Sony WF-1000XM5
Integrated V2 · LDAC · Dual processors
AirPods Pro 2
True-wireless · 2022
AirPods Pro 2 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Sony WF-1000XM5 lands at 91 and AirPods Pro 2 at 92. That puts AirPods Pro 2 ahead by 1 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Sony WF-1000XM5 if…
- ✓Excellent ANC for the size
- ✓LDAC hi-res on Android
- ✓Smaller than XM4
Pick AirPods Pro 2 if…
- ✓Compact carry
- ✓Platform integration (brand-dependent)
- ✓Quick pair
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound
TieCompared on the sound sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Noise cancelling
Sony WF-1000XM5Compared on the noise cancelling sub-score
Sony WF-1000XM5 leads on anc (93 vs 89).
Comfort
AirPods Pro 2Compared on the comfort sub-score
AirPods Pro 2 leads on comfort (90 vs 88).
Value for money
AirPods Pro 2Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
AirPods Pro 2 more score per dollar ($249 vs $299).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Sony WF-1000XM5 | AirPods Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers | 8.4 mm dynamic | — |
| Codecs | LDAC, LC3, AAC, SBC | — |
| Battery | 8 h (ANC) / 24 h case | — |
| Water rating | IPX4 | — |
| Type | — | True-wireless |
| Release year | — | 2022 |
Sony WF-1000XM5
- +Excellent ANC for the size
- +LDAC hi-res on Android
- +Smaller than XM4
- −Case fingerprint magnet
- −Some find them bass-heavy
- −Price pressure from rivals
AirPods Pro 2
- +Compact carry
- +Platform integration (brand-dependent)
- +Quick pair
- −Battery life limited
- −Fit varies by ear
- −Case bulkier than pod
FAQ: Sony WF-1000XM5 vs AirPods Pro 2
Which is better, Sony WF-1000XM5 or AirPods Pro 2? +
AirPods Pro 2 scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 1. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Sony WF-1000XM5 worth the price? +
At $299, Sony WF-1000XM5 delivers a Specdex score of 91 — strongest in anc.
Is AirPods Pro 2 worth the price? +
At $249, AirPods Pro 2 delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in sound.
Does Sony WF-1000XM5 or AirPods Pro 2 last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for noise cancelling, Sony WF-1000XM5 or AirPods Pro 2? +
Sony WF-1000XM5 — leads on anc (93 vs 89). Compared on the noise cancelling sub-score.
Which is better for comfort, Sony WF-1000XM5 or AirPods Pro 2? +
AirPods Pro 2 — leads on comfort (90 vs 88). Compared on the comfort sub-score.