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AirPods Pro vs Sony WH-1000XM5
People's opinions
Review by PCMag Middle East 📰
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 refine Apple’s winning formula for wireless earbuds, bringing smarter noise cancellation, better sound, and innovative new features without changing what people already love about them. Rather than reinventing the design, Apple focused on perfecting the details that matter most — performance, health, and everyday usability.
Sound quality is where the Pro 3 truly shines. The improved acoustic structure and adaptive EQ deliver richer bass, crisper highs, and a noticeably wider soundstage. PCMag notes that the upgraded Active Noise Cancellation is now among the very best available, rivaling Bose and even outperforming Sony in some real-world conditions. The Adaptive Audio mode also feels seamless, automatically adjusting volume and transparency to match your environment.
Where Apple surprises most is in the new health and translation features. Built-in sensors can now monitor your heart rate during workouts, sync with the Apple Fitness ecosystem, and even provide AI-powered voice coaching for motivation. The Live Translation tool is another major highlight — offering on-device, real-time translations in several languages through Siri or the action button.
Comfort and practicality have also seen noticeable upgrades. The Pro 3s are smaller, lighter, and include five ear tip sizes with foam-lined options for a more secure and isolated fit. They remain comfortable for long sessions, and the enhanced Conversation Boost and Hearing Protection features make them more accessible for everyday use.
Battery life gets a welcome boost too — 8 hours of playback with ANC and up to 24 hours total with the case, which now supports USB-C, MagSafe, Qi wireless, and Apple Watch chargers. Connectivity remains silky-smooth thanks to the new H3 chip and U2 case chip, ensuring faster pairing and more accurate location tracking via Find My.
In the end, PCMag calls the AirPods Pro 3 “a refined masterpiece that perfects nearly every aspect of wireless listening.” With their mix of comfort, sound precision, and intelligent new features, they’re Apple’s most complete earbuds yet.
👉 Read the full review at PCMag Middle East: https://me.pcmag.com/en/headphones/32245/apple-airpods-pro-3
Review by Wirecutter (The New York Times) 📰
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are described by Wirecutter as the best AirPods yet — not just because of their sound, but because they’ve evolved into something more: a wearable extension of the iPhone. Beyond music, they now monitor your heart rate, track workouts, offer live translation, and even enhance hearing — blending wellness tech with premium audio design.
In terms of sound and noise cancellation, Wirecutter says the AirPods Pro 3 deliver slightly more detail and richer bass compared to the previous generation. Voices sound clearer, and the expanded spatial audio experience feels immersive, though a few listeners may find it somewhat artificial. The active noise cancellation is a huge leap forward, performing on par with Sony’s WF-1000XM5, especially in cutting low-frequency background hum.
Battery life has improved noticeably — around 8 hours with ANC on and 10 hours in transparency or hearing-aid mode, with the case extending playback well beyond that. The buds now carry an IP57 water-resistance rating, meaning they’re safe against sweat and splashes. The redesigned chassis and extra-small ear tips improve comfort, though Wirecutter notes they’re not ideal for intense workouts.
Where Apple really steps ahead is with fitness and health integration. Heart-rate tracking is impressively accurate and syncs directly with Apple Health and Fitness+, effectively turning the earbuds into a lightweight fitness companion. However, the review points out that Android users are mostly left out — the health features simply don’t work outside Apple’s ecosystem.
The new Live Translation tool also earns attention. It works with iPhone 15 or newer running iOS 26, allowing real-time translation in multiple languages. Wirecutter found it useful for basic conversations but noted delays and awkward phrasing in some cases — particularly with slang or idioms. The feature isn’t yet available in the EU and requires both participants to have compatible devices.
Another standout addition is Hearing Enhancement, which boosts clarity during conversations and reduces background noise. While not a replacement for medical hearing aids, it’s a meaningful accessibility feature that makes everyday communication easier.
Still, Wirecutter points out a few downsides. The squeeze and swipe gestures remain slightly awkward, and translation lag can be noticeable in fast exchanges. Siri and head gestures help, but they don’t completely fix usability quirks.
In conclusion, Wirecutter calls the AirPods Pro 3 “Apple’s most intelligent and capable earbuds yet” — a natural choice for iPhone owners seeking seamless integration, great sound, and health-focused innovation.
