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Sony WF-1000XM6 vs Apple AirPods Pro (3rd generation)

Buy the AirPods Pro (3rd generation) if you use an iPhone or Mac and want the best value: $199.00 at Amazon as of November 3 versus $298.00 at Best Buy for the Sony WF-1000XM6. Buy the Sony if sound quality and noise cancellation matter more than price, and you want LDAC, DSEE Extreme and replaceable batteries. The Sony costs about $99 more and its price has moved between $298.00 and $328.00 since October 28.

Today the Apple AirPods Pro (3rd generation) costs $99.00 less at its best price.

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Sony
Sony WF-1000XM6

Sony WF-1000XM6

4.4· 350 ratings
$298.00at Best BuyObserved at 12:25 AM
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Choose the Sony WF-1000XM6 if you want the best sound and noise cancellation and will pay about $99 more for LDAC, DSEE Extreme and user-replaceable batteries.

Pros
  • Top-tier active noise cancellation with the QN3e processor and eight microphones
  • LDAC Hi-Res Wireless and DSEE Extreme upscaling
  • Up to 24 hours total playback and a 5-minute charge for 1 hour
  • User-replaceable batteries in the earbuds and case
  • Comfortable fit with multiple ear tip sizes and app EQ
Cons
  • $298.00, about $99 more than the AirPods Pro
  • Case is 3.3 inches deep
  • No dust-resistance rating like IP57
  • One reviewer said it was not worth the price for the features
Apple
Apple AirPods Pro (3rd generation)

Apple AirPods Pro (3rd generation)

$199.00at AmazonObserved at 8:03 PM
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Choose the AirPods Pro (3rd generation) if you own an iPhone or Mac and want strong ANC, IP57 dust and water resistance and a lower price of $199.00 at Amazon.

Pros
  • $199.00 at Amazon, the lowest price of the two
  • IP57 dust and water resistance
  • H2 chip ANC and transparency that work well with Apple devices
  • Compact USB-C case with Ultra Wideband chip for locating it
  • Up to 8 hours of battery life
Cons
  • No LDAC or hi-res codec
  • Batteries are not user-replaceable
  • Best features need an Apple device
  • Only one store prices it new as of November 3

What separates them

Sony WF-1000XM6Apple AirPods Pro (3rd generation)
Price$298.00 at Best Buy as of November 3$199.00 at Amazon as of November 3
Battery with ANC8 hours earbuds, 16 hours case, 24 total; 5-minute charge gives 1 hourUp to 8 hours
Water and dust ratingWater-resistant, no dust rating givenIP57 dust and water resistance
CodecsLDAC Hi-Res Wireless, about 3x standard Bluetooth data; DSEE Extreme upscalingBluetooth with Apple H2 chip; no LDAC
Noise cancellationQN3e processor, 3x faster than QN2e, eight adaptive microphonesActive Noise Cancellation on the H2 chip
BatteriesUser-replaceable in earbuds and caseNot user-replaceable
Case size3.3 inches deepCompact USB-C case with Ultra Wideband chip for finding it
Ecosystem fitWorks with Android and Apple, Sony app for EQ and settingsAutomatic pairing and switching across Apple devices

Price history

$328.00$199.00
Oct 28Nov 3
  • Sony WF-1000XM6: lowest $298.00 on Nov 2 at Walmart; $298.00 on Nov 3.
  • Apple AirPods Pro (3rd generation): lowest $199.00 on Oct 30 at Amazon; $199.00 on Nov 3.

Prices at every store

Sony WF-1000XM6

  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $298.00Free shippingObserved at 12:25 AM
    Visit store
  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by World Wide Stereo (Authorized)

    $298.00Observed at 10:34 PM
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  • Macy'sNew

    In stock

    $298.00Free shippingObserved at 10:34 PM
    Visit store
  • CrutchfieldNew

    In stock

    $298.00Free shippingObserved at 10:34 PM
    Visit store

Also available at

  • SonyCheck price at Sony
All 12 stores and price history →

Apple AirPods Pro (3rd generation)

