Apple AirPods 5 vs Sony WH-1000XM6

These are different tools. The AirPods 5 are pocketable in-ear buds with tight iPhone integration, hands-free Siri, Live Translation and Adaptive Audio, but battery life is short at about 4 hours per charge. The Sony WH-1000XM6 are over-ear headphones with far longer playback, LDAC hi-res audio and stronger isolation, but they are bulky and made for sitting or commuting rather than the gym. Reviewers rate the AirPods 5 as a solid Apple upgrade with better noise cancellation than the AirPods 4; the XM6 line is widely regarded as the noise-cancellation benchmark among over-ears.

• Choose the AirPods 5 if you want small, water-resistant buds that pair instantly with an iPhone and stay in your ears during workouts.
• Choose the Sony WH-1000XM6 if you want maximum noise cancellation and long listening sessions on a plane, train or at a desk.