Earbuds Face-Off: Sony, Bose, and Apple Go Head-to-Head

USASat Feb 14 2026
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Sony's new WF-1000XM6 earbuds have shaken up the high-end earbud market. These earbuds boast better sound, noise cancellation, and battery life than their predecessors. But how do they stack up against the big names like Bose and Apple? First, let's talk money. Sony's WF-1000XM6 earbuds cost $330. That's a bit more than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, which starts at $299 but can be found for $250. Apple's AirPods Pro 3 are the most affordable, starting at $249 and sometimes dropping to $210. Design-wise, Sony and Bose have gone with a stem-free look, while Apple sticks to its classic stem design. All three earbuds are sweat-resistant, but Apple's AirPods Pro 3 have the best water and dust protection. When it comes to weight, Apple's earbuds are the lightest, followed by Sony's, and then Bose's. Now, let's talk sound. Sony's WF-1000XM6 earbuds have a 10-band equalizer, making them a great choice for music lovers. Bose's QuietComfort Ultra earbuds have a three-band equalizer, which is less customizable. Apple's AirPods Pro 3 offer Spatial Audio and Adaptive EQ, but they lack a customizable equalizer.
Noise cancellation is another big factor. Sony claims their earbuds have the best noise cancellation, but early reviews suggest Bose's earbuds still have the edge. Apple's AirPods Pro 3 offer a more natural sound, but they're not as isolating as Bose's earbuds. Each brand has its unique features. Sony's earbuds support 32-bit audio processing and have a Find Your Equaliser feature. Bose's earbuds offer TrueSpatial technology and a Cinema Mode. Apple's AirPods Pro 3 have sensors to measure heart rate, a Live Translation feature, and hearing aid functionality. When it comes to battery life, Sony's and Apple's earbuds last up to eight hours with ANC on, while Bose's last up to six hours. All three earbuds support fast charging. So, who should buy which earbuds? If you're all about the sound, go with Sony's WF-1000XM6. If you want the best noise cancellation, Bose's QuietComfort Ultra earbuds are the way to go. And if you're an Apple user, the AirPods Pro 3 offer great integration with other Apple devices.
https://localnews.ai/article/earbuds-face-off-sony-bose-and-apple-go-head-to-head-40304766

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