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Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Sony WH-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 6 of 7 measures.

  • Apple AirPods Pro 3
  • Sony WH-1000XM4
HearWiki score
86
75
Sound
8.6
8.0
Noise cancelling
9.3
8.2
Battery
7.3
8.5
Calls
7.4
6.1
Value
8.3
4.2
Price (USD)
$180
$320

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 WH-1000XM4 (2020). Neither is straightforwardly newer: the Apple AirPods Pro 3 brings Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.0, while the Sony WH-1000XM4 answers with Top codec LDAC against AAC. The Apple AirPods Pro 3 answers on convenience features: it adds Wireless charging and Water resistance (IP57).

  • AirPods Pro 320255 yr newer
  • WH-1000XM42020
What differsAirPods Pro 3WH-1000XM4

Platform

Bluetooth
5.3
5.0
Top codec
AAC
LDAC

Everyday features

Wireless charging
Yes
No
Water resistance
IP57
Not rated

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

Specifications

AirPods Pro 3WH-1000XM4
Type
True Wireless
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$180
$320
HearWiki score
86
75
Released
2025
2020
Availability
Sold new
Still sold new
Driver
10.7 mm dynamic
40 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
10.7 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
-
16 Ω
Sensitivity
110 dB/mW
105 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
5.0
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC, LDAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Battery life
8 h
38 h
Battery life (ANC on)
8 h
30 h
Full charge time
-
180 min
Quick charge
-
10 min → 5 h
Wireless charging
Yes
No
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
Alexa, Google Assistant
Weight
5.5 g
254 g
Case weight
44 g
-
Water resistance
IP57
none
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
3
2
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 WH-1000XM4

The Sony WH-1000XM4 are premium wireless over-ear headphones that deliver outstanding active noise cancellation and balanced, detailed sound. They remain a top pick thanks to their comfortable fit, long battery life, and useful features like adaptive ANC, multipoint pairing, and touch controls. Despite being a few years old, they still compete strongly with newer flagships.

  • Pro:Excellent adaptive noise cancellation
  • Pro:Rich, well-balanced audio with LDAC support
  • Pro:Comfortable lightweight design for long sessions
  • Con:No water resistance rating
  • Con:No wireless charging support
  • Con:Touch controls can be finicky 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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