Short answer: the Sony WF-1000XM6. It ranks #77 of 467 in-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 4.5/5, at $258. The Apple AirPods Pro 3 ranks #364, rated 3.5/5, at $199, $59 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 is the tougher option. Sub-bass sits about 3 dB above the Harman target in hobbyist measurements on squig.link and still reaches 30 Hz with a slight lift, so bass lines and electronic drops carry real rumble. It is rated IP57 against IPX4 for the Sony WF-1000XM6. Watch for: A 6.4 dB dip near 3.4 kHz pulls vocals and guitars back, while a 6.3 dB peak near 8 kHz and about 6 dB of extra air above 10 kHz can make cymbals and sibilance sound splashy.
The Sony WF-1000XM6 is the better-sounding choice. These true wireless earbuds score 79.6 for preference in the median of 4 squig.link measurements, with a 1.37 dB deviation that tracks the target closely. It supports LDAC Bluetooth, which the Apple AirPods Pro 3 lacks. Watch for: Presence from 3 to 6 kHz runs about 2.3 dB low and a 3.6 dB dip near 10.9 kHz trims air, so vocals and cymbals sound slightly reserved.
Buy the Sony WF-1000XM6. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $59 saving on the Apple AirPods Pro 3 is not enough to make up the difference.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphones rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Apple AirPods Pro 3 | Sony WF-1000XM6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.00 | $258.00 |
| Ranked | #364 of 467 in In-Ear Headphones | #77 of 467 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Harman Preference Score | 68 (median of 5 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) | 80 (median of 4 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.43 dB standard deviation | 1.37 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.58 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.06 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+1.7 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-2.6 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | True wireless | True wireless |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Weight | 0 lbs (5.55 g) per earbud | 0 lbs (6.5 g) per earbud |
| Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (24 with case, ANC on, Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (24 with case, Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP57 | IPX4 |
| Drivers | - | 1 x 8.4mm dynamic |
| Frequency Response | - | 20Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
Related Headphone Comparisons
How Sony WF-1000XM6 compares with other leading options:
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- Kinera Freya 2.0 vs Sony WF-1000XM6
- Simgot EA1000 vs Sony WF-1000XM6
- Kiiboom Evoke vs Sony WF-1000XM6
- Rose Technics QT9 MK3 vs Sony WF-1000XM6
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Headphones In Full
Apple AirPods Pro 3: $199.00 TWS Amazon $199.00 eBay
Pros: Sub-bass sits about 3 dB above the Harman target in hobbyist measurements on squig.link and still reaches 30 Hz with a slight lift, so bass lines and electronic drops carry real rumble. The response stays fairly even overall, with a 2.4 dB standard deviation from target and a gently warm tilt that suits warm and bassy tastes. Active noise cancelling, an IP57 rating that covers dust and immersion, and 8 hours per charge (24 with the case, ANC on) make it an easy everyday pair.
Cons: A 6.4 dB dip near 3.4 kHz pulls vocals and guitars back, while a 6.3 dB peak near 8 kHz and about 6 dB of extra air above 10 kHz can make cymbals and sibilance sound splashy. Codecs stop at SBC and AAC, and the Beats Fit Pro earns a slightly higher rating for less money.
Full Apple AirPods Pro 3 review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | Yes |
| Back | Closed |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (24 with case, ANC on, Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Connection | True wireless |
| Deviation From Target | 2.43 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 68 (median of 5 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| IP Rating | IP57 |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+1.7 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.58 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (5.55 g) per earbud |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Sony WF-1000XM6: $258.00 TWS Amazon $258.00 eBay
Pros: These true wireless earbuds score 79.6 for preference in the median of 4 squig.link measurements, with a 1.37 dB deviation that tracks the target closely. Active noise cancelling, LDAC and LC3 support, IPX4 water resistance and 8 hours per charge (24 with the case) make them a complete everyday package. Each earbud weighs only 6.5 g.
Cons: Presence from 3 to 6 kHz runs about 2.3 dB low and a 3.6 dB dip near 10.9 kHz trims air, so vocals and cymbals sound slightly reserved. The lower midrange is 1.2 dB thick, which adds a touch of warmth some listeners may find muddy. The wired Meze Alba matches its rating for less money.
Full Sony WF-1000XM6 review and specifications →
| Released | Feb 2026 (8 months ago) |
|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | Yes |
| Back | Closed |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (24 with case, Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Connection | True wireless |
| Deviation From Target | 1.37 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 8.4mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 80 (median of 4 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-2.6 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.06 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (6.5 g) per earbud |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons