires.A military source said later a soldier was killed by a rocket fired into northern Israel.- Fighting in Gaza City -The Gaza war broke out after Hamas's October 7 attack on southern Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,195 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.The militants also seized 251 hostages, 116 of whom remain in Gaza including 42 the army says are dead.In response, Netanyahu vowed to "crush" Hamas and Israel's military launched an offensive that has killed at least 38,011 people in Gaza, also mostly civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory's health ministry.Gaza's civil defence agency said seven people were killed Thursday in Israeli strikes, including five in a school in Gaza City, in the north of the besieged territory.Fighting raged in the city's Shujaiya neighbourhood and in Rafah, on the southern border with Egypt, where an Israeli evacuation order raised fears of a major new offensive.Since the order was issued on Monday, tens of thousands of Palestinians have fled eastern areas of Rafah and nearby Khan Yunis.The United Nations says 1.9 million people are thought to be displaced in Gaza, and that around nine in every 10 people in the territory have been uprooted at least once since the war broke out."Behind these numbers, there are people... that have fears and grievances. And they had probably dreams and hopes; the less and less, I fear today, unfortunately," said Andrea De Domenico, head of the UN humanitarian office in the Palestinian territories."People who in the last nine months have been moved around like pawns in a board game."- Evacuation order -The United Nations says up to 250,000 people were affected by Israel's order to evacuate 117 square kilometres (45 square miles) -- equivalent to one-third of Gaza's territory.The Israel-Hezbollah border clashes have killed at least 496 people in Lebanon, most of them fighters but also including 95 civilians, according to an AFP tally.Israeli authorities say at least 16 soldiers and 11 civilians have been killed on their side of the UN-patrolled border.The Gaza war at the heart of the violence has meanwhile raged on, with gun battles, air strikes and shelling rocking Gaza City for an eight straight day.Israeli troops "destroyed tunnel routes in the area and eliminated dozens of terrorists in close-quarters combat with tank fire, and in aerial strikes," the military said.- 'Maelstrom of human misery' -Israel has faced an international outcry over the soaring civilian death toll, punishing siege and mass destruction in Gaza.The UN humanitarian coordinator for Gaza, Sigrid Kaag, this week called for an end to the "maelstrom of human misery".Netanyahu has insisted Israel will destroy Hamas and bring home the remaining hostages.Biden, under growing domestic pressure over Washington's support for Israel, in late May outlined a roadmap for a six-week truce and exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners.There has been little progress since, but Hamas said Wednesday it was communicating with officials in Qatar and Egypt as well as Turkey with an eye to ending the conflict.Hamas said its Qatar-based political chief Ismail Haniyeh had "made contact with the mediator brothers in Qatar and Egypt about the ideas that the movement is discussing with them with the aim of reaching an agreement".Netanyahu's office said Wednesday that "Israel is evaluating the (Hamas) remarks and will convey its reply to the mediators".The main stumbling block so far has been Hamas's demand for a permanent end to the fighting, which Netanyahu and his far-right coalition partners strongly reject.burs-dv/kir