# Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Sony WF-1000XM5: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Apple AirPods Pro 3 (Apple) and Sony WF-1000XM5 (Sony) among wireless earbuds. Apple AirPods Pro 3 is the cheaper of the two at $249.

## Side by side

| Spec | Apple AirPods Pro 3 | Sony WF-1000XM5 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $249 | $300 |
| Brand | Apple | Sony |
| Released | 2025-09 | 2023-06 |
| ANC | Yes | Yes |
| Driver (mm) | — | 8.4 |
| Battery buds hr | 8 | 8 |
| Battery case hr | 24 | 24 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| IP rating | IP57 | IPX4 |
| Wireless charging | Yes | Yes |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Weight per bud (g) | 5.55 | 5.9 |

## Key differences

- IP rating: Apple AirPods Pro 3 IP57 vs Sony WF-1000XM5 IPX4
- Codecs: Apple AirPods Pro 3 SBC, AAC vs Sony WF-1000XM5 SBC, AAC, LDAC
- Weight per bud (g): Apple AirPods Pro 3 5.55 vs Sony WF-1000XM5 5.9

## What reviewers say

**Apple AirPods Pro 3** — The AirPods Pro 3 set a new bar for in-ear noise cancellation. SoundGuys measured ~90% noise reduction (about 40 dB), the best they have ever tested in earbuds, beating Sony's WF-1000XM5 and Bose's QC Ultra, plus a big battery jump to 8h42m with ANC. Main gripes: no EQ, weak Android support. (2 sourced reviews.)

## Sources

- Apple AirPods Pro 3: https://www.apple.com/airpods-pro/specs/ (apple.com, verified 2026-06-15)
- Sony WF-1000XM5: https://www.digitaltrends.com/home-theater/sony-wf-1000xm5-review/ (digitaltrends.com, verified 2026-06-15)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/wireless-earbuds/apple-airpods-pro-3-vs-sony-wf-1000xm5/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Apple AirPods Pro 3 ($249) vs Sony WF-1000XM5 ($300) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/wireless-earbuds/apple-airpods-pro-3-vs-sony-wf-1000xm5/
License: CC BY 4.0.