Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Sony WF-1000XM6
iPhone? Get the AirPods Pro 3. If you use Android, or sound matters most, the Sony WF-1000XM6 are the better buy.
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Noise cancelling to rival Sony's, a secure fit and seamless iPhone features. The ones to get with an iPhone.
Sony WF-1000XM6
Outstanding noise cancelling, rich detailed sound and clear calls. The best earbuds overall.
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Both block noise about as well as any earbuds and last about 8 hours with noise cancelling on. With an iPhone the AirPods fit more ears, track heart rate and cost less; the Sony sound richer and do more on Android.
- —You have an iPhone.
- —You work out: they're IP57 and track heart rate.
- —Earbuds usually fall out of your ears.
- —You use Android: LDAC gets the most from them.
- —Sound quality matters most.
- —You switch between a phone and a laptop.
Key differences
Pros and cons
- +Noise cancelling among the very best
- +Five tip sizes for a secure fit
- +Seamless with iPhone, plus heart rate
- −The case holds less charge than the AirPods Pro 2's: about 24 hours in total.
- −There's no EQ to adjust the sound, and only AAC (no hi-res codecs).
- −The case has no button for pairing; it's done from the iPhone.
- +Among the very best noise cancelling
- +Rich, detailed sound with LDAC on Android
- +Clear calls and multipoint
- −The buds are bulky, and the foam tips come in XS to L only, with no extra-large size.
- −The case is big for a pocket and feels less premium than the price.
- −Battery is about 8 hours with noise cancelling, no better than the WF-1000XM5.
- −No aptX, and LDAC hi-res works on Android only.
Ready to choose?
- Is the AirPods Pro 3 worth it?
- Is the Sony WF-1000XM6 worth it?
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How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: RTINGS, RTINGS, What Hi-Fi, manufacturer specifications.