Sony WF-1000XM5 vs AirPods Pro 2
Sony versus Apple: the WF-1000XM5 and the AirPods Pro 2 go after the same premium wireless earbuds buyer. Your answer depends on what you value. The WF-1000XM5 does better on battery life, and the AirPods Pro 2 does better on battery life. On top of that, the WF-1000XM5 asked $51 more at launch.
At a glance
- Sound & Noise Cancelling Tie
- Battery & Charging Trade-off
- Features & Connectivity Tie
- Price AirPods Pro 2 wins
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging4.8
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging4.7
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The WF-1000XM5 has 2 h more listening per charge
Few buyers will miss this one. The WF-1000XM5 brings 8 h to the table; the AirPods Pro 2 brings 6 h. Ratings usually assume moderate volume and specific settings, so real results vary.
-
The AirPods Pro 2 has 6 h more total battery with the case
When it comes to battery (with case), the AirPods Pro 2 wins comfortably with 30 h against 24 h. Total battery with the case tells you how long you can go before plugging anything in.
-
The WF-1000XM5 has
It’s a lopsided result (1.38 oz for the WF-1000XM5, 1.79 oz for the AirPods Pro 2) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. Case weight often reflects battery size, so a heavier case can mean more reserve power.
-
The AirPods Pro 2 has a 0.02 oz lighter build
The AirPods Pro 2 nudges ahead with 0.19 oz, while the WF-1000XM5 lists 0.21 oz. Lighter earbuds or headsets feel less noticeable during long listening sessions.
-
The AirPods Pro 2 has a tougher IP54 rating
This one is close enough that other factors could outweigh it, but on paper the AirPods Pro 2 leads with IP54 to IPX4. A higher water resistance rating gives more protection against sweat and rain during workouts.
Design & Size
If lightness matters, note the 0.02 oz gap in favor of the AirPods Pro 2.
Fit & Build
| Spec | WF-1000XM5 | AirPods Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | In-ear (stemless) | In-ear with stem |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IP54 (winner) |
| Weight (per earbud / headset) | 0.21 oz | 0.19 oz (winner) |
| Case weight | 1.38 oz (winner) Lightest case in class | 1.79 oz |
Sound & Noise Cancelling
Too close to call
In the sound & noise cancelling category, the WF-1000XM5 and the AirPods Pro 2 land in almost the same place. Neither pair gives you a reason to choose it on sound & noise cancelling.
Battery & Charging
Trade-off
On battery & charging, pick your advantage: 2 h more listening per charge from the WF-1000XM5 or 6 h more total battery with the case from the AirPods Pro 2. Bottom line for battery & charging: decide which advantage matters more to you.
Battery (single charge)
WF-1000XM5: 8 h AirPods Pro 2: 6 h The WF-1000XM5 runs longer before needing a break, so you’re less likely to be interrupted mid-podcast.
Battery (with case)
WF-1000XM5: 24 h AirPods Pro 2: 30 h The AirPods Pro 2’s case holds more extra charge, which is handy on trips.
Features & Connectivity
Too close to call
The differences on features & connectivity are small enough to ignore in daily use. So features & connectivity is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Full Specifications
Sound & Noise Cancelling
| Spec | WF-1000XM5 | AirPods Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Driver size | 0.33 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency mode | Yes | Yes |
| Spatial audio | 360 Reality Audio | Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking |
| Bluetooth codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 | N/A (not specified) |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | WF-1000XM5 | AirPods Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (single charge)Manufacturer rating, ANC on where available | 8 h (winner) | 6 h |
| Battery (with case)Manufacturer rating | 24 h | 30 h (winner) |
| Wireless charging | Yes | Yes |
| Charging port | USB-C | USB-C (Lightning on the original 2022 version) |
Features & Connectivity
| Spec | WF-1000XM5 | AirPods Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 (Apple H2 chip) |
| Multipoint | Yes | N/A (not specified) |
| Heart-rate sensing | No | No |
| Hearing health features | N/A (not specified) | Hearing Test, Hearing Aid, Hearing Protection |
| Controls | Touch | Force sensor, swipe for volume |
Fit & Build
| Spec | WF-1000XM5 | AirPods Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | In-ear (stemless) | In-ear with stem |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IP54 (winner) |
| Weight (per earbud / headset) | 0.21 oz | 0.19 oz (winner) |
| Case weight | 1.38 oz (winner) Lightest case in class | 1.79 oz |
Price
| Spec | WF-1000XM5 | AirPods Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $300 | $249 (winner) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
The AirPods Pro 2 launched at $51 less than the WF-1000XM5, a gap of 20%. Both have their wins, which makes the AirPods Pro 2’s $51 lower launch price more meaningful.
These are US launch prices, recorded July 2023; what you pay today may be higher or lower.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the WF-1000XM5 if…
- you want longer listening per charge (8 h vs 6 h)
- you want the lighter case (1.38 oz vs 1.79 oz)
- you trust Sony and want to keep things familiar
Choose the AirPods Pro 2 if…
- you travel a lot and rarely want to charge the case (30 h vs 24 h)
- you wear them for hours and want less weight on your ears (0.19 oz vs 0.21 oz)
- you work out hard or get caught in the rain (IP54 vs IPX4)
- you want more value for your money ($51 less at launch)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the WF-1000XM5 or the AirPods Pro 2?
If value matters, the AirPods Pro 2 is the smarter buy: it costs $51 less than the WF-1000XM5 at launch.
Does the WF-1000XM5 last longer on a charge than the AirPods Pro 2?
The WF-1000XM5 does better here. It lists 8 h for battery (single charge), while the AirPods Pro 2 lists 6 h.
Which costs less, the WF-1000XM5 or the AirPods Pro 2?
Going by launch prices, the AirPods Pro 2 costs $51 less than the WF-1000XM5. Prices as of July 2023; current offers may differ.
Is the WF-1000XM5 lighter than the AirPods Pro 2?
The AirPods Pro 2 is lighter, by 0.02 oz.
Executive Summary
If it were just about the brand, you wouldn’t be here. So let’s talk about the WF-1000XM5 and the AirPods Pro 2 on their merits. Practically speaking, the AirPods Pro 2’s biggest advantage is 6 h more total battery with the case. And if that weren’t enough, the AirPods Pro 2 has a 0.02 oz lighter build. In fairness to the WF-1000XM5, 2 h more listening per charge is a genuine strength.
A quick self-test: do you care more about battery life or battery life? The first answer means the WF-1000XM5, the second means the AirPods Pro 2.
My pick: the AirPods Pro 2. It keeps $51 in your pocket, and I don’t think the WF-1000XM5 does enough to earn it back.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.