Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Sony WF-1000XM6
Critics score the Apple AirPods Pro 3 86 and the Sony WF-1000XM6 85 out of 100, from 26 and 19 professional reviews. 14 outlets reviewed both: 7 scored the Apple AirPods Pro 3 higher, 3 scored the Sony WF-1000XM6 higher and 4 gave both the same score. On average those critics put the Apple AirPods Pro 3 2 points ahead.
Image: AppleApple AirPods Pro 3
Praised for: noise cancelling (25 of 26), comfort (18 of 26), sound quality (10 of 26)
Criticised for: controls and app (12 of 26), battery life (7 of 26), fit and comfort (7 of 26)
The catch: Shorter total battery with the case.
All 26 reviews of the Apple AirPods Pro 3 →
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Image: SonySony WF-1000XM6
Praised for: sound quality (17 of 19), noise cancelling (16 of 19), comfort (4 of 19)
Criticised for: price (11 of 19), fit and comfort (10 of 19), controls and app (6 of 19)
The catch: Expensive, and the tips don't fit everyone.
All 19 reviews of the Sony WF-1000XM6 →
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Critics who reviewed both
The fairest comparison: the same reviewer, the same standards| Outlet | Apple AirPods Pro 3 | Sony WF-1000XM6 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCMag UK | 95 | 80 | +15 |
| The Verge | 90 | 80 | +10 |
| TechRadar | 90 | 83est. | +7 |
| NBC Select | 83est. | 77est. | +6 |
| TechGearLab | 85 | 80 | +5 |
| The Independent | 95 | 90 | +5 |
| Engadget | 85 | 84 | +1 |
| Business Insider | 83est. | 83est. | same |
| Expert Reviews | 95 | 95 | same |
| Trusted Reviews | 89est. | 89est. | same |
| WIRED | 90 | 90 | same |
| SoundGuys | 78 | 84 | -6 |
| Tom's Guide | 73est. | 80 | -7 |
| Android Central | 80 | 90 | -10 |
Scores converted to 0–100. Difference is the Apple AirPods Pro 3 minus the Sony WF-1000XM6. Outlined tiles are estimated from the verdict. Each score links to the review.
Direct comparisons
Reviewers who put these two side by side. These never change a score.
- CNET says it depends: the Sony WF-1000XM6 if Sound quality is your priority and you can swap in better eartips for a seal.; the Apple AirPods Pro 3 if You use Apple gear, want a safer fit and plenty of extra features.
Compare either one with another wireless earbud → · All wireless earbuds ranked →
Common questions
Which is better, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 or the Sony WF-1000XM6?
Critics rate the Apple AirPods Pro 3 higher: 86 against 85. 14 outlets reviewed both: 7 scored the Apple AirPods Pro 3 higher, 3 scored the Sony WF-1000XM6 higher and 4 gave both the same score. On average those critics put the Apple AirPods Pro 3 2 points ahead.
Do critics agree about the Apple AirPods Pro 3 and the Sony WF-1000XM6?
The Apple AirPods Pro 3: broad agreement, scores from 66 to 95. The Sony WF-1000XM6: broad agreement, scores from 77 to 95.