AirPods Pro vs AirPods 2 vs Amazon Echo Buds vs Sony 1000X M3 price and features
Just as long-rumored, Apple stepped in the wonderful world of true wireless noise-cancellation with the new AirPods Pro buds that are on top of that water-resistant, so brace yourselves for people on the treadmill next to you not hearing what you are shouting at them.
AirPods Pro vs AirPods 2 price and features
Amazon’s Echo Buds are cheaper but sport noise ‘reduction,’ not cancellation
AirPods Pro vs Amazon Echo Buds vs Sony 1000XM3 price and specs
Well, let’s break down the specs and features of the new AirPods Pro against the current AirPods 2 and Sony’s excellent 1000XM3 to see why Apple thinks it can get away with $250 (or 280 EUR), near-monopoly notwithstanding.
| Active noise cancellation (ANC) | Battery life | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple AirPods Pro ($249) | Yes | 4.5 hours (ANC on) 5 hours (ANC off) Charges in the case – 4 |
– IPX4 sweat- and water-resistance against splashes – One finish – Siri voice assistant – Touch controls |
| Apple AirPods 2 ($199 w/ charging case) | No | 5 hours Charges in the case – 4 |
– One finish – Siri voice assistant |
| Sony WF-1000XM3 ($230) | Yes | 6 hours (ANC on) 8 hours (ANC off) Charges in the case – 3 |
– Two finishes – Google Assistant integration – Touch controls |
| Amazon Echo Buds ($130) | Sort of, Bose’s Noise Reduction tech | 5 hours Charges in the case – 3 |
– IPX4 sweat- and water-resistance against splashes – One finish – Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri – Touch controls |
As you can see, Sony’s somewhat clumsily named WF-1000XM3 are still the better option if you are looking for a true wireless bud set with active noise cancellation to tune out that droning jet sound on long haul flights.
They last more on a charge, but the AirPods Pro are more resistant to your sweat and tears while you work out, while Amazon’s Echo Buds and its faux-cancellation are a decent option, too. Which ones would you get?