AirPods Pro 2 vs Sony WF-1000XM5: The Ultimate Earbuds Showdown

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 and Sony WF-1000XM5 represent the pinnacle of true wireless earbuds technology. Both offer exceptional noise cancellation, premium sound quality, and cutting-edge features. But they take different approaches to achieve audio excellence. Let's break down which earbuds are right for you.

Quick Specs Comparison

Feature	AirPods Pro 2	Sony WF-1000XM5
Price (AUD)	$399	$449
Battery (Earbuds)	6 hours	8 hours
Battery (With Case)	30 hours	24 hours
Weight (Each)	5.3g	5.9g
Water Resistance	IP54	IPX4
Hi-Res Audio	No (AAC only)	Yes (LDAC)

Sound Quality

This is where things get interesting. Both earbuds sound excellent, but they have distinctly different sound signatures.

AirPods Pro 2

Apple's earbuds deliver a balanced, clean sound that works well across all genres. The bass is punchy but controlled, mids are clear, and highs are crisp without being harsh. Personalised Spatial Audio with head tracking creates an immersive experience for supported content.

However, AirPods Pro 2 are limited to the AAC codec, which means you won't get the full benefit of hi-res audio streaming services.

Sony WF-1000XM5

Sony's earbuds offer a warmer, more immersive sound with deeper bass extension. The support for LDAC codec means you can stream hi-res audio from services like Tidal and Amazon Music HD at up to 990kbps – a significant advantage for audiophiles.

Sony's DSEE Extreme technology also upscales compressed audio in real-time, making even Spotify sound better.

Verdict: Sony wins for audio enthusiasts with its hi-res codec support and richer sound. AirPods Pro 2 are better for those who prioritise Spatial Audio and Apple Music integration.

Noise Cancellation

Both earbuds offer class-leading ANC, but they achieve it differently.

AirPods Pro 2

Apple claims 2x better ANC than the original AirPods Pro, and the improvement is noticeable. The H2 chip enables Adaptive Transparency, which can reduce harsh environmental sounds like construction noise or sirens while letting through speech and other important sounds.

Sony WF-1000XM5

Sony has long been the king of ANC, and the WF-1000XM5 continues that legacy. The Integrated Processor V2 and new 8.4mm drivers work together to deliver exceptional noise cancellation that many consider the best in any earbuds.

Verdict: Extremely close. Sony has a slight edge in raw ANC performance, but Apple's Adaptive Transparency is more intelligent and useful in daily life.

Comfort and Fit

AirPods Pro 2

The AirPods Pro 2 are incredibly lightweight at 5.3g per earbud. Apple includes four sizes of silicone tips, and the built-in ear tip fit test helps ensure you have the right seal. Most users find them comfortable for extended wear.

Sony WF-1000XM5

Sony has significantly reduced the size compared to the XM4, and at 5.9g, they're only slightly heavier than AirPods. Sony includes foam tips alongside silicone options, which many users prefer for comfort and isolation.

Verdict: Both are excellent. AirPods are slightly lighter; Sony offers foam tip options.

Features and Ecosystem

AirPods Pro 2 Exclusive Features

• Seamless Apple integration: Auto-switching between devices, Find My support, instant pairing
• Conversation Awareness: Automatically lowers volume when you speak
• Personalised Spatial Audio: Uses Face ID to map your ear shape
• Built-in speaker: Case speaker helps locate missing earbuds
• USB-C and MagSafe: Multiple charging options

Sony WF-1000XM5 Exclusive Features

• LDAC hi-res codec: Stream music at up to 990kbps
• DSEE Extreme: AI upscaling for compressed audio
• Speak-to-Chat: Automatically pauses music when you speak
• Multipoint connection: Connect to two devices simultaneously
• Sony Headphones app: Extensive EQ and feature customisation

Verdict: iPhone users will benefit more from AirPods Pro 2. Android users and audiophiles should choose Sony.

Call Quality

Both earbuds have improved significantly in call quality over their predecessors.

AirPods Pro 2 use the H2 chip's machine learning to isolate your voice, and callers report clear, natural-sounding calls. Sony WF-1000XM5 features bone-conduction sensors and AI noise reduction that perform similarly well.

Verdict: Tie. Both are excellent for calls.

Battery Life

Sony WF-1000XM5 offers 8 hours of playback with ANC on, compared to 6 hours for AirPods Pro 2. However, the AirPods case provides more total playtime (30 hours vs 24 hours).

Both support quick charging: AirPods give 1 hour from 5 minutes of charging, while Sony provides 1 hour from 3 minutes.

Verdict: Sony for longer single sessions; AirPods for more total time.

Price in Australia

The AirPods Pro 2 retail for $399 AUD, while the Sony WF-1000XM5 comes in at $449 AUD. The $50 difference isn't huge at this price point, so base your decision on features rather than cost.

Who Should Buy Which?

Buy the AirPods Pro 2 if:

• You use an iPhone, iPad, and/or Mac
• Seamless ecosystem integration matters to you
• You want Spatial Audio for movies and music
• Find My support and the case speaker are valuable to you
• You prefer a slightly smaller, lighter earbud

Buy the Sony WF-1000XM5 if:

• You use an Android phone
• Hi-res audio and LDAC codec support matter to you
• You want the best possible raw ANC performance
• You need multipoint connection for multiple devices
• You prefer a warmer, bass-forward sound signature

The Verdict

Both the AirPods Pro 2 and Sony WF-1000XM5 are outstanding earbuds that justify their premium price tags. Your choice should primarily depend on your smartphone ecosystem:

iPhone users: The AirPods Pro 2 offer an unmatched integration experience with features that simply aren't available to Android users. They're the obvious choice.

Android users: The Sony WF-1000XM5 is the better choice, offering hi-res audio support, superior ANC, and excellent software customisation through the Sony Headphones app.

Either way, you're getting best-in-class earbuds that will serve you well for years to come.