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AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) are the easy choice on iPhone. Sony WF-1000XM5 are the easy choice if you want stronger ANC and you are not married to Apple’s case.
Fit and tips
If AirPods fall out on a walk, stop reading reviews and try foam tips or a different shape. Sony’s foam-ish tips seal harder and can feel tiring. Neither is a gym-proof dedicated sport bud.
ANC and calls
Sony usually wins raw hush on a plane. AirPods win the “it just works with the Watch and the Mac” loop. Call quality is close; a windy street still wins against both.
Who should skip both
Skip flagship buds if you lose them. A $40 pair you will not mourn is the real total cost of ownership. Skip Sony if iOS is your whole desk and you refuse a second app.
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