Sony WF-1000XM6 vs Apple AirPods Pro 3: which should you buy?
Sony WF-1000XM6£249RRP · silver WF1000XM6S.CE7, RRP recorded 12 Oct 2026
Apple AirPods Pro 3£219RRP, RRP recorded 12 Oct 2026
The short answer
Choose AirPods Pro 3 if you use an iPhone: they cost less, are more comfortable for most people and add hearing health features. Choose the Sony WF-1000XM6 for Android or if sound and battery life matter most.
The differences that matter
Sony WF-1000XM6Apple AirPods Pro 3
UK price£249 RRP£219 RRP
SoundPreferred by What Hi-Fi?, TechRadar, Tom’s Guide and SoundGuys; adjustable EQBassier, with no EQ to adjust it (SoundGuys)
Noise cancellingSoundGuys measured 88%; What Hi-Fi? and Tom’s Guide rated Sony strongerSoundGuys measured 90% average reduction; TechRadar rated it as good or better
Battery (SoundGuys measured)9 hours 41 minutes8 hours 42 minutes
Comfort and fitAbout 6.2–6.5g per bud and four tip sizes; may be too big for small ears (SoundGuys)5.55g per bud and five tip sizes; What Hi-Fi?, TechRadar and RTINGS favoured the fit
Water resistanceIPX4 for the earbuds onlyIP57 for earbuds and case
CallsSoundGuys and What Hi-Fi? found calls clear, with good wind handlingTechRadar leaned towards AirPods; What Hi-Fi? found calls clear and natural
Android phonesFull app, LDAC higher-quality Bluetooth and two-device connectionBasic playback only, without customisation or hearing features (SoundGuys)
iPhone extrasWorks fully through Sony’s app, but without Apple’s health featuresHearing test, hearing aid feature, heart-rate sensing and Live Translation (beta)
ChargingUSB-C and Qi wireless chargingUSB-C, MagSafe, Qi and Apple Watch charger
Which one fits you?
Choose the Sony WF-1000XM6
You use an Android phone, or you care most about sound and battery life.
Choose the Apple AirPods Pro 3
You use an iPhone and want comfort, a lower price and hearing health features.
Sony WF-1000XM6Among the best-sounding earbuds you can buy, with long battery life and strong noise cancelling.
£249RRP · silver WF1000XM6S.CE7, RRP recorded 12 Oct 2026
Check price on Amazon UKRead the full reviewApple AirPods Pro 3The most convenient high-end earbuds for iPhone owners who want strong noise cancelling, instant pairing and Find My built in.
£219RRP, RRP recorded 12 Oct 2026
Check price on Amazon UKRead the full reviewPrice buttons are affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices are the ones recorded in each review; check the current price before buying.
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