Best Wireless Earbuds · head-to-head

Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Google Pixel Buds Pro 2

A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 is cheaper at $229. Every spec and price links to its source.

Which is better: the Sony WF-1000XM5 or Google Pixel Buds Pro 2?

The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 wins 1 of the 1 specs we compare head to head; the other wins 0. The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 is the cheaper at $229. The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 both leads on specs and costs less — the straightforward pick.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices verified at capture; live price may differ.

Full spec sheet

✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.

Spec Sony WF-1000XM5 Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
US price $300 $229
BrandSonyGoogle
Released2023-062024-09
ANC Yes Yes
Driver (mm) 8.4 11
Battery buds (hr) 8 8
Battery case (hr) 24 30
Bluetooth 5.3 5.4
IP rating IPX4 IP54
Wireless charging Yes Yes
Codecs SBC, AAC, LDAC SBC, AAC
Weight per bud (g) 5.9 4.7
Release 2023-06 2024-09

Sources — Sony WF-1000XM5: digitaltrends.com (verified 2026-06-15). Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: 9to5google.com (verified 2026-06-15).

What's the difference between the Sony WF-1000XM5 and Google Pixel Buds Pro 2?

Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (6 of 9). Matching specs are omitted.

  • Driver (mm): Sony WF-1000XM5 8.4 vs Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 11
  • Battery case (hr): Sony WF-1000XM5 24 vs Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 30
  • Bluetooth: Sony WF-1000XM5 5.3 vs Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 5.4
  • IP rating: Sony WF-1000XM5 IPX4 vs Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 IP54
  • Codecs: Sony WF-1000XM5 SBC, AAC, LDAC vs Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 SBC, AAC
  • Weight per bud (g): Sony WF-1000XM5 5.9 vs Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 4.7

What reviewers say

Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.

Sony WF-1000XM5

Across 3 testing outlets (SoundGuys, Engadget, Trusted Reviews), the Sony WF-1000XM5 earned a strongly positive consensus as a top-tier noise-canceling earbud. Reviewers praised the smaller, more comfortable and secure fit, effective ANC that blocks environmental noise and voices, clearer sound with improved vocal detail versus the WF-1000XM4, and solid battery life (around 8 hours on the buds, roughly 24 hours with the case, plus fast quick-charge). The main knock came from SoundGuys, which felt the low end was overrepresented and bass-heavy. (3 sourced reviews, 3 lab-tested.)

Praised: Smaller, more comfortable and secure-feeling fit versus the previous model; Effective, class-leading active noise cancellation; Improved sound clarity and vocal detail over the WF-1000XM4.

Flagged: Bass/low frequencies can sound overrepresented or boomy.

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2

No sourced tester review yet.

← All wireless earbuds compared · Open data