  • AmazonRefurbished

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $189.00Free shippingObserved at 8:03 PM
    Visit store
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $199.00Free shippingObserved at 8:03 PM
    Visit store
Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecSony WF-1000XM6Apple AirPods Pro (3rd generation)
ColorBlackWhite
ConnectivityWirelessBluetooth, Proprietary, USB-C
Noise CancelingYes—
With MicrophoneYes—
With Charging CaseYes—
StyleIn-ear—
Wireless TypeBluetooth—
UseSports—
Width2.7″ wide—
Depth3.3″ deep—
Water-ResistantYes—
Quantity6 Pack—
Show all 38 specsShow fewer specs
SpecSony WF-1000XM6Apple AirPods Pro (3rd generation)
Colour NameBlack—
Noise Cancelling (Active)true—
Connection TypeWireless—
Wireless ConnectivityBluetooth—
True Wirelesstrue—
Built-In Microphonetrue—
Carrying Casetrue—
Headphone FitIn-Ear—
BrandSony—
Model Number

What reviewers say

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.

Pros
  • Accurate, well-balanced and natural sound
  • Bass, treble and vocal quality
  • Excellent noise-cancelling performance
  • Voice-calling and microphone recording quality
Cons
  • Not worth the price for the features offered
  • Charging case design is not particularly appealing

Apple AirPods Pro (3rd generation)

Owners of the AirPods Pro line consistently rate noise cancellation and Apple-device pairing as the main draws, while noting that Android users lose most of the smart features. Reception of the third generation centers on the improved fit and the USB-C case.

Pros
  • Strong, adjustable noise cancellation
  • Fast, reliable pairing across Apple devices
  • Comfortable fit for long wear
  • Case tracking makes losing them less likely
Cons
  • Limited functionality on Android
  • Ear tips need regular cleaning and replacing
  • Premium price compared with rival earbuds
Reviews
  • Best Wireless Headphones
  • Best Headphones to Buy in 2026, Tested and Reviewed
  • Best Headphones 2026: Personal audio at home and on-the-go
  • The Best Wireless Headphones for 2026 - PCMag editors select and review products independently
  • Best Wireless Headphones 2026: Go wire-free with these top performers
  • Best Earbuds of 2026: Wireless, Noise Canceling, In-Ear

Questions and answers

Which has better noise cancellation, the Sony WF-1000XM6 or the AirPods Pro 3?
The Sony has the edge on paper. Its QN3e processor is 3x faster than the QN2e in the WF-1000XM5 and drives eight adaptive microphones. The AirPods Pro rely on the H2 chip and are strong, but reviewers rate the Sony's ANC top-tier.
Is the Sony WF-1000XM6 worth $99 more than the AirPods Pro?
Yes if sound quality, LDAC and replaceable batteries matter to you. No if you use an iPhone and want IP57 protection and a compact case. The gap is $298.00 at Best Buy versus $199.00 at Amazon as of November 3.
Which lasts longer on a charge?
The Sony. It gives 8 hours in the earbuds plus 16 in the case, 24 total, and a 5-minute charge adds 1 hour. Apple rates the AirPods Pro at up to 8 hours.
Can I wear either one for workouts?
The AirPods Pro are rated IP57 for dust and water, so sweat and rain are covered. The Sony is water-resistant but has no dust rating, so keep it out of gritty or very wet conditions.
Do the Sony earbuds work with an iPhone?
Yes. They pair over Bluetooth and the Sony app handles EQ and settings on both Android and Apple. You lose Apple's automatic device switching and the Ultra Wideband case finding.
Which has the smaller case?
The AirPods Pro case is the more pocketable of the two. The Sony case is 3.3 inches deep, which is the size complaint reviewers raise most.

More comparisons

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  • Sony WF-1000XM6 vs Technics EAH-AZ100
  • Sony WF-1000XM6 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd generation)
  • Sony WF-1000XM6 vs Google Pixel Buds Pro
  • Sony WF-1000XM6 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
  • Sony WF-1000XM6 vs Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4

Buying guides that pick them

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WF1000XM6/B
—
Sound Isolatingtrue—
Product Height1.6 inches—
Product Width1 inches—
Product Length2.4 inches—
Warranty - Parts1 year—
Warranty - Labor1 year—
Water Resistance RatingIPX4—
Battery life—up to 8 hours
Water and dust resistance—IP57
Chip—Apple H2 headphone chip
Noise cancellation—Active Noise Cancellation
Form factor—In-Ear Only
Wireless technology—Bluetooth
Microphone type—Built-In
Number of earpieces—Double
Impedance—16 ohm