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Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Sony WF-1000XM6: 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 4 of 7 measures.

  • Apple AirPods Pro 3
  • Sony WF-1000XM6
HearWiki score
86
85
Sound
8.6
9.3
Noise cancelling
9.3
9.2
Battery
7.3
8.4
Calls
7.4
8.4
Value
8.3
8.1
Price (USD)
$180
$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 3 (2025). The Sony WF-1000XM6 is the newer platform here: Top codec LC3 against AAC and LE Audio (LC3). The Apple AirPods Pro 3 answers on convenience features: it adds Water resistance IP57 against IPX4.

  • AirPods Pro 32025
  • WF-1000XM620261 yr newer
What differsAirPods Pro 3WF-1000XM6

Platform

Top codec
AAC
LC3
LE Audio (LC3)
No
Yes

Everyday features

Water resistance
IP57
IPX4

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

Specifications

AirPods Pro 3WF-1000XM6
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$180
$280
HearWiki score
86
85
Released
2025
2026
Availability
Sold new
Sold new
Driver
10.7 mm dynamic
8.4 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
10.7 mm
8.4 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 40 kHz
Sensitivity
110 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
5.3
5.3
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC, LC3, 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
-
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
Wear detection
Yes
Yes
Controls
touch
touch
Voice assistant
Siri
Google Assistant
Weight
5.5 g
6.5 g
Case weight
44 g
47.1 g
Water resistance
IP57
IPX4
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
3
8
Microphone type
beamforming
-
Call noise reduction
-
Yes

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-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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New comparisonApple AirPods Pro 3Sony WF-1000XM6