Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) vs Sony WF-1000XM6: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Apple AirPods Pro (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

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation)

Not yet scored

$250

Full review data

True Wireless

Sony WF-1000XM6

85Outstanding

$280

Full review data

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Sony WF-1000XM6 leads on 6 of 7 measures.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation)
Sony WF-1000XM6

HearWiki score

Sound

9.3

Noise cancelling

9.2

Battery

8.4

Calls

8.4

Value

8.1

Price (USD)

$250

$280

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

New platform

Sony WF-1000XM6 (2026) against Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) (2022). The Sony WF-1000XM6 is the newer platform here: Top codec LC3 against AAC and LE Audio (LC3).

AirPods Pro (2nd generation)2022
WF-1000XM620264 yr newer

What differsAirPods Pro (2nd generation)WF-1000XM6

Top codec: AAC; LC3
LE Audio (LC3): No; Yes

Level on: Bluetooth, ANC type, Multipoint pairing, Wireless charging, USB-C, Wear detection, Transparency mode, Custom EQ, Companion app, Water resistance.

Specifications

AirPods Pro (2nd generation)WF-1000XM6

Type: True Wireless; True Wireless
Price (USD): $250; $280
HearWiki score: Not scored; 85
Released: 2022; 2026
Availability: Discontinued; Sold new
Driver: dynamic; 8.4 mm dynamic
Driver type: dynamic; dynamic
Driver size: -; 8.4 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: -; 20 Hz - 40 kHz
Bluetooth: 5.3; 5.3
Codecs: AAC; SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
Multipoint pairing: Yes; Yes
Wireless range: -; 10 m
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: -; 3 min → 1 h
Wireless charging: Yes; Yes
Active noise cancelling: Yes; Yes
ANC type: adaptive; adaptive
Transparency mode: Yes; Yes
Companion app: Yes; Yes
Custom EQ: Yes; Yes
Wear detection: Yes; Yes
Controls: touch; touch
Voice assistant: Siri; Google Assistant
Weight: 5.3 g; 6.5 g
Case weight: 50.8 g; 47.1 g
Water resistance: IPX4; IPX4
Detachable cable: No; -
USB-C: Yes; Yes
Microphones: 3; 8
Microphone type: beamforming; -
Call noise reduction: -; Yes

Specification comparison of Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) vs Sony WF-1000XM6
Spec	Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation)	Sony WF-1000XM6
Type	True Wireless	True Wireless
Price (USD)	$250	$280
HearWiki score	Not scored	85 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2022	2026
Audio
Driver	dynamic	8.4 mm dynamic
Driver type	dynamic	dynamic
Driver size	-	8.4 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	-	20 Hz - 40 kHz
Wireless
Bluetooth	5.3	5.3
Codecs	AAC	SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
Multipoint pairing	Yes	Yes
Wireless range	-	10 m
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	-	3 min → 1 h
Wireless charging	Yes	Yes
Features
Active noise cancelling	Yes	Yes
ANC type	adaptive	adaptive
Transparency mode	Yes	Yes
Companion app	Yes	Yes
Custom EQ	Yes	Yes
Wear detection	Yes	Yes
Controls	touch	touch
Voice assistant	Siri	Google Assistant
Design
Weight	5.3 g	6.5 g
Case weight	50.8 g	47.1 g
Water resistance	IPX4	IPX4
Detachable cable	No	-
USB-C	Yes	Yes
Calls
Microphones	3	8
Microphone type	beamforming	-
Call noise reduction	-	Yes

What reviewers said

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation)

These second-generation wireless earbuds from Apple deliver adaptive noise cancellation and a transparency mode that adjusts to loud sounds, all powered by an upgraded chip. With a comfortable in-ear fit, touch controls, and a charging case that extends total playback to 30 hours, they're a solid choice for iPhone users. The IPX4 rating and wireless charging add everyday convenience, while the custom dynamic driver and AAC codec aim for clear, balanced sound.

Pro:Excellent adaptive noise cancellation
Pro:Effective transparency mode with loud-sound reduction
Pro:Comfortable and secure fit with IPX4 sweat resistance

Con:AAC-only codec limits high-resolution wireless audio on Android
Con:Touch controls may take time to learn
Con:Battery life per charge is average at 6 hours

Sony WF-1000XM6

The Sony WF-1000XM6 true wireless earbuds deliver a top-tier audio experience with adaptive noise cancellation and a robust feature set, including LDAC support and multipoint connectivity. They perform exceptionally well for music and calls, though their premium price and case size are minor trade-offs. With strong battery life and IPX4 water resistance, they are a versatile, high-performance choice for most listeners.

Pro:Excellent adaptive noise cancellation
Pro:Rich, detailed sound with LDAC support
Pro:Solid battery life and wireless charging case

Con:Premium price point
Con:Included ear tips may not suit all ear shapes
Con:Charging case is somewhat bulky

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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