Fit
- Sony WF-1000XM5
- Ear tips included
- Apple AirPods 5
- Open-fit design
Earbud comparison
Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Apple AirPods 5
Compare sound, battery life, fit, controls and connections.
01Selected  Sony WF-1000XM5
KSh 27,000In Stock | 02  Apple AirPods 5
KSh 24,000In Stock |
|---|
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2 spaces available
AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging CaseKSh 28,000
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2KSh 28,000
Bose QuietComfort Ultra EarbudsKSh 29,000
Sony WF-1000XM4KSh 29,500
Apple AirPods Pro 2KSh 28,500
Apple AirPods 4 ANCKSh 26,000
Apple AirPods 4KSh 19,500
2 of 4 products
Our quick verdict
The Apple AirPods 5 has better water and dust protection (IP57) and virtual surround sound, while the Sony WF-1000XM5 lasts longer per charge (8 hours) and offers wireless charging.
Weight
- Sony WF-1000XM5
- About 39.1 g
- Apple AirPods 5
- 4.3 g per earbud
Controls
- Sony WF-1000XM5
- Volume control, Quick Attention
- Apple AirPods 5
- Force sensor for playback, calls and listening modes
Water resistance
- Sony WF-1000XM5
- IPX4 water and dust resistance
- Apple AirPods 5
- IP57 water and dust resistance
Audio
- Sony WF-1000XM5
- Dsee Extreme
- Apple AirPods 5
- H2 chip
Key differences
The main differences to help you choose.
Sony WF-1000XM5
- Rated for up to 8 hours per charge (vs 4).
- Wireless charging.
- Connects to two devices at once.
- LDAC hi-res Bluetooth codec support.
Apple AirPods 5
- IP57 water and dust resistance (vs IPX4).
- Virtual surround sound.
- Newer model: released in 2026 (vs 2023).
- Lower price: KSh 24,000 (vs KSh 27,000).
- Supports spatial audio.
What matters most to you?
6 priorities selected.
| Priority | Sony WF-1000XM5 | Apple AirPods 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Ear tips included | Open-fit design |
| Weight | About 39.1 g | 4.3 g per earbud |
| Battery life | Up to 8 hours per charge | Up to 4 hours per charge; 20 hours with the case |
| Controls | Volume control, Quick Attention | Force sensor for playback, calls and listening modes |
| Noise cancellation | Noise cancellation for listening | Noise cancellation for listening |
| Connections | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Water resistance | IPX4 water and dust resistance | IP57 water and dust resistance |
| Audio | Dsee Extreme | H2 chip |
| Software | Sony / Sound Connect | Built into supported Apple operating systems |
| Charging port | USB-C | USB-C (charging case) |
| Sensors | Wear detection, touch controls, proximity sensors | Optical in-ear sensor, motion- and speech-detecting accelerometers |
| App support | Sony / Sound Connect | Built into supported Apple operating systems |
| Transparency / ambient mode | Ambient Sound Mode, Ambient Sound, Quick Attention | Transparency and Adaptive Audio |
| Case type | Charging Case | Charging Case (USB-C) |
| Case features | Charging case | USB-C charging and status indicator |
Tick a topic above to see how each product answers it.
Detailed comparison
Explore the full specifications, section by section.
These products have the same published specifications.
Similarities
- Both have active noise cancellation.
- Both have an ambient mode to hear your surroundings.
- Both charge over USB-C.
- Both have built-in microphones for calls.
- Both connect over Bluetooth.
- Same connector: wireless audio connection.
In summary
Get the Apple AirPods 5 if you want better water and dust protection and virtual surround sound, or the Sony WF-1000XM5 if you would rather have longer rated battery life and wireless charging.
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