AIRPODS PRO 2 vs SONY WF-1000XM5 (Tested and Compared!)

Summary

In this detailed comparison, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 and Sony WF-1000X Mark 5S are put head-to-head, testing their Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), sound quality, design, features, and microphones. Both earbuds excel in ANC, with the Sony slightly outperforming in blocking chatter and higher frequencies. The AirPods Pro 2 shine in transparency mode and offer seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem. The Sony earbuds deliver richer sound, customizable EQ settings, and more battery life. Ultimately, the Sony WF-1000X Mark 5S emerge as the winner, especially for those prioritizing ANC and superior audio quality.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Apple AirPods Pro 2 and Sony WF-1000X Mark 5S are two of the top earbuds on the market, each with distinct features.
• 🎧 Both earbuds perform similarly in active noise cancellation (ANC), with both reaching 62 decibels in a white noise test, tying for first place.
• 🗣️ In tests for blocking out crowd noise, the Sony WF-1000X Mark 5S slightly outperform the AirPods by 1 decibel (48.6 vs 47.3).
• 🎶 The Sony earbuds excel at blocking higher frequencies, performing better in tests with female voices (45.6 decibels vs 41.5).
• 🌬️ Both earbuds are nearly equal in performance when it comes to blocking wind noise in transparency mode and active noise cancellation.
• 🎼 In sound quality, the Sony earbuds provide warmer, more powerful, and detailed audio, especially noticeable with acoustic music.
• 🔊 The AirPods Pro 2 are more neutral, with clear details and better instrument separation but lack the energy and warmth of the Sony earbuds.
• 🔄 The AirPods Pro 2 case is smaller, includes a lanyard, and has MagSafe charging, while the Sony case is larger and offers more color options.
• 👂 AirPods Pro 2 use pinch controls and swipe gestures for volume, while Sony uses tap controls and quadruple taps for volume adjustments.
• 🔋 The Sony WF-1000X Mark 5S offer superior battery life with 8 hours of playtime per earbud (24 hours total with the case), including quick charging.
• 📱 AirPods Pro 2 offer Apple ecosystem features like Find My, seamless switching, and audio sharing, while the Sony earbuds support multi-point connectivity and gaming low latency.

Q & A

What is the primary comparison between the Apple AirPods Pro 2 and the Sony WF-1000XM5S in the video?

The primary comparison focuses on active noise cancellation (ANC), sound quality, design, features, and overall performance to determine which pair of earbuds is the better choice.

How do the AirPods Pro 2 and Sony WF-1000XM5S compare in terms of active noise cancellation (ANC)?

Both earbuds are tied in ANC for basic noise blocking, but the Sony WF-1000XM5S perform better at blocking higher frequencies and more sporadic sounds, making them superior in blocking chatter and higher-pitched noises.

What ANC test showed the Sony earbuds performing better than the AirPods?

The Sony earbuds performed better in the crowd test and the female voice test, blocking more decibels of sound compared to the AirPods Pro 2, which suggests they are better at handling complex noises.

How do the AirPods and Sony earbuds perform in the wind test?

Both the AirPods Pro 2 and Sony WF-1000XM5S perform similarly in the wind test with no significant differences, as neither produces loud hissing sounds in ANC mode.

Which earbud has better transparency mode, according to the video?

The AirPods Pro 2 are described as having a more natural-feeling transparency mode, despite the Sony earbuds showing substantial improvements over previous versions.

What is the key advantage of the Sony WF-1000XM5S regarding sound quality?

The Sony WF-1000XM5S deliver richer, more detailed sound with deeper bass, especially noticeable in acoustic music. They also offer an EQ in the app to customize the audio experience, which is a feature not available on the AirPods.

How does the sound quality of the AirPods Pro 2 compare to the Sony WF-1000XM5S?

The AirPods Pro 2 have a more neutral sound, with clean details and emphasis on upper mids, offering a slightly shallower bass compared to the warmer, more powerful, and detailed sound of the Sony WF-1000XM5S.

What are the design differences between the AirPods Pro 2 and the Sony WF-1000XM5S?

The AirPods Pro 2 have a smaller, more compact case with a lanyard for portability, while the Sony earbuds come in two colors and have a spherical design. The AirPods have a more iconic look with a stem, whereas the Sony earbuds are more compact and discreet.

Which earbud has better features for convenience and ecosystem integration?

The AirPods Pro 2 have features like Find My, seamless switching between Apple devices, and audio sharing, which make them more convenient for users in the Apple ecosystem. The Sony earbuds offer low latency mode for gaming and multi-point connectivity for devices outside the Apple ecosystem.

What is the price difference between the AirPods Pro 2 and the Sony WF-1000XM5S?

The Sony WF-1000XM5S are priced at $299, while the AirPods Pro 2 are priced at $249, with the Sony earbuds being more expensive by $50.