👉 Read the full review at Wirecutter (The New York Times): https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/airpods-pro-3-review/
Review by 9to5Mac 📰
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 bring subtle yet meaningful upgrades to Apple’s most popular wireless earbuds. According to 9to5Mac, while the overall design hasn’t radically changed, the refinements in fit, sound, and fitness features make them the most polished version yet.
Starting with design and comfort, the AirPods Pro 3 were shaped based on over 10,000 ear scans, resulting in a new in-ear form that better matches the ear canal geometry. The earbuds include foam-infused silicone tips and an expanded range of sizes from XXS to L, offering a more secure and comfortable fit — even during talking or smiling. 9to5Mac notes that many users may size down compared to previous models for optimal fit.
In terms of audio performance, the AirPods Pro 3 retain the H2 chip but offer noticeable improvements in Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) — reportedly twice as effective as the AirPods Pro 2 in real-world tests. Sound quality is enhanced with a wider soundstage, richer bass, and clearer vocals, while spatial audio continues to deliver an immersive listening experience.
Fitness and health tracking remain a major highlight. A custom infrared PPG sensor monitors heart rate at 256 pulses per second, and the earbuds seamlessly sync with Apple Fitness and the Apple Watch. Smart data prioritization ensures the most accurate readings depending on the type of workout, covering more than 50 activity types.
Another notable addition is Live Translation, which processes speech on-device in near real-time, preserving context and meaning. Responses are displayed in the other person’s language, though currently the feature supports only five languages and is also available on AirPods Pro 2.
Battery life has improved modestly: 8–9 hours with ANC, and 24 hours total including the case, though the taller case design was necessary to accommodate the new earbud angle. Enhancements to Find My include a new Ultra Wideband chip and capacitive pairing button, making tracking and connectivity easier.
9to5Mac concludes that the AirPods Pro 3 deliver “subtle but meaningful upgrades”, combining better fit, improved noise cancellation, enhanced sound, and smart fitness features — all in a familiar, refined form factor. The reviewer calls them “the best $249 you can spend with Apple today.”
👉 Read the full review at 9to5Mac: https://9to5mac.com/2025/09/15/airpods-pro-3-review/
Review by SoundGuys 📰
The Sony WH-1000XM5 continue Sony’s legacy of delivering premium over-ear noise-cancelling headphones. According to SoundGuys, these headphones are ideal for commuters, office workers, students, and anyone who relies heavily on calls or seeks immersive audio during travel.
Sound quality is strong, featuring powerful bass, clear treble, and slightly recessed mids, offering good stereo imaging and an immersive listening experience. Support for LDAC high-bitrate Bluetooth ensures high-quality audio, and the Sony Sound Connect app allows further EQ customization to enhance clarity and match personal preference.
Sony’s Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) remains one of the best in the market. SoundGuys highlights excellent low-frequency attenuation and improved passive isolation thanks to redesigned ear cups. However, fit still matters — wearing glasses or an improper seal can slightly reduce ANC performance.
For calls, the WH-1000XM5 uses an 8-mic array with AI noise rejection, delivering clear voice capture even in noisy environments. The review notes that they outperform the previous WH-1000XM4 and many competitors, making them reliable for Zoom calls or outdoor use.
Battery life is another standout feature — approximately 32 hours with ANC on and 53 hours without. The fast-charging function provides 180 minutes of playback in just 3 minutes. Connectivity is smooth, with Bluetooth 5.2, multipoint connection, and wired TRS options, though USB-C does not support digital audio.
Design and comfort see thoughtful refinements. The headphones weigh 251g, feature soft vegan leatherette, a redesigned headband, and improved padding for larger ears. The friction rod adjustment system ensures a secure fit for long listening sessions, although these are not sweat- or rain-proof, making them less suitable for workouts.
SoundGuys also compares them to competitors: they outperform many previous Sony models and budget alternatives, and while Bose QuietComfort Ultra and AirPods Max offer slightly better ANC or sound for certain users, the WH-1000XM5 balances comfort, features, and battery life exceptionally well.
In conclusion, SoundGuys calls the Sony WH-1000XM5 “one of the best ANC headphones available,” ideal for anyone seeking top-tier noise cancellation, reliable call quality, and immersive sound in a versatile, comfortable package.
👉 Read the full review at SoundGuys: https://www.soundguys.com/sony-wh-1000xm5-review-71783/
Review by What Hi-Fi? 📰
The Sony WH-1000XM5 earn high praise from What Hi-Fi?, taking home a 2024 award and earning a “highly recommended” rating. While the design sees a major overhaul, the headphones maintain Sony’s reputation for top-tier sound and noise cancellation, offering a slightly lighter but exceptionally performing package.
