Sony WF-1000XM6 vs AirPods Pro 3. Which Bluetooth headphones to choose based on your tastes and needs

Buying good Bluetooth headphones can be a daunting task. There are many models from different brands, so it is difficult to choose if we are not clear about what each one offers. Now that the Sony WF-1000XM6What better than to put them face to face with the AirPods Pro 3 from Apple. Let’s see what their most important differences.

The differences between the Sony WF-1000XM6 and the AirPods Pro 3

A clearly differential design

Image 1
Image 1

Do you like stick or earbud headphones better? Not all people are attracted to the same design, so here we find the first big difference: the Sony WF-1000XM6 have a button design, while the AirPods Pro 3 have a stick format. In this way, they maintain the design of their respective previous generations.

In any case, beyond personal tastes, we find two models of comfortable headphoneswhich are designed to be used for hours without fatigue. Both come with their respective pads, which allows us to have a better fit in the ear. Of course, while Sony headphones come with four ear pads, in Apple headphones we find five.

The sound section

Image 3
Image 3

This point is one of the most important, especially due to the compatibility of some technologies. The Sony WF-1000XM6 supports LDACa codec that offers wireless streaming of music in high resolution and that we find in a wide variety of Android devices.

The AirPods Pro 3 take another path, betting on technologies such as spatial audiobut here we must take into account that Can only be used with compatible devices. That is, if you have an iPhone you can enjoy the immersion that this technology gives. If you have an Android phone, it needs to be compatible with Dolby Atmos and used in apps like Apple Music.

Extras

Image 2
Image 2

If you were planning to use any of the headphones anywhere… be careful. AirPods Pro 3 offer resistance against dust and water immersion (IP57), but the Sony WF-1000XM6 only resist water jets (IPX4). Not that with normal use this is a big difference, but you have to take it into account if you want to use them on the beach or near a pool.

We also find other differences between both headphones, such as the heart rate sensor that the AirPods Pro 3 incorporate. This is a sensor that we normally see in smartwatches, but that Apple has decided to introduce in these headphones and that works really well. Yeah you usually playing sports and you don’t have an Apple Watch, it can be very attractive.

How much do headphones cost?

Both TWS Bluetooth headphones are high-end, so they are not particularly cheap. However, Apple’s have been on the market for a while and can be found cheaper. Right now, the AirPods Pro 3 They have a price on Amazon of 229 euroswhile the Sony WF-1000XM6 They have an official price of 299 euros. There are 70 euros difference.

In summary: which Bluetooth headphones to choose according to your tastes and needs.

Why choose the Sony WF-1000XM6

The Sony WF-1000XM6 have improved compared to the previous generation, and where they stand out the most is in:

  • LDAC support: If you have a device that supports high-quality audio, these headphones can be very attractive due to their LDAC codec.
  • Device Compatibility. Unlike the AirPods Pro 3, where some functions are exclusive to its ecosystem, you can squeeze the technologies and functions of these headphones into almost any device.
  • Very well resolved active noise cancellation. Sony has once again launched headphones with impressive adaptive noise cancellation on the market.

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Why choose AirPods Pro 3

The AirPods Pro 3 are a very good purchase choice, especially now that they can be found somewhat cheaper. Where they stand out the most is in:

  • Spatial Audio support. This technology allows you to listen to music as if it were coming from any direction, which offers great immersion.
  • Your heart rate sensor. This addition that Apple has introduced can be very attractive for sports activities.
  • Its price. The 70 euros difference in the price of both headphones is quite large.
  • If you have an iPhone. AirPods Pro 3 are designed to be used with an iPhone or other Apple device, so you can enjoy features such as spatial audio and adaptive audio.
  • Very good active noise cancellation. They offer better active noise cancellation than their previous generation, and it shows.

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In summary:

👉 Choose The Sony WF-1000XM6 yes: You are looking for headphones that support the LDAC codec or have a button design.

👉 Choose AirPods Pro 3 Yeah: You have an iPhone, you’re looking to make use of everything headphones offer, or you want a stick design.

Technical sheet with the main differences between the Sony WF-1000XM6 and the AirPods Pro 3

Sony WF-1000XM6

AirPods Pro 3

SOUND

LDAC support

Hi-Res Audio

DSEE Extreme

DAC + ASP 32 bit

Spatial audio

Adaptive Audio

Conversation detection

Adaptive EQ

pressure compensation

AUTONOMY

Up to 8 hours with ANC, 12 hours without ANC

Up to 24 hours with charging case

Up to 8 hours with active cancellation

Up to 7.5 hours with spatial audio and dynamic tracking

Up to 6.7 hours with heart rate measurement

Up to 24 hours with charging case

Autonomy

Charging via USB-C cable
Qi Wireless Face

Charging via USB-C cable

Wireless charging: MagSafe and Apple Watch charger

Extras

Active noise cancellation

IPX4 certification

Position detection

gesture control

Active noise cancellation

IP57 certification

Heart rate sensor

Price

299 euros

229 euros

The price could vary. We earn commission from these links


The price could vary. We earn commission from these links

Some of the links in this article are affiliated and may provide a benefit to Xataka. In case of non-availability, offers may vary.

Image | Ruben Andres, Pedro Aznar in Applesfera, Sony, Apple

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