Score big savings on the highly-rated AirPods Pro 2 by Apple, ideal for those missing out on Prime Day deals
In the world of wireless earbuds, two powerhouses stand out - Apple's AirPods Pro 2 and Sony's WF-1000XM5. Both offer top-tier noise cancellation, impressive sound quality, and seamless integration with various devices. However, each has its unique strengths that might sway your decision.
The AirPods Pro 2, Apple's latest offering, has received a five-star rating after testing, making them the best-sounding earbuds in Apple's lineup. Powered by Apple's H2 chip, they deliver a richer, more powerful sound with Dolby Atmos spatial audio. While they lack LDAC support found in the WF-1000XM5, their sound is optimised for Apple Music and video content.
On the other hand, Sony's WF-1000XM5 use advanced drivers and support LDAC, offering detailed, customisable sound, particularly attractive for audiophiles or those on Android platforms. Their sound quality is considered superior in terms of insight and rhythmic ability compared to the AirPods Pro 2.
Both earbuds offer best-in-class active noise cancellation (ANC), but the AirPods Pro 2's implementation is considered more advanced, particularly in adaptive adjustments and natural transparency modes. Sony's ANC is excellent but can be overtaken by newer competitors in transparency performance.
Comfort and fit are subjective, but both models have made strides in this area. The WF-1000XM5 are 20% lighter and 33% smaller, with new ear tip size options, while the AirPods Pro 2 are compact and offer multiple tip sizes, designed for a broad range of ears.
In terms of ecosystem and features, the AirPods Pro 2 shine for Apple users, with instant pairing, seamless device switching, and Find My integration. Sony's multipoint Bluetooth and app customisation appeal to those who want control across platforms.
Battery life is competitive, with both offering solid battery life and wireless charging. However, the AirPods Pro 2's battery life is adequate but not the best in class.
Price-wise, the AirPods Pro 2 are currently available at Laptops Direct for £189, a £40 discount from their retail price of £229, making them a more affordable option compared to the Sony WF-1000XM5, priced at $248.
In conclusion, if you prioritise customisable sound, advanced app features, and multipoint Bluetooth, the Sony WF-1000XM5 might be the better choice. If you're embedded in Apple's ecosystem, want best-in-class seamless integration, adaptive ANC, and spatial audio features, the AirPods Pro 2 could be the perfect fit. Both are top-tier for ANC, comfort, and call quality, but the "best" depends on your device ecosystem and desired feature set.
- To experience the best-sounding earbuds in Apple's lineup with Dolby Atmos spatial audio, you might consider buying the showcased AirPods Pro 2, now available at a deal at Laptops Direct for £189.
- The audio quality of the Sony WF-1000XM5 is the preferred choice for audiophiles or Android users due to its detailed, customisable sound and LDAC support.
- When reviewing the active noise cancellation (ANC) capabilities of these wireless earbuds, it's noted that the AirPods Pro 2 offers more advanced ANC with adaptive adjustments, although Sony's ANC is excellent.
- Those who value comfort and fit will find that both the AirPods Pro 2 and the Sony WF-1000XM5 have made significant improvements in this area.
- If you prioritize seamless integration with your smartphones and other hi-fi gadgets and technology, the AirPods Pro 2's ecosystem and features may be the better option for you, while those seeking advanced app features and multipoint Bluetooth support might favor the Sony WF-1000XM5.
