Apple AirPods 5 vs Sony WF-1000XM6
Critics score the Apple AirPods 5 90 (clear consensus) and the Sony WF-1000XM6 85 (general agreement) out of 100, from 5 and 19 professional reviews. 5 outlets reviewed both: 3 scored the Apple AirPods 5 higher, 1 scored the Sony WF-1000XM6 higher and 1 gave both the same score. On average those critics put the Apple AirPods 5 2 points ahead.
Image: AppleApple AirPods 5
5 professional reviewers tested the Apple AirPods 5, and 5 recommend it. Most praised: sound quality and noise cancelling. Most common complaint: battery life.
All 5 reviews of the Apple AirPods 5 →
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Image: SonySony WF-1000XM6
16 of 19 reviewers who tested Sony's WF-1000XM6 recommend it, the strongest agreement among earbuds. Critics single out the noise cancelling and detailed sound, plus an app full of useful settings. The price is high, and the included ear tips don't suit every ear.
All 19 reviews of the Sony WF-1000XM6 →
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Where every review landed
Each mark is one professional review, converted to 0–100Which one is for you?
Pick the Apple AirPods 5 if
- you care most about open-fit comfort
- you want the one critics rate higher (90 against 85)
The catch: Battery life is short, and the fit cannot be tuned with ear tips.
Pick the Sony WF-1000XM6 if
- “Best sound” is what you’re after
- battery life worries you: 3 of 5 critics fault the Apple AirPods 5 on it, against 1 of 19 for this one
The catch: Expensive, and the tips don't fit everyone.
In our words, from what the critics praise and complain about. It never changes a score.
What critics praise and fault
How many of each product's reviews mention the topic| Topic | Apple AirPods 5 | Sony WF-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Sound quality | 5 of 5 praise | 17 of 19 praise |
| Noise cancelling | 5 of 5 praise | 16 of 19 praise |
| Fit and comfort | 2 of 5 fault | 10 of 19 fault |
| Battery life | 3 of 5 fault | 3 of 19 praise 1 of 19 fault |
| Comfort | 2 of 5 praise | 4 of 19 praise |
| Price | not mentioned | 11 of 19 fault |
| Controls and app | not mentioned | 6 of 19 fault |
Critics who reviewed both
The fairest comparison: the same reviewer, the same standards| Outlet | AirPods 5 | WF-1000XM6 | Who scored higher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tom's Guide | 90 | 80 | AirPods 5 +10 |
| Engadget | 88 | 84 | AirPods 5 +4 |
| Trusted Reviews | 90 | 89est. | AirPods 5 +1 |
| Expert Reviews | 95 | 95 | Same |
| CNET | 89 | 92 | WF-1000XM6 +3 |
Scores converted to 0–100. Tiles with a dashed border are estimated from the verdict. Tap a score to read that review.
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Common questions
Which is better, the Apple AirPods 5 or the Sony WF-1000XM6?
Critics rate the Apple AirPods 5 higher: 90 (clear consensus) against 85 (general agreement). 5 outlets reviewed both: 3 scored the Apple AirPods 5 higher, 1 scored the Sony WF-1000XM6 higher and 1 gave both the same score. On average those critics put the Apple AirPods 5 2 points ahead.
Do critics agree about the Apple AirPods 5 and the Sony WF-1000XM6?
The Apple AirPods 5: clear consensus, scores from 88 to 95. The Sony WF-1000XM6: general agreement, scores from 77 to 95.