AirPods Pro 2 vs Sony WH-1000XM5: Which Should You Buy?
This is the matchup everyone asks about — Apple's AirPods Pro 2 against Sony's WH-1000XM5. But here's the thing: you're comparing earbuds to over-ear headphones, so it's not quite apples to apples. They're both top-tier noise cancellers, but they solve different problems. The AirPods Pro 2 disappear in your ears and play nice with every Apple device you own. The Sony XM5s wrap around your head and block out more noise than anything else on the market right now. Different tools for different situations. If you're an iPhone user who wants something pocketable for commutes, workouts, and calls, the AirPods Pro 2 are hard to beat. Adaptive Audio is a killer feature — it blends noise cancellation and transparency mode automatically so you don't have to fiddle with settings. But if you spend long hours at a desk or fly frequently, the XM5s are the move. Thirty hours of battery, insane ANC, and they're surprisingly light for over-ears. We've also thrown in a few alternatives because not everyone wants to spend $200+. The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC punches way above its price, and the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds split the difference between the two headliners nicely.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Key Pros | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) | Audio | Excellent active noise cancellation | Buy on Amazon |
| Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones | Audio | Best-in-class noise cancellation | Buy on Amazon |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds | Audio | Spatial audio with head tracking | Buy on Amazon |
| Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro | Audio | Excellent sound quality | Buy on Amazon |
| Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Earbuds | Audio | Exceptional value for ANC earbuds | Buy on Amazon |
| Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 Wireless Earbuds | Audio | Dolby Atmos spatial audio | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Look at Each Product
Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)
Active noise cancellation with 2x more effective blocking. Adaptive Audio dynamically blends transparency and noise cancellation. Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. USB-C charging case with built-in speaker and lanyard loop.
- Excellent active noise cancellation
- Comfortable fit for extended wear
- USB-C charging case
- Adaptive Audio feature
- Premium price point
- Best experience within Apple ecosystem
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Industry-leading noise cancellation with eight microphones and two processors. Crystal clear hands-free calling with 4 beamforming microphones. Up to 30 hours of battery life with quick charging. Lightweight design at approximately 250g.
- Best-in-class noise cancellation
- 30-hour battery life
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Multipoint Bluetooth connection
- No folding design
- Higher price than competitors
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Immersive spatial audio with head tracking. World-class noise cancellation with CustomTune technology. Up to 6 hours of battery life plus 18 hours with charging case. IPX4 water and sweat resistant.
- Spatial audio with head tracking
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Comfortable secure fit
- IPX4 water resistance
- Expensive
- Average battery life
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro
Adaptive noise cancellation with intelligent ambient sound. 24-bit Hi-Fi audio with 360 Audio. Blade design with ergonomic fit. Up to 7 hours playback with ANC on, 30 hours total with case. IP57 water and dust resistance.
- Excellent sound quality
- Comfortable blade design
- Long battery life
- IP57 rating
- Best features require Samsung phone
- Touch controls can be finicky
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Earbuds
Active noise cancelling earbuds with 98.5% noise reduction. Custom Hi-Res certified 11mm drivers for detailed sound. Up to 10 hours playtime with ANC on, 50 hours total with case. Multipoint connection to two devices simultaneously.
- Exceptional value for ANC earbuds
- 50-hour total battery life
- Multipoint connection
- Comfortable fit
- ANC not as strong as premium brands
- App required for best experience
Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 Wireless Earbuds
Premium wireless earbuds with Dolby Atmos spatial sound and Dolby head tracking for immersive audio. Advanced ANC adapts to your environment. Semi-open design provides all-day comfort with no ear fatigue.
- Dolby Atmos spatial audio
- Comfortable semi-open design
- Strong ANC performance
- Multipoint Bluetooth
- Premium price point
- Touch controls need practice
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has better noise cancellation, AirPods Pro 2 or Sony XM5?
The Sony XM5 wins this one. Over-ear headphones just have a physical advantage — they cover your entire ear and create a seal that earbuds can't match. The AirPods Pro 2 are excellent for earbuds, don't get me wrong, but if raw noise blocking is your top priority, go Sony.
Are AirPods Pro 2 worth it if I don't have an iPhone?
Honestly? Not really. They work with Android, but you lose Adaptive Audio, spatial audio head tracking, and seamless device switching. At that point you're paying the Apple tax for features you can't use. Grab the Sony XM5 or Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro instead.
Which lasts longer on a single charge?
The Sony XM5 crushes it — 30 hours vs about 6 hours for the AirPods Pro 2. That said, the AirPods case gives you roughly 30 hours total, so you're really just popping them in to recharge between listening sessions. For all-day uninterrupted use though, the Sonys win easily.
Can I use the Sony XM5 for working out?
You can, but they're not ideal. They're bulky, don't have an IP rating for sweat resistance, and they'll slide around during anything intense. Stick with the AirPods Pro 2 or another pair of earbuds for the gym. The Sonys are meant for desks, planes, and couches.