ANC and Spatial Audio
Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
Apple’s noise cancellation is superior to Sony’s, particularly in wireless earbuds. It effectively removes almost all low- and mid-range frequencies. These earbuds handle high-frequency sounds more proficiently than the AirPods Pro 2, making sirens and whistles hardly perceptible. Transparency mode plays a vital role in boosting environmental awareness. Furthermore, features like Conversation Boost facilitate clear interaction without the need to take out the earbuds. The WF-1000xM5’s adaptive noise cancellation is comparable, albeit less efficient at reducing high frequencies. Wind resistance is more robust on the WF-1000xM5.
Personalized Spatial Audio functions excellently on the AirPods Pro 3. Dolby Atmos content appears immersive and authentic. Sounds and vocal effects are precisely located within the auditory landscape and transition seamlessly with head movements. Sony’s 360 Reality Audio format convincingly makes music sound more vibrant, though it is compatible with a limited number of streaming services.
Winner: Apple AirPods Pro 3
Check out our comprehensive review of the AirPods Pro 3.
Audio Quality and Platform Compatibility
Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
Sony’s audio technologies are remarkable. Its 8.4mm Dynamic Driver X units produce expansive sound with boosted bass and treble that harmonize beautifully with clear mids and dynamic highs. The 10-band EQ, with various well-crafted presets, is perfect for customizing audio output. The Find Your EQ option adjusts sound according to your hearing preferences. My favorite feature, DSEE, is vital for enhancing sound quality in lower-quality recordings. LDAC codec support increases bitrate transmission to unveil more detail in tracks when streaming from DSPs (e.g., Apple Music, Spotify) on Android devices.
The WF-1000xM5 pairs effortlessly with both Android and iOS/macOS devices. The Sony Sound Connect app is cross-platform and provides all features conveniently.
The AirPods Pro 3 deliver excellent audio quality right from the start (with prominent bass and highs). They do not offer the same practical sound customization as the WF-1000xM5. Connecting to Android devices can be difficult, and around 70 percent of the earbuds’ functionalities are limited to iOS.