Sony WF-1000XM6 vs AirPods Pro 3: The Full Verdict Is In

After weeks of extended testing from TechRadar, What Hi-Fi?, and other major outlets, the full verdict on Sony WF-1000XM6 vs Apple AirPods Pro 3 is now in — and the result is more nuanced than either camp expected.

The Numbers

• Sony WF-1000XM6: $329.99, LDAC hi-res audio, claims "world's best ANC"
• Apple AirPods Pro 3: $249, H3 chip, FDA-approved hearing aid, IP57 rated

Where Sony Wins

• Sound quality — Sony's tuning and LDAC codec deliver noticeably richer audio for audiophiles
• ANC performance — Sony's noise cancellation edges out the AirPods Pro 3 in low-frequency tests
• Android ecosystem — Sony Headphones Connect app is best-in-class on Android

Where AirPods Pro 3 Wins

• Apple ecosystem integration — Instant switching, Siri, spatial audio in Apple apps
• Hearing aid functionality — FDA-approved, could replace $2,000+ hearing aids
• Better water resistance — IP57 vs IP55 on Sony
• Heart rate tracking — a unique feature for fitness users
• Price — $80 cheaper than Sony

The Verdict

Get Sony WF-1000XM6 if you're an audiophile, Android user, or want the absolute best ANC. Get AirPods Pro 3 if you're in the Apple ecosystem, value the hearing aid feature, or want more for your money. See our full Sony WF-1000XM6 review and AirPods Pro 3 review for the complete breakdown, or check Sony prices and AirPods Pro 3 prices.