Quick comparison
| Feature | Apple AirPods Pro 3 | Sony WF-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Typical price | £219–£249 | £179–£279 |
| Best for | iPhone owners | Sound quality |
| Key feature | Big ANC upgrade plus heart-rate sensing | Detailed sound and LDAC support |
| Battery | Up to 8 hours with ANC | Up to 8 hours with ANC |
| Water resistance | IP57 | IPX4 |
| Charging | USB-C, MagSafe, Qi | — |
| Codecs | — | AAC, LDAC, LC3 |
| Where to buy | Check Price Paid link | Check Price Paid link |
Main differences
Phone fit
AirPods unlock their best features only on iPhone; Sony works equally well on both.
Health features
AirPods add heart-rate sensing and hearing aid features.
Sound
Sony supports LDAC on Android for higher-quality streaming.
Durability
AirPods are IP57; Sony is IPX4.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Apple AirPods Pro 3 if you
- use an iPhone
- want workout heart-rate tracking
- want better water resistance
Choose the Sony WF-1000XM5 if you
- use an Android phone
- care most about sound detail
- prefer foam tips
Which specifications matter?
Focus on the differences above rather than headline numbers. For more options, see our list of the best wireless earbuds in the uk.
Not sure about either? Consider these
Bose · Wireless Earbuds
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Buy it if You want the strongest noise cancelling you can fit in your pocket, on iPhone or Android.
- Verdict
- Buy
- Best for
- Strongest noise cancelling
- Typical price
- £229–£279
Pros
- Excellent noise cancelling
- Comfortable stability bands
Cons
- Battery life is average
Soundcore · Wireless Earbuds
Soundcore by Anker Liberty 4 NC
Buy it if You want good noise cancelling and long battery life on a tight budget.
- Verdict
- Buy
- Best for
- Budget pick
- Typical price
- £49–£89
Pros
- Strong noise cancelling for the money
- Long battery life
Cons
- Plastic case feels cheap
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, the AirPods Pro 3 or the Sony WF-1000XM5?
Choose the AirPods Pro 3 if you use an iPhone; choose the Sony WF-1000XM5 if you use Android or want the most detailed sound.
Which is better value?
The AirPods Pro 3 typically costs £219–£249 and the Sony WF-1000XM5 typically costs £179–£279. The better value depends on which differences above matter to you.