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Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Sony WF-1000XM4: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Apple AirPods Pro 3 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 86. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Apple AirPods Pro 3 - Outstanding overall at around $179.

Score breakdown

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

Apple AirPods Pro 3 leads on 7 of 7 measures.

  • Apple AirPods Pro 3
  • Sony WF-1000XM4
HearWiki score
86
73
Sound
8.6
8.3
Noise cancelling
9.3
8.4
Battery
7.3
7.2
Calls
7.4
5.8
Value
8.3
5.2
Price (USD)
$180
$210

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?

Mixed generations

Apple AirPods Pro 3 (2025) against Sony WF-1000XM4 (2021). Neither is straightforwardly newer: the Apple AirPods Pro 3 brings Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.2, while the Sony WF-1000XM4 answers with Top codec LDAC against AAC. The Apple AirPods Pro 3 answers on convenience features: it adds Water resistance IP57 against IPX4.

  • AirPods Pro 320254 yr newer
  • WF-1000XM42021
What differsAirPods Pro 3WF-1000XM4

Platform

Bluetooth
5.3
5.2
Top codec
AAC
LDAC

Everyday features

Water resistance
IP57
IPX4

Level on: Multipoint pairing, Wireless charging, Transparency mode.

Specifications

AirPods Pro 3WF-1000XM4
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$180
$210
HearWiki score
86
73
Released
2025
2021
Availability
Sold new
Still sold new
Driver
10.7 mm dynamic
6 mm driver
Driver type
dynamic
-
Driver size
10.7 mm
6 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Sensitivity
110 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
5.3
5.2
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC, LDAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Wireless range
-
10 m
Battery life
8 h
12 h
Battery life (ANC on)
8 h
8 h
Battery incl. case
-
24 h
Full charge time
-
90 min
Quick charge
-
5 min → 1 h
Wireless charging
Yes
Yes
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
adaptive
-
Transparency mode
Yes
Yes
Companion app
Yes
-
Wear detection
Yes
-
Controls
touch
-
Voice assistant
Siri
Alexa, Google Assistant
Weight
5.5 g
41.1 g
Case weight
44 g
41 g
Water resistance
IP57
IPX4
USB-C
Yes
-
Microphones
3
-
Microphone type
beamforming
-

What reviewers said

Apple AirPods Pro 3

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are premium true wireless earbuds that combine adaptive active noise cancellation with a comfortable, secure fit. They deliver clear calls, robust battery life, and a balanced sound profile, all wrapped in an IP57-rated design that handles water and dust. With Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint connectivity, and wireless charging, they offer a polished experience for Apple and non-Apple users alike.

  • Pro:Excellent adaptive noise cancellation
  • Pro:Clear call quality with beamforming mics
  • Pro:Strong battery life of 8 hours with ANC on
  • Con:Fit may be tricky for some ears
  • Con:Premium price point
  • Con:Limited codec support (SBC, AAC only)

Sony WF-1000XM4

These premium true wireless earbuds deliver robust active noise cancellation and a rich, detailed sound signature via a 6mm driver. With LDAC support, Bluetooth 5.2, and multipoint connectivity, they offer flexible, high-quality audio. The battery provides up to 8 hours with ANC on, extending to 24 hours with the wireless charging case, and they carry an IPX4 rating for light splashes.

  • Pro:Excellent active noise cancellation
  • Pro:Supports high-resolution LDAC codec
  • Pro:Multipoint Bluetooth for seamless device switching
  • Con:Battery life with ANC is modest at 8 hours
  • Con:No aptX codec support
  • Con:Touch controls may be sensitive for some users

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

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