Versus Engine
Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Sony WH-1000XM6
Specs, price and the one trade-off that actually decides it — Apple AirPods Pro 3 against Sony WH-1000XM6, side by side.
Cheaper to start
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Starts about $200.99 lower.
Rated higher
Sony WH-1000XM6
9.5 vs 9.2 on our design scale.
Standout
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Optical heart-rate sensing built into the stem
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Apple's flagship earbuds at $249, adding heart-rate sensing and IP57 to best-in-class integration.
Where it wins, where it doesn't
Pros
- Optical heart-rate sensing built into the stem
- IP57 rating makes sweat and rain a non-issue
- Best-in-class handoff across Apple devices
Cons
- Eight hours with ANC is solid, not class-leading
- Most of the value evaporates outside Apple's ecosystem
- Easy to lose, and single-bud replacement is expensive
Specifications
- sensorsOptical heart rate in the stem
- case_chargingUSB-C, Qi wireless, MagSafe, Apple Watch charger
- battery_anc_on8 hours
- water_resistanceIP57
- battery_with_case24 hours
- battery_transparency10 hours
- processor—
- form_factor—
- microphones—
- battery_anc_off—
Sony WH-1000XM6
Sony's flagship over-ears at $449.99, prioritising soundstage and fidelity over portability.
Where it wins, where it doesn't
Pros
- Soundstage and low end no in-ear can match
- Cancellation competitive with the category leaders
- More neutral tuning than the warm alternatives
Cons
- Comfort trails Bose on very long sessions
- Bulky to pack compared with earbuds
- Premium price in a crowded tier
Specifications
- sensors—
- case_charging—
- battery_anc_on30 hours
- water_resistance—
- battery_with_case—
- battery_transparency—
- processorQN3 HD Noise Cancelling
- form_factorOver-ear, closed back
- microphones12
- battery_anc_off40 hours