True Wireless
Apple AirPods (2nd generation)
Not yet scored
$159
Full review dataApple AirPods (2nd generation) vs Sony WF-1000XM6: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Apple AirPods (2nd generation) vs Sony WF-1000XM6, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.
True Wireless
Sony WF-1000XM6
88Outstanding
$298
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Apple AirPods (2nd generation)
No sub-scores yet - not enough rated reviews.
Sony WF-1000XM6
Sound9.0
Noise cancelling9.0
Battery8.0
Calls8.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Apple AirPods (2nd generation) | Sony WF-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | True Wireless | True Wireless |
| Price (USD) | $159 | $298 |
| HearWiki score | Not scored | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2019 | 2026 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver type | - | custom driver |
| Driver size | - | 8.4 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | - | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Bluetooth version | - | 5.3 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 |
| Multipoint pairing | No | Yes |
| Wireless range | - | 10 m |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 5 h | 12 h |
| Battery life (ANC on) | - | 8 h |
| Battery incl. case | 24 h | 24 h |
| Full charge time | - | 90 min |
| Quick charge | - | 3 min = 1 h |
| Wireless charging | Yes | Yes |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | Yes |
| ANC type | none | adaptive |
| Transparency mode | No | Yes |
| Companion app | No | Yes |
| Custom EQ | No | Yes |
| Wear detection | No | Yes |
| Controls | touch | touch |
| Voice assistant | Siri | Google Assistant, Alexa, Siri |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 4 g | 6.4 g |
| Case weight | 38.2 g | 47 g |
| Water resistance | none | IPX4 |
| USB-C | No | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 2 | 8 |
| Microphone | - | Yes |
What reviewers said
Apple AirPods (2nd generation)
These are Apple's entry-level true wireless earbuds from 2019, built around the H1 chip for seamless pairing and low-latency performance. They deliver a balanced, open sound with a comfortable universal fit, offering about 5 hours of playback per charge and 24 hours total with the wired charging case. They lack noise cancellation, transparency mode, and any app-based customization, but they work effortlessly with Apple devices and support Siri hands-free.
- Pro:Effortless pairing and stable connection with Apple devices
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear
- Pro:Reliable 5-hour battery per charge with 24 hours total via case
- Con:No active noise cancellation or transparency mode
- Con:No EQ, app support, or ear tip customization
- Con:Lightning connector instead of USB-C
Sony WF-1000XM6
The Sony WF-1000XM6 true wireless earbuds deliver a top-tier audio experience with adaptive noise cancellation and robust sound quality, making them a strong all-around choice for daily use and workouts. They feature a long battery life, LDAC support, and multipoint connectivity, though their premium price and slightly bulky case are minor trade-offs. Overall, they excel in most areas, with call clarity and customization options further boosting their appeal.
- Pro:Excellent adaptive noise cancellation
- Pro:Rich, detailed sound with LDAC support
- Pro:Long battery life even with ANC on
- Con:Premium price point may deter budget buyers
- Con:Charging case is somewhat larger than rivals
- Con:Stock ear tips might not fit all ear shapes
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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