True Wireless
Apple AirPods 3
76Great
$84
Full review dataApple AirPods 3 vs Sony WF-1000XM5: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Sony WF-1000XM5 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Sony WF-1000XM5 - Outstanding overall at around $249.
True Wireless
Sony WF-1000XM5
88Outstanding
$250
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Apple AirPods 3
Sound7.5
Battery7.0
Calls8.0
Value7.0
Sony WF-1000XM5
Sound9.0
Noise cancelling9.0
Battery8.0
Calls8.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Apple AirPods 3 | Sony WF-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | True Wireless | True Wireless |
| Price (USD) | $84 | $250 |
| HearWiki score | 76 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2021 | 2023 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | 0.33" |
| Driver size | - | 8.4 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 0Hz-0kHz | 20 Hz - 40,000 Hz |
| Impedance | - | 32 Ω |
| Sensitivity | - | 102 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Bluetooth version | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 |
| Multipoint pairing | No | Yes |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 6 h | 12 h |
| Battery life (ANC on) | - | 8 h |
| Battery incl. case | 30 h | 24 h |
| Full charge time | - | 90 min |
| Quick charge | - | 5 min = 1 h |
| Wireless charging | Yes | Yes |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| ANC type | none | hybrid |
| Transparency mode | No | Yes |
| Companion app | No | Yes |
| Custom EQ | Yes | Yes |
| Wear detection | Yes | Yes |
| Controls | both | touch |
| Voice assistant | Siri | Yes |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 4.28 g | 11.8 g |
| Case weight | 37.91 g | 39 g |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Foldable | No | - |
| Detachable cable | No | - |
| USB-C | No | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 3 | 6 |
What reviewers said
Apple AirPods 3
The Apple AirPods 3 are a notable step up from earlier models, offering richer sound, longer playback, and a more secure fit, all wrapped in a familiar design. They excel at calls and integrate seamlessly with Apple devices, but their open fit and lack of noise cancellation mean they won't suit everyone, especially those seeking isolation or heavy bass. For Apple users upgrading from older AirPods, they're a solid choice, though competitors offer more features at similar prices.
- Pro:Improved sound clarity and detail
- Pro:Excellent call quality with multiple mics
- Pro:Comfortable, secure fit for many
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:Open fit lets in ambient sound
- Con:Limited to Apple devices for full features
Sony WF-1000XM5
These are high-end true wireless earbuds that focus on adaptive noise cancellation and detailed audio, supporting LDAC for high-resolution streaming. They offer a solid battery life of up to 12 hours without ANC, plus a comfortable fit and IPX4 sweat resistance for daily use. The touch controls and companion app add convenience, though the price reflects their premium status.
- Pro:Excellent adaptive noise cancellation
- Pro:Long battery life (12 hours without ANC)
- Pro:Supports LDAC and AAC codecs
- Con:Premium price point
- Con:No higher water resistance rating than IPX4
- Con:Touch controls may take time to master
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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