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Apple Beats Powerbeats Pro 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.

Score breakdown

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

Apple Beats Powerbeats Pro
Sound8.0
Battery9.0
Calls7.5
Value7.0
Sony WF-1000XM5
Sound9.0
Noise cancelling9.0
Battery8.0
Calls8.0
Value7.0

Specifications

Specification comparison of Apple Beats Powerbeats Pro vs Sony WF-1000XM5
SpecApple Beats Powerbeats ProSony WF-1000XM5
TypeTrue WirelessTrue Wireless
Price (USD)$180$249
HearWiki score82 / 100 · Great88 / 100 · Outstanding
Released20192023
Audio
Driverdynamic0.33"
Driver size-8.4 mm
Drivers per side22
Frequency response20Hz-20kHz20 Hz - 40,000 Hz
Impedance-32 Ω
Sensitivity-102 dB/mW
Wireless
BluetoothClass 1 Wireless Bluetooth5.3
Bluetooth version5.05.3
CodecsSBC, AACSBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3
Multipoint pairingNoYes
Battery
Battery life9 h12 h
Battery life (ANC on)-8 h
Battery incl. case24 h24 h
Full charge time-90 min
Quick charge5 min = 1.5 h5 min = 1 h
Wireless chargingNoYes
Features
Active noise cancellingNo-
ANC type-hybrid
Transparency mode-Yes
Companion app-Yes
Custom EQ-Yes
Wear detection-Yes
Controlsbuttonstouch
Voice assistantSiriYes
Design
Weight77.7 g11.8 g
Case weight80 g39 g
Water resistanceIPX4IPX4
USB-CNoYes
Model codePowerbeats Pro 2-
Calls
Microphones-6

What reviewers said

Apple Beats Powerbeats Pro

These true wireless earbuds are built for active users, offering a secure, hook-style fit and an impressively long battery life. They deliver a balanced, energetic sound with robust bass, though their feature set is more Apple-centric and lacks some modern conveniences. Overall, they're a solid choice for workouts and everyday listening if you prioritize stability and endurance over advanced features.

  • Pro:Secure, stable fit for workouts
  • Pro:Excellent battery life with charging case
  • Pro:Balanced sound with good bass response
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Lacks multipoint pairing
  • Con:No USB-C charging

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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