PowerBeats Pro 2 vs Sony WF-1000XM5 

When it comes to premium wireless earbuds, the PowerBeats Pro 2 and the Sony WF-1000XM5s are two standout contenders, each offering unique features and exceptional audio quality. The PowerBeats Pro 2, with their secure fit and fitness-focused design, appeal to active users, while the Sony WF-1000XM5s shine with industry-leading noise cancellation and immersive sound. In this comparison, we’ll break down their performance, features, and value to help you decide which pair is the better choice for your needs.

PowerBeats Pro 2 Overview

Beats always release good earbuds with interesting features, and the new PowerBeats Pro 2 earbuds are the same. The original PowerBeats Pro earbuds were released five years ago, and they were very popular and cost $250. The new PowerBeats Pro 2 earbuds still cost $250 in 2025, and they have new features like ANC, heart rate monitoring, and transparency mode, all with a new Apple H2 chip. 

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Sony WF-1000XM5 Overview

The Sony 1000X series has been at the top of headphones and earbuds for a long time. The WH-1000XM5s are the most comfortable pair of headphones I have ever used, and all the products in this lineup sound great. The Sony WF-1000XM5 wireless earbuds are at the top of my list of earbuds. They have excellent sound quality and ANC, and they are comfortable to wear. 

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PowerBeats Pro 2 vs Sony WF-1000XM5s: Build Quality And Design

The most obvious design highlight of the PowerBeats Pro 2 is the ear hook. This design guarantees a snug fit for sports and exercise, so you can sweat without skipping a beat. The ear hooks make sure the earbuds are properly fitted around your ears, so they never fall out even when you are on the go.

This adaptability makes them a great option for on-the-go activities, such as running, cycling, or gym workouts where a bit of stability is needed. During high-intensity workouts, the ear hooks provide a firm fit while remaining comfortable. 

The Sony WF-1000XM5s prioritize comfort. The compact and ultra-lightweight design of the foam ear tips allows for enhanced comfort and improved audio retention. The flexible foam material molds to practically every shape of the ear canal. This super customizable fit helps ease pressure and improves comfort, making even the longest listening sessions far more enjoyable.

Both earbuds offer numerous options to suit individual preferences. The Sony WF-1000XM5s come in Black, Silver, and Smoky Pink. Its minimalist and elegant aesthetic ensures that it fits right into any personal or office space. The PowerBeats Pro 2 come in far more colorful choices including Jet Black, Electric Orange, Hyper Purple, and Quick Sand. These dynamic colors appeal to those users who desire a bolder, sportier appearance.

PowerBeats Pro 2 vs Sony WF-1000XM5s: Features

The Sony WF-1000XM5s have four audio codecs, AAC, SBC, LC3, and LDAC, which is Sony’s codec. LDAC allows you to stream hi-res audio with compatible LDAC devices, and this is a codec not found in any of the AirPods. 

The Sony WF-1000XM5s come with 360 Reality Audio, which is something like the Spatial Audio we get in Apple and Beats products. This feature analyses the shape of your ears and optimizes the sound based on that. The earbuds also have head tracking, which adjusts the sound to make it like it’s coming from around you. You also have in-ear detection, tracks will pause when you take the buds out of your ears, and you get a little ping noise when you put them back in. 

With Edge-AI, the earbuds can enhance compressed digital music files in real time, even those from streaming services. This AI intelligently analyzes each track’s instruments, genre, and individual elements, restoring the high-frequency details lost during compression for a richer listening experience.

Auto Play is another neat feature. This works with Spotify and Endel to automatically play music according to the scene or environment you’re in. So if you’re starting a workout or if you’re running, the earbuds will automatically play some workout music. 

Sony improved the microphones on the WF-1000XM5s with a noise reduction algorithm. This uses AI machine learning to analyze more than 500 million voice samples to suppress ambient noise, increase accuracy, and extract your voice in noisy environments.  You can also use gestures to control the earbuds. If you’re getting a call, you can nod your head to accept it, and then you can nod again to end it. 

The PowerBeats Pro 2 have the new Apple H2 chip, the same one that is in the AirPods Max. The H2 chip samples outside audio at 200 samples per second, and does a good job of eliminating white noise. The earbuds instantly pair with any Apple device, and if you have multiple devices the earbuds can switch between them if your iCloud ID is the same in these devices. You can use Siri with the PowerBeats Pro 2, and you can also see them on Find My. You can also turn on Spatial Audio, which Apple does very well. 

The main feature that caught my eye was heart-rate tracking, as this is something we haven’t seen in earbuds before. There is a little sensor right below the ear tips, and this will measure and update your heartbeat every five seconds. You can even pair the PowerBeats Pro 2 with gym machines, so if you have a treadmill or a StairMaster, you can send the heartbeat from your earbuds directly to the machine. 

PowerBeats Pro 2 vs Sony WF-1000XM5s: Battery Life

The case of the PowerBeats Pro 2 can be charged via USB-C, and it can also be charged wirelessly. The battery life of the buds is amazing, you can get up to 45 hours of listening on a single charge, and up to 10 hours of continuous playback. A 5-minute charge will give you 1.5 hours of playback, and the case can fully charge the buds 3 times. 

The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds have a battery life of eight hours with ANC on, and 12 hours with ANC off. The charging case gives you an additional 24 hours, and it can be charged via USB-C, and it has wireless charging. 

