Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Pixel Buds Pro 2: Design, Features, Compatibility, Battery
Naila Syifa
Updated January 2025
If you're looking for the best wireless earbuds on the market, the Sony WF-1000XM5 and Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are both excellent choices worth considering. The Sony WF-1000XM5 is slightly more expensive at US$299 compared to the Pixel Buds Pro 2 at US$229, but we'll find out in this comparison if the extra cost is worth it. Let's now dive in!
Key Takeaways
Sony WF-1000XM5 is quite far ahead in terms of features, offering adaptive sound, auto play, head gestures, and quick access for third-party music providers, making it the more versatile option overall. It also works fully on Android and iOS devices, while the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is more optimized for Android users. For example, while the Pixel Buds Pro 2 only works with Google Assistant, the Sony WF-1000XM5 supports Google Assistant, Alexa, and Siri.
Sony WF-1000XM5
The Best Truly Wireless Earbuds
✓ Noise Cancellation
✓ Adaptive Sound Control
✓ Google Assistant, Alexa, or Siri
✓ Quick Access to Spotify, Amazon, Endel
Pixel Buds Pro 2
Light Ears Ahead
✓ Active Noise Cancellation
✓ Conversation Detection
✓ Google Assistant
✓ 8-Hour Listening Time
Design
Sony WF-1000XM5
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 has a more casual, fun vibe with matte finishes and 4 color options (porcelain, hazel, winter green, and peony), while the Sony WF-1000XM5 has a more premium, understated look with glossy finishes and a choice of black, silver, and smoky pink color options. However, both earbuds look sleek and stylish.
Both earbuds also adopt a stemless in-ear design with ear tips in 4 sizes, providing a secure and comfortable fit for most users. However, while the Sony WF-1000XM5 only relies on the ear tips for stability, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 also features a stabilizer, which can be twisted for a more secure fit during workouts and then untwisted for a more comfortable fit during regular use.
The outer housing of both earbuds serves as touch controls, which allow for easy access to various functions of settings. It's just the operations may be a bit different between the two models. For example, to increase/decrease volume, we can swipe forward/backward on the Pixel Buds Pro 2, while on the Sony WF-1000XM5, we need to tap the right/left earbuds four times.
The Sony WF-1000XM5 has an IPX4 rating, which means it is splash-resistant, while the Pixel Buds Pro 2 has an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance. The charging case of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is also splash-resistant with an IPX4 rating, while the charging case of the Sony WF-1000XM5 is not rated for water resistance.
Features
Pixel Buds Pro 2
Both earbuds offer noise cancellation and transparency mode (or called ambient sound mode in Sony), which respectively blocks out external sounds for improved focus and lets in some ambient noise for improved awareness.
The difference is that Sony WF-1000XM5 also offers Adaptive Sound, which automatically switches from noise cancellation to ambient sound mode based on your action (like running or walking). Meanwhile, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 requires you to manually switch between the two modes.
Another feature they have in common is the ability to detect when you're in conversation. It is known as Conversation Detection in the Pixel Buds Pro 2 or Speak-to-Chat in Sony WF-1000XM5. When the earbuds detect you're speaking, the music is automatically paused and will continue playing when your chat is over.
On both earbuds, you can ask the voice assistant to perform various tasks and functions, but the Pixel Buds Pro 2 only supports Google Assistant while the Sony WF-1000XM5 is more versatile. It can connect to Google Assistant, Alexa, or Siri depending on your preference or the device you are using.
Sony WF-1000XM5
Aside from voice commands, the Sony WF-1000XM5 can also understand head gestures. When there's an incoming call, you can nod to accept it or shake your head to reject it. The functionality is still limited but it's still helpful when your hands are occupied and you don't want to speak out loud with voice commands.
Sony WF-1000XM5 is also smarter than the Pixel Buds Pro 2 with an Auto Play feature, which plays music automatically at the right time. For example, it can play when you arrive at a gym, in the morning when you're getting ready for work, or when you go for runs. Meanwhile, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is not that smart yet.
Lastly, the Sony WF-1000XM5 also offers better integration with third-party music providers. The Quick Access feature allows you to configure Spotify Tap, Amazon Music Play Now, and Endel Quick Access. It means you can quickly get back to your favorite music or ambient sounds through a quick shortcut instead of having to launch the app and navigate through it.
Compatibility
Pixel Buds Pro 2
Both wireless earbuds can equally connect to Android and iOS devices. However, only the Sony WF-1000XM5 has its companion app, the Sound Connect app, available on both Android and iOS.
Meanwhile, the Pixel Buds app is exclusively available on Android. For iPhone users, that means they lack access to the full set of features and customization options offered by the Pixel Buds Pro 2.
Sony WF-1000XM5 can also connect with Siri, while the Pixel Buds Pro 2 only supports Google Assistant on Android phones. Therefore, Sony WF-1000XM5 is the more versatile option when it comes to cross-device compatibility.
Battery Life
Sony WF-1000XM5
When using the noise cancellation functionality, both the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Sony WF-1000XM5 equally offer up to 8 hours of continuous playback. This can extend to 12 hours when the noise cancellation is disabled, which is impressive for both wireless earbuds.
However, when the charging case is factored in, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 lasts longer with up to 30 hours of listening time compared to the Sony WF-1000XM5 with just 24 hours of total battery life. So, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 has a slight edge in overall battery life compared to the Sony WF-1000XM5.
Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Pixel Buds Pro 2
Final Thoughts
Pixel Buds Pro 2
Both earbuds offer impressive noise cancellation, audio capabilities, and long-lasting battery life, making them excellent true wireless options. However, the Sony WF-1000XM5 offers some superiority in terms of cross-device compatibility and smart features like Adaptive Sound Control, Auto Play, head gestures, and Quick Access.
Meanwhile, the Pixel Buds Pro provides a more adjustable fit with its twistable stabilizer feature, IP54 dust and water resistance, and slightly better overall battery life. However, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is more optimized for Android users, as the companion app is not available on iOS.
If you like to read more about wireless earbuds, check out our other relevant guides here:
Best Wireless Earbuds
Pixel Buds A-Series vs Pixel Buds 2 Pro
Pixel Buds A-Series vs Galaxy Buds FE
Pixel Buds A-Series vs AirPods 4
Pixel Buds A-Series vs Beats Studio Buds
Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs AirPods Pro 2
Author
Naila Syifa
Content Manager at Synced. She crafts insightful content on the latest trends in technology, consumer electronics, and smart home gadgets.
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