Apple AirPods 2nd Gen vs Sony WH-1000XM6
The Verdict
The Apple AirPods 2nd Gen and Sony WH-1000XM6 sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Apple AirPods 2nd Gen is the cheaper of the two at $129 versus $450, a difference of about $321. The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Apple AirPods 2nd Gen stands out for iconic design and effortless apple ecosystem integration, while Sony WH-1000XM6 is praised for qn3 processor delivers industry-leading anc. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple AirPods 2nd Gen if…
- →Iconic design and effortless Apple ecosystem integration
- →H1 chip enables hands-free Hey Siri voice commands
- →Lightweight and comfortable for extended wear
Buy the Sony WH-1000XM6 if…
- →QN3 processor delivers industry-leading ANC
- →40-hour battery life with ANC
- →Foldable design returns (compact case)
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods 2nd Gen
Pros
- Iconic design and effortless Apple ecosystem integration
- H1 chip enables hands-free Hey Siri voice commands
- Lightweight and comfortable for extended wear
- Quick and reliable pairing with all Apple devices
- Affordable entry point into the AirPods lineup
Cons
- No water or sweat resistance rating — risky for workouts
- 5-hour battery life is below average by modern standards
- No noise cancellation or transparency mode
- One-size-fits-all design doesn't suit every ear shape
- Lightning charging only — no USB-C
Sony WH-1000XM6
Pros
- QN3 processor delivers industry-leading ANC
- 40-hour battery life with ANC
- Foldable design returns (compact case)
- LDAC + LC3 codec support for hi-res audio
- Charge while listening via USB-C
Cons
- $450 is $50 more than XM5
- 230g is still heavier than some competitors
- No aptX Lossless support
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple AirPods 2nd Gen | Sony WH-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 4 g (each) | 230 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 5 hrs (earbuds), 24 hrs total with case | Up to 40 hours (ANC on) |
| Charging | Lightning (wireless charging case optional) | USB-C, 3 min = 3 hours, charge while listening |
| Drivers | Apple-designed driver | 30mm carbon fiber composite |
| Features | H1 chip with Hey Siri support, Automatic ear detection, Seamless Apple device switching, Quick pairing via proximity | QN3 HD processor (7x faster than QN1), 12 microphones for ANC, Foldable design, 360 Reality Audio, DSEE Extreme upscaling, Cinema upmix mode, Speak-to-chat |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.4 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | — |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in headphones, see all Apple products or all Sony products. View full details for the Apple AirPods 2nd Gen or the Sony WH-1000XM6.