These are the two best wireless earbuds you can buy right now, and they take different approaches. Let me help you figure out which one is right for you.

The Short Version

Get AirPods Pro 3 if: You have an iPhone and want the best integration, health features, and convenience.

Get Sony WF-1000XM5 if: You want the best pure sound quality, use Android, or need to connect to two devices at once.

Sound Quality - Sony Wins (Slightly)

The AirPods Pro 3 sound good. But the Sony WF-1000XM5 sound better if you care about audio quality.

Sony's tuning is more neutral and balanced. AirPods lean into bass. If you're an audiophile, you'll prefer Sony. If you just want music to sound "good" without analyzing it, both work fine.

Sony also supports LDAC codec, which means higher quality streaming on Android. AirPods use AAC, which is fine but not as high-res.

Noise Cancellation - Dead Tie

Both are excellent. Like, really excellent. The difference is negligible on flights and in noisy offices. Don't choose based on ANC alone.

The Features That Actually Matter

AirPods Pro 3 has:

• Heart rate monitoring during workouts
• Hearing aid functionality (FDA approved)
• Live Translation
• Automatic switching between Apple devices
• Conversation Awareness

Sony WF-1000XM5 has:

• Real multipoint (connected to two devices at once)
• Full EQ customization
• LDAC for high-res audio
• Works better with Android
• Speak-to-Chat

The Multipoint Thing

This is a real differentiator. Sony lets you be connected to your laptop and phone simultaneously. When your phone rings, it just works.

AirPods do "automatic switching" between Apple devices, but it's not the same. And it doesn't work with non-Apple devices.

If you regularly switch between a Windows laptop and iPhone, Sony handles this better.

My Take

AirPods Pro 3 make sense for those deep in the Apple ecosystem who want the health features. The heart rate monitoring during runs is genuinely useful.

But if you use Android or care more about audio quality than features, Sony is the way to go.

Neither is a wrong choice. They're both premium earbuds that justify their price.

If your AirPods are already paired to your iPhone, you probably don't need to do anything. They should just work with your Apple Watch automatically.

The Easy Way (Usually Automatic)

Apple makes this simple if you're in their ecosystem. When your AirPods Pro 3 are paired to your iPhone and your Apple Watch uses the same iCloud account, the AirPods show up on your watch automatically.

Just put them in your ears and start playing music on your watch. Done.

If It Doesn't Work Automatically

Sometimes you need to manually connect:

1. Put AirPods in the case, leave the lid open
2. Hold the button on the back of the case until the light flashes white
3. On your watch: Settings > Bluetooth
4. Tap your AirPods when they show up

That's it. They're connected.

What You Can Actually Do

Once connected, you can:

• Listen to music stored on your watch
• Stream from Apple Music (if you have cellular or Wi-Fi)
• Listen to podcasts and audiobooks
• Take phone calls through your watch

This is great for runs or workouts when you want to leave your phone behind.

Quick Tip: Switching Audio

If audio isn't going to your AirPods:

1. Start playing something
2. Swipe up on the Now Playing screen
3. Tap the AirPlay icon (looks like a triangle with circles)
4. Pick your AirPods

Bonus Feature

You can charge your AirPods Pro 3 case on your Apple Watch charger. Super handy when traveling and you want to pack fewer cables.

Yep! There's a lanyard loop built right into the case. It's those small metal holes on the right side.

What It's For

You can thread a strap, lanyard, or carabiner through it. Useful for:

• Clipping to your bag
• Attaching to your keychain
• Wearing on your wrist during workouts
• Generally not losing your case

How to Use It

It's pretty straightforward. Find a thin lanyard or strap and thread the cord through the holes. Most lanyards designed for small electronics will fit. Apple sells an Incase Lanyard, but any thin one will work and third-party options cost less.

Why It Matters

If you've ever lost an AirPods case (they're small and easy to misplace), this feature is great. Clip it to something and it stays with you.

A short wrist strap works well at the gym. The case stays secure and you always know where it is.

Other Case Features While We're Here

The AirPods Pro 3 case also has:

• A speaker for Find My (plays a sound to help locate it)
• USB-C charging
• MagSafe wireless charging
• Works with Apple Watch chargers
• Works with regular Qi wireless chargers

The lanyard loop is a small thing, but it's one of those practical additions that makes daily use better.