There are lots of details and features to dive into when it comes to discussing the Sony WF-1000m3 versus the Apple AirPods Pro.
While you can do all the research in the world, what you want to know is which pair of wireless buds is the best of the two so you make the best purchase.
While the Sony WF-1000xm3 sounds better, the overall experience of using and the more natural fit of the AirPods Pro make them a better pick – especially for Apple fans and iPhone users.
On all counts, it’s a very close competition, and both are good picks.
While the sound quality is a big feature for the Sony earbuds, the Apple AirPods Pro are better and easier to use overall.
Comparing Apple Airpods Pro & Sony WF-1000xm3
Below is my comparison guide to help you understand better:
1. Sound Quality
The first feature to assess the two brands of earbuds is sound quality. The Sony WF-1000XM3 has a better overall sound than the Apple AirPods Pro. While the sound is a central factor in choosing earbuds, neither set holds a professional quality sound that would make an audiophile completely happy.
They are wireless and mass-marketed, so they are not perfect for sound and noise cancellation of ambient noise.
Both have good sound, with Sony offering a broader, bigger sound that is heavier at the bottom end. Apple’s Airpods Pro are good too, but they don’t offer the same depth as Sony’s earbuds.
Overall, either of the true wireless earbuds is good for listening on your commute, while running, or working at the office. They both are solid, with Sony holding a slight edge over Apple.
Also Read: 7 True Wireless Earbuds Perfect for the Upcoming Holiday Season
2. Ease of Use
Sound transparency is another important factor when choosing a wireless earbud. In this case, the Apple AirPods Pro does a better job. It is not about the sound per se but how it can be managed.
Apple wins when it comes to ease of use. First, if you have an Apple device or system, their AirPods will fit right in. They are easy-to-use that make listening accessible. The Apple AirPods Pro are simply put in the ear, and their noise-canceling capabilities start immediately. You can also listen to one earbud at a time, and they make it easy to switch between calls if needed.
While both Sony and Apple earbuds can do all these things, Apple makes them simple and accessible, especially for an iOS or iPhone user.
The ease of working with the Apple AirPods Pro is shown when you need to alter the transparency mode.
Press and hold one of the earbuds, and you’ll hear a sound, signalling that the noise cancellation is turned off and the transparency mode is engaged. This means there is no longer active noise cancellation on the earbuds, so you can hear what is going on around you.
In contrast, Sony’s earbuds have what is called dynamic transparency. This means the earbuds gauge the ambient sound going on around you and then adapt the transparency level to particular sounds. Apple goes further than Sony by offering more options with a second touch to turn the noise canceling back on and a third click to turn off everything for a passive mode of listening.
The Apple AirPods are easy to click and are very tactile, no matter what is being done. One click for pause, another to play, double to skip and three for rewind. They click easily and finding the spot to push on is simple as there is a small indentation where the button is.
The Sony, however, has two buttons that are programmable through their app. Their options are more extensive than Apple, even allowing the use of a smart assistant such as Google.
However, the problem with this is that most extra options come with extra complications. You won’t miss not having them on Apple AirPods. These features on the Sony buds are simply extra bells and whistles that aren’t critical to having a good earbud experience.
The biggest benefit Sony offers is a volume control that Apple does not, but their touch sensitivity is not as easy to use as Apple’s tactile experience. Sony is not as simple as the click-and-go of Apple.
3. Fit
There is nothing worse than walking or jogging, and keep sticking your wireless headphone after it’s come loose. Apple AirPods Pros offer a great, natural fit. They hang down subtly as a wired earphone would.
Sony, on the other hand, is not as subtle. Even though Sony comes with multiple tips compared to Apple’s regular AirPods, they feel like a surfboard and not like comfortable Apple earbuds.
4. Build Quality
Sony wins when it comes to building quality. Apple has a feel of lightness and some fragility.
While they both are durable and can last a good length of time with proper care, Sony does more, with a solid feel and a quality finish. Apple doesn’t carry that weight. They do not have the same feel that should come with higher-end, truly wireless earphones.
5. Accessories
Both Sony and Apple offer great acessories. There is really only one accessory that matters the most: the wireless charging case.
Apple comes ahead substantially on this factor of the comparison. They keep the case small and simple, so it can even fit in a small coin pocket and a regular pocket easily, unlike Sony which offers a large case.
This is problematic as it doesn’t fit anywhere in a pocket naturally.
Apple also offers wireless charging and a USB option with a lightning cable, while Sony only has the USB options.
6. Battery Life
Both the Sony WF-1000xm3 and the Apple AirPods Pro offer good battery life for the average user. With hours of battery time, there is little chance of running out in everyday use.
7. Looks
Finally, let’s talk about the looks of the earbuds. Apple has a slight advantage as they are smaller and sleeker looking than Sony. While neither is terrible, it will come down to personal preference.
Apple’s white, clean look versus Sony’s larger, dark style – there’s no clear winner since it has to fit the user’s choice. Overall, the Apple AirPods Pro is a better earbud for the money, but the Sony WF-1000mx3 is not far behind.
Read also: Apple AirPods Pro 2: A True Successor to the AirPods Pro 1st Generation!
Conclusion
I hope this comparison guide helped you understand the differences between Apple Airpods Pro and Sony WF-1000xm3 and you make a hassle-free purchase without feeling confused.
If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment.
Our experience, research, and editorial practices make us an expert in the field, so don’t hesitate to reach out at hello@makelifeclick.com if you need assistance. We also suggest you check out our fantastic deals and join our newsletter to possibly win a monthly draw!
A passion for writing and ongoing research projects gives Catherine an incredibly broad knowledge of all things. She has authored an incredible number of articles and can be found in the wilderness when not attached to technology or listening to podcasts.
This post was last updated on 2024-04-09 / Some images from Amazon Product API & some links may be affiliate links which may earn us a commission from purchases.