Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Sony WF-1000XM6
The Sony WF-1000XM6 is the better pick for sound quality and battery life, at $298 at Focus Camera as of November 4, 2026. The AirPods Pro 3 is the better value and the better fit for iPhone owners, at $100 at As&JEssentials as of November 4, 2026. That is a $198 gap, so the Sony has to earn its price on audio and endurance alone. Buy the AirPods Pro 3 unless you care most about sound.
Today the Apple AirPods Pro 3 costs $110.00 less at its best price.
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Apple AirPods Pro 3
4.4Choose the AirPods Pro 3 if you use an iPhone or Mac and want strong noise cancelling, IP57 sweat resistance and Siri for a fraction of the Sony's price.
- IP57 dust and water resistance suits workouts and rain.
- Heart rate sensing and fitness tracking built in.
- Live Translation and hearing aid mode add real utility.
- Deep Apple integration: instant pairing, Siri, Find My.
What separates them
| Apple AirPods Pro 3 | Sony WF-1000XM6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (best new) | $100 at As&JEssentials as of November 4, 2026 | $298 at Focus Camera as of November 4, 2026 |
| Battery life | 10 hours in the earbuds | 8 hours in the earbuds, 16 in the case, 24 total |
| Noise cancelling | Adaptive ANC that adjusts to your surroundings | Adaptive ANC with QN3e and V2 processors and eight microphones |
| Hi-res audio | AAC over Bluetooth, no lossless codec | LDAC wireless hi-res, about three times standard Bluetooth data |
| Water and dust resistance | IP57 | Water-resistant, rating not stated |
| Ecosystem fit | Built for iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and Siri | Works with any Bluetooth device via the Sony app |
| Extra features | Heart rate sensor, Live Translation, hearing aid mode |
Price history
- Apple AirPods Pro 3: lowest $77.00 on Oct 28 at eBay; $129.00 on Nov 4.
- Sony WF-1000XM6: lowest $298.00 on Nov 2 at Walmart; $298.00 on Nov 4.
Prices at every store
Apple AirPods Pro 3
- As&JEssentialsNew
In stockReturn policy
$100.00Observed Nov 3, 2026, 5:36 PM - DSL ComputersNew
In stockReturn policy
$120.00Observed at 9:10 PM - eBayNew
In stock
$129.00Free shippingObserved at 4:34 AM - Pretty Case ShopNew
In stockReturn policy
$150.00Observed Nov 3, 2026, 5:36 PM
Also available at
- PC Richard & SonCheck price at PC Richard & Son
- Boise State Bronco ShopCheck price at Boise State Bronco Shop
- WalmartCheck price at Walmart
Specs compared
| Spec | Apple AirPods Pro 3 | Sony WF-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Apple | Sony |
| Color | White | Black |
| Headphone type | Earbuds | Closed |
| Noise Canceling | Yes | Yes |
| With Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| With Charging Case | Yes | Yes |
| Style | In-ear | In-ear |
| Wireless Type | Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
| Use | Sports | Sports |
| Width | 0.8″ wide | 2.7″ wide |
| Depth |
What reviewers say
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Reviewers rate the AirPods Pro 3 highly, with a 4.4 out of 5 average from 19,218 ratings. Coverage consistently praises noise cancellation, sound and fit, and highlights the new fitness and hearing features.
- World-class active noise cancellation
- Clear sound with deep bass
- Comfortable, lightweight fit
- IP57 rating, heart-rate sensor and hearing aid mode
- Some features depend on newer iOS versions
- Fit and seal vary between ear shapes
- Premium price at full retail
Sony WF-1000XM6
Reviewers consistently praise the sound quality, calling it accurate and well balanced, with particular enthusiasm for bass, treble and vocals. Noise cancellation, call quality and comfort also draw positive notes. One reviewer felt the earbuds were not worth the price for the features offered.
Questions and answers
- Which has better noise cancelling?
- The Sony WF-1000XM6 has the edge. Its QN3e processor is three times faster than the QN2e in the WF-1000XM5, and it runs eight adaptive microphones. The AirPods Pro 3 still gets strong praise for its adaptive ANC.
- Is the Sony worth $198 more than the AirPods Pro 3?
- Only if sound quality and battery life are your priority. The Sony wins on LDAC hi-res audio and 24-hour total playback. The AirPods Pro 3 wins on price, IP57 rating and Apple features.
- Which is better for running and workouts?
- The AirPods Pro 3, on paper. It carries an IP57 dust and water rating and a built-in heart rate sensor. The Sony is listed as water-resistant but gives no IP number.
- Which lasts longer on a charge?
- The Sony. It gives 8 hours in the earbuds and 24 hours total with the case. The AirPods Pro 3 lists 10 hours in the earbuds, but some long-term testers report that declining over time.
- Do the AirPods Pro 3 work with Android?
- They pair over Bluetooth, but you lose Siri, instant pairing and the Apple-only features. The Sony works fully with Android through the Sony app.
- Which has better call quality?
- The Sony. Reviewers praise its microphone and voice-calling quality, and Sony claims its best call quality yet. The AirPods Pro 3 are fine for calls but draw less specific praise there.
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