The design has shifted to a sleeker, “noiseless” look with smoother lines and fewer hinges. Unlike the previous generation, the XM5 no longer folds compactly, instead resting flat for storage. Made from recycled ABS plastic, the build feels lighter and eco-conscious, though slightly less premium than the XM4. Comfort remains excellent thanks to soft memory foam, synthetic leather, and a well-calibrated clamping force.
Sound quality receives notable upgrades with a new 30mm carbon fiber composite driver, replacing the previous 40mm unit. What Hi-Fi? highlights improvements in clarity, precision, and openness, with enhanced bass and midrange detail. Across genres—from classical to pop—the XM5 delivers excellent timing and dynamic range, providing a musical experience that’s engaging and detailed.
Noise cancellation continues to impress. Using the Integrated Processor V1 and an expanded 8-mic array, the XM5 adapts ANC based on location and environment. The headphones excel at reducing low-frequency noise, though performance can vary slightly with highly dynamic sounds.
For calls, Precise Voice Pickup with beamforming microphones and AI noise reduction ensures clear transmission even in windy or noisy conditions. Battery life remains strong, with 30 hours with ANC and 40 hours without, and fast charging options allow 5 hours of playback from just 10 minutes or 3 hours in 3 minutes using USB PD.
Additional features include DSEE Extreme upscaling, LDAC support, multipoint pairing, speak-to-chat, wearing detection, and full app integration for customization. What Hi-Fi? notes that while the XM5 is slightly less premium in feel than the XM4, its performance, comfort, and smart features make it a standout in its class.
In conclusion, What Hi-Fi? describes the Sony WH-1000XM5 as “a major redesign that still delivers exceptional ANC and sound quality,” making it a top choice for anyone seeking premium over-ear headphones in 2025.
👉 Read the full review at What Hi-Fi?: https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/sony-wh-1000xm5
Review by TechRadar 📰
The Sony WH-1000XM5 continue to hold their place among the top-tier over-ear headphones, offering excellent noise cancellation and sound quality. According to TechRadar, while the improvements over the XM4 are modest, the XM5 refine the listening experience with better comfort, smarter features, and sustainability-focused design.
The design has been overhauled with a sleeker, more curved profile, fewer visible joints, and improved wind resistance. Unlike the XM4, these headphones no longer fold inward, reducing portability slightly. Made from recycled ABS plastic, the XM5 are lighter at 250g, eco-friendly, and comfortable for long sessions thanks to soft memory foam and a smooth headband extension.
Sound quality benefits from a new 30mm driver that replaces the previous 40mm unit. The headphones maintain a spacious soundstage, balanced audio, powerful bass, and detailed highs across all genres. LDAC and DSEE Extreme enhance wireless and compressed audio playback, ensuring the music remains dynamic and immersive.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is slightly improved over the XM4, particularly in higher frequencies. The 8-mic array improves both ANC and call clarity. TechRadar also highlights smart features including location-aware ambient sound control, Speak-to-Chat, auto-pause, multipoint Bluetooth, and full voice assistant support.
The Sony Headphones app provides customization options, including EQ, 360 Reality Audio setup, and “Safe Listening” insights based on WHO guidelines. It also tracks listening habits and awards badges for feature usage, encouraging healthy listening practices.
Battery life remains excellent, with 30 hours with ANC and 40 hours without, plus fast charging that gives 3 hours of playback from just 3 minutes using USB-PD.
TechRadar recommends the XM5 for listeners seeking class-leading ANC, smart responsive features, and sustainability, but notes that those who already own the XM4 or want foldable, ultra-portable headphones might prefer the previous generation for better value.
In conclusion, TechRadar calls the Sony WH-1000XM5 “a subtle but refined upgrade that keeps Sony at the top of the premium headphone market,” balancing sound, comfort, and intelligent features for modern listeners.
👉 Read the full review at TechRadar: https://www.techradar.com/reviews/sony-wh-1000xm5-wireless-headphones
💬 Our Opinion
If you’re in the Apple ecosystem and want light, wireless earbuds with great ANC, fitness tracking, and live translation, go for AirPods Pro 3.
If you prefer over-ear comfort, longer battery, and superior noise cancellation for home, office, or travel, the Sony WH-1000XM5 are the better choice.
Both are excellent; it really depends on your lifestyle and usage.