I’ve had the Sony WF-1000XM3 since August 2019 and I’ve loved every day I’ve used it. I was blown away by the active noise-cancelling and the variety of EQ settings you can choose from. But, I recently thought I lost my Sony’s case and I’ve been hearing a lot of good things about the recently-released AirPods Pro, so I decided to get one of those and see for myself whether I am switching to the Apple or just try to look for a replacement case for my WF-1000XM3 from eBay.
After almost a week of testing, here is my simple, non-professional, average guys point-by-point comparison:
Price. Well, the Sony’s are $20 cheaper, and has more tips for better customization. Winner: WF-1000XM3
Sound quality. To my untrained ears, the Sony has punchier bass and over-all more rounded sound experience. Winner: WF-1000XM3
Noise cancelling. This is a bit of a wash. For wireless earbuds, the seal will be determining factor and since Sony has more options on the tips, I’ll give this to Sony. Winner: WF-1000XM3
Features. Hands down, the Sony Headphone App is more encompassing with more control over EQ and level of noise-cancellation. However, you have to get to your phone to toggle any of these and sometimes simplicity wins over robustness. Winner: WF-1000XM3
Ergonomics. This is where the AirPods Pro shine. I initially hated the stem on the AirPods (original), thinking it looked like basic earbuds with the cord cut off, but now it’s an essential anchor that secures the earbuds to my head. Both the earbud itself and the case has a slimmer and lighter profile over the Sony as well. Overall, the Sony sticks out your ear a lot more, while the AirPod are ‘hooked’. I also prefer the tactile ‘click/squeeze (and hold)’ confirmation when interactive with the earbuds with the AirPods over the just ‘tap (and hold)’ of the Sony’s. Winner: AirPods Pro
Connection. Here is my main deciding factor: The AirPods are just more native to the iPhone (my current phone) and connection is instantaneous once put on. Sony takes a while to connect both earbuds and occasionally drops in connection. This may be due to Apple purposefully slowing down third party apps and peripherals, but it’s enough for me to… jump ship. Winner: AirPods Pro
Verdict. Despite the Sony’s being better for sound quality and app support, I decided to keep the AirPods pro mainly for the better size, ergonomics and being more secure in my ears. The connection issues with the the Sony’s were also getting to me and just popping in the AirPods Pro and instantaneously being connected, was a refreshing plus.
If you’re looking for sound quality, get the Sony WF-1000XM3. Hands down, that’s better even to the untrained ear specially if you’re on a non-Apple/Android phone. If you’re a bit more active and an iPhone user, you might want to consider slightly more expensive AirPods Pro specially because of the smaller footprint and better hook in your ears.