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Head-to-head · Best Wireless Earbuds

Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs Sony WF-1000XM6

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Apple AirPods Pro 2 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about Best for iPhone users — H2-chip ANC and seamless handoff — read the strengths below before deciding.

Apple AirPods Pro 2
Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Wireless Earbuds
Apple AirPods Pro 2
5 sources$263.86as of Aug 1

Sound quality and active noise cancellation both take a major step up in the Apple AirPods Pro 2, which is what makes them the top-tier choice for iPhone users. The USB-C case and improved durability are welcome additions, but there is no native EQ customization, and the Apple-exclusive features leave less on the table for Android users. The stem design can shift during intense activity. None of that stops them from being a highly effective, intuitive wireless earbud.

Strengths
  • — Significantly improved active noise cancellation powered by the H2 chip
  • — Clear, detailed, and powerful sound quality that rivals class leaders
  • — Case includes a built-in speaker and U1 chip for precise location tracking via Find My
Watch-outs
  • — Many advanced features like Spatial Audio and Find My are restricted to Apple ecosystem users
  • — No native way to customize the equalizer (EQ) without using third-party applications
  • — The stemmed design can snag on masks, hair, or towels during workouts, causing earbuds to dislodge
$263.86 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Sony WF-1000XM6
Ranked #4 in Best Wireless Earbuds
Sony WF-1000XM6
6 sources$328as of Aug 1

Sony's WF-1000XM6 is a meaningful step up from the XM5: better noise cancellation, clearer call quality, and a redesigned shape that sits more securely. At $329.99 it is steep, though, and battery life and codecs are unchanged, which makes it a hard sell to current XM5 owners outside of a sale. Coming from an older model, or shopping purely on ANC and call performance, it is the best option.

Strengths
  • — Significantly improved Active Noise Cancellation and isolation compared to previous models
  • — Enhanced microphone quality with AI beamforming for clearer calls
  • — New elongated oval design with matte finish provides a more secure and consistent fit
Watch-outs
  • — High price point of $329.99 offers limited value for owners of the previous XM5 model
  • — Sound quality noticeably changes when Active Noise Cancellation is turned off
  • — Battery life and supported audio codecs remain unchanged from the previous generation
$328 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Specs side-by-side

SpecApple AirPods Pro 2Sony WF-1000XM6
DriverCustom Apple8.4mm Dynamic Driver X
Weight5.3g (per bud)5.9g per earbud
ANCYesIndustry-leading ANC
CodecAACLDAC, AAC, SBC
Water ResistanceIP54IPX4
Battery Life6h (30h w/ case)Up to 8 hours (ANC on)
Dimensions0.94 x 0.86 x 1.22 in2.43 x 1.62 x 1.04 in
WaterIP57IPX4
Wireless ChargingQiQi
Quick Charge5 min = 1 hour—
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