Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen) vs Sony WH-1000XM5
Specs, pros, cons and who each one actually suits — a Canadian buying comparison built from our stored research.
Quick verdict
Neither one wins outright — the right pick depends on your priorities. Here's the split, based on our stored research.
- iPhone and Apple-ecosystem users
- Commuters wanting strong, comfortable ANC
- People who value seamless device switching
Less ideal if: Android or multi-platform users; Audiophiles wanting high-res codecs
Read the full Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen) research →- Frequent travelers
- Office workers on back-to-back calls
- Listeners wanting strong ANC with good call quality
Less ideal if: Those wanting maximum portability; Neutral-sound purists
Read the full Sony WH-1000XM5 research →Built from publicly available specifications and owner-reported feedback — not our own lab testing.
Where to buy these two
Affiliate disclosure. We may earn a commission when you purchase through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Should I Buy It? is a participant in the Amazon.ca Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Prices, availability and Canadian pricing are not guaranteed and can change — always confirm details with the retailer before purchasing. Shopping recommendations are intended for Canadian buyers.
Video: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen) vs Sony WH-1000XM5
Excellent, natural-sounding ANC Best-in-class transparency and Adaptive Audio Best for: iPhone and Apple-ecosystem users.
Key Specifications: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen) vs Sony WH-1000XM5
| Type | In-ear (earbuds) | Over-ear |
| Active noise cancellation | Yes (up to 2x stronger than gen 1) | Yes (8 mics, adaptive) |
| Battery life (ANC) | 6h ANC, 30h with case | — |
| Charging | USB-C + MagSafe + Qi | USB-C (3 min = 3h) |
| Water resistance | IP54 (dust + sweat) | — |
| Spatial audio | Yes (dynamic head tracking) | — |
| Battery life | — | 30h ANC |
| Codecs | — | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Multipoint | — | Yes (2 devices) |
| Weight | — | Approx. 250 g |
| Folding | — | No (fixed headband) |
| Microphones | — | 8 microphones |
Pros
- Excellent, natural-sounding ANC
- Best-in-class transparency and Adaptive Audio
- Seamless pairing and switching across Apple devices
- Comfortable, secure fit for most ears
- Outstanding adaptive noise cancellation
- Excellent call clarity for an ANC headphone
- Comfortable for long sessions
- LDAC support for higher-quality streaming
Cons
- Limited value outside the Apple ecosystem
- No aptX or high-res codec support
- Bass can feel light for some tastes
- Less foldable than the previous generation
- Case is larger and less travel-friendly
- Sound is bass-forward, not neutral
Common Complaints
- Battery degradation after ~18 months of heavy use
- Ear tip fit issues for smaller ears
- No physical volume control on the buds
- Can't fold compactly like the XM4
- Headband creak on some units
- ANC slightly weaker in very windy conditions
Related comparison
More places to buy
Affiliate disclosure. We may earn a commission when you purchase through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Should I Buy It? is a participant in the Amazon.ca Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Prices, availability and Canadian pricing are not guaranteed and can change — always confirm details with the retailer before purchasing. Shopping recommendations are intended for Canadian buyers.