PowerBeats Pro 2 vs Sony WF-1000XM5s: Sound Quality and ANC

The Sony WF-1000XM5s offer a very clean, balanced audio profile. The 8.2mm drivers produce warm tones with rich bass that sound full, bringing liveliness to the mids and highs without drowning them out. This makes them suitable for a variety of music genres, from classical to R&B, where you can appreciate both instrumental details and vocal clarity.

The PowerBeats Pro 2 might be the best earbuds I’ve heard for a bass-heavy experience. The venting channels push low frequencies further, delivering a unique listening experience. This very bass-forward tuning is perfect for hip-hop, pop, or rap, where deep beats keep it all moving. Listeners looking for a more neutral sound may prefer Sony, while those who enjoy a punchy, workout-friendly bass might find PowerBeats more engaging.

Noise cancellation is where these earbuds start to split. The Sony WF-1000XM5s have a Sony V2 Integrated Processor, which does a wonderful job canceling out low-frequency sounds such as airplane engine noise or office conversation, giving you a peaceful listening experience. This strong noise cancellation puts Sony at the top of the list for heavy travelers or those who work in bustling environments.

The PowerBeats Pro 2 offer ANC but focus more on balancing active noise reduction with workout safety, allowing some environmental awareness depending on the mode. As good as they are though, they can’t quite keep you disconnected from the world like the XM5s do.

The Sony WF-1000XM5s feature an AI noise reduction algorithm to improve call quality. The advanced noise-canceling technology ensures that only your voice goes through, even in loud environments like busy intersections or crowded cafes. This feature shines in situations where sudden, random noise, such as wind or background chatter, might make it hard to hear speech.

The PowerBeats Pro 2 have a three-microphone array and voice isolation mode, which are effective while exercising or taking calls outdoors, ensuring users stay connected and focused, even on the go. 

Key Takeaways

• In terms of audio, both earbuds provide top-notch sound. The Sony WF-1000XM5s are known for their tight bass and best-in-class active noise cancellation, while the PowerBeats Pro 2 feature incredible bass and reliable voice isolation on calls. 
• Sony’s lightweight build and foam ear tips ensure long-lasting comfort for the longest listening sessions. The PowerBeats’ ear hook design offers a stable fit ensuring they’re ideal for workouts.
• Battery life varies significantly, with PowerBeats offering up to 45 hours total and a quick 5-minute charge for 1.5 hours of playback, while Sony provides 36 hours total and versatile USB-C and wireless charging options.
• Sony delivers much more advanced sound features, like 360 Reality Audio and head tracking to produce realistic, immersive soundscapes. In comparison, PowerBeats hones in on active users with features like heart-rate tracking and a transparency mode.

Should You Get The PowerBeats Pro 2 Or The Sony WF-1000XM5?

Between the Sony WF-1000XM5s and Powerbeats Pro 2, whatever you take home should be determined by what’s most important to you. If you want the best in noise cancellation and high audio quality, the Sony WF-1000XM5s offer an unmatched performance. They are our favorite for uncompromising immersive sound quality and advanced tech. Meanwhile, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are the unequivocal champs for active folks. With their secure fit and sweat resistance, they are the ideal companion for workouts and outdoor adventures.

Both earbuds offer impressive noise cancellation, customizable touch controls, and great battery life. Knowing what you’re going to be doing every day will greatly inform your decision. Whether you need the best for music, calls, or workouts, one of these will suit your lifestyle.

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Buy the Sony WF-1000XM5 on Amazon

FAQs

How does the Sony WF-1000XM5 compare to the PowerBeats Pro 2 in battery life?

The PowerBeats Pro 2’s total 45 hours of listening time is nothing less than remarkable. That’s a big deal considering the Sony WF-1000XM5s only offer 32 hours total with the case. If long battery life is what you want, though, then it’s the PowerBeats Pro 2 that you want.

Which earbuds provide better noise cancellation?

The Sony WF-1000XM5s feature industry-leading ANC, so they are the best for blocking out background noise. The PowerBeats Pro 2 have very good ANC as well, but they are tuned more for the gym than the full noise-canceling shutdown.

Are the Sony WF-1000XM5 or PowerBeats Pro 2 better for workouts?

The PowerBeats Pro 2, from Apple and Beats By Dre, are more workout-focused, sporting secure ear hooks, a degree of sweat resistance, and workout features like heartbeat tracking. Even though being lightweight and comfortable makes the Sony WF-1000XM5s ideal for all-day wear, the PowerBeats are the best earbuds for workouts. 

Which earbuds are more compatible with Apple devices?

The PowerBeats Pro 2 feature Apple’s H2 chip. This provides quick pairing, iCloud sync, and Siri compatibility. The Sony WF-1000XM5s can connect with Apple devices, but you won’t get the same features. 

Do both earbuds support wireless charging?

Yes, both the Sony WF-1000XM5 and PowerBeats Pro 2 support wireless charging. This provides a simple and convenient charging experience while being consistent with modern charging standards.

Which model offers better audio quality?

Overall, the Sony WF-1000XM5s provide a rich sound signature with clear bass, low distortion, and warm, detailed reproduction. Bass-heavy genres such as hip-hop and pop naturally sound clear and full with the PowerBeats Pro 2. 

Are both earbuds water-resistant?

Both models include an IPX4 rating, meaning they’re resistant to splashes from any direction. Neither one of these earbuds is truly waterproof, so we wouldn’t recommend submerging them.