This is one of the most common questions people ask, and honestly, the answer mostly comes down to what phone you use.
If you're on Android, get the Sony WF-1000XM6. They sound better, you get LDAC high-resolution audio that iPhones can't use, and Sony's app gives you tons of customization options. The AirPods work with Android, but you lose so many features that it doesn't really make sense.
If you're on iPhone, it's a closer call. The AirPods Pro 3 are $80 cheaper, fit more comfortably for most people, and integrate beautifully with Apple devices. Automatic switching between your Mac, iPad, and iPhone is seamless. They also have better water resistance and some health features like hearing aid mode.
The Sony earbuds do sound better – richer bass, more detail, high-res audio support. But the AirPods sound good too, just not audiophile-level. For casual listening, podcasts, and calls, most people won't notice a huge difference.
Noise cancellation is a near tie. The AirPods edge out the Sony slightly (90% vs 88% noise reduction in testing), but both are excellent.
Where Sony wins hands down is customization. You can tweak the EQ, adjust ANC levels, customize touch controls – the app is deep. AirPods are more of a "it just works, no fiddling required" product.
So: Android users, Sony. iPhone users who want simplicity and comfort, AirPods. iPhone users who really care about sound quality and don't mind a bit more setup, Sony.
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How we researched this
Where this comes from: this answer draws on the product's published specifications and the reviews ShopSavvy collected for it, alongside prices from 1 retailer in ShopSavvy's price data, most recently seen Mar 18, 2026.
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