Apple’s AirPods and the recently launched WF-XB700 from Sony are two premium fully wireless Bluetooth headset options for purchase. While the apple model is a reference in the segment, with up to 24 hours of battery life and the guarantee of good connectivity, the Japanese manufacturer’s model comes to the market with water resistance and bass boost. Its price is also lower, costing $98 on Amazon against $129 from its rival. Check below for more details on each of the earbuds and find out which one is best for you.
The two earbuds use Bluetooth connection in the standard 5.0, which should ensure good stability in transmission, and sufficient range to hear music up to 10 meters from the mobile phone. Apple doesn’t report any AirPod protection certification, but Sony claims to bring water and sweat resistance with IPX4. Regarding autonomy, it’s worth mentioning the AirPods’ promise of up to 24 hours, surpassing the 18 hours promised on the newcomer WF-XB700.
AirPods 2 vs Sony WF-XB700 Datasheet
| AirPods 2 | WF-XB700 | |
|---|---|---|
| Launch | March 2019 | April 2020 |
| Price | from $129 | $98 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Chip | Apple A1 | AT |
| Water resistance | Yes | IPX4 |
| Drums | 5 hours of playback; up to 24 hours with charger case | 9 hours of playback; up to 18 hours with charger case |
| Colors | White | Blue or Black |
| Weight | 40 grams | 46 grams |
Design
The models have a very distinctive design. The AirPods are more compact and discreet, despite the stem extending out of the user’s ear. Sony headphones have a higher volume, which should attract more attention. The WF-XB700 is offered in black or blue, while the rival model is available only in white, following the apple pattern.
If the idea is to have a more discreet accessory with an elegant look, this is an interesting point. Nevertheless, it’s worth highlighting the sound insulation and good fixation guaranteed by the in-ear design of the Sony model, which should be advantageous when practicing exercises, for example.
Features
AirPods feature the Apple H1 chip, which promises greater speed and stability for connecting to branded devices. And it’s the processor that lets you access Siri, apple’s virtual assistant, through voice commands. Apple also guarantees water and dust resistance but does not specify the type of certification present in the model.
The WF-XB700 promises to focus on audio quality, gaining a boost in the bass with the Extra Bass technology, owned by Sony. The accessory also promises to be ideal for physical exercise, bringing IPX4 certification for water resistance. Like the direct competitor, the Japanese model has integration with the main voice assistants in the market, such as Google Assistant, Alexa, or even Siri itself, but with physical activation through a button.
Sound Quality
Sound quality shouldn’t be the forte of AirPods. For those who prefer Apple products and want to listen to music with good bass, medium, and treble, you can find the AirPods Pro a more interesting option. The most advanced apple model also has features like noise cancellation, which should improve the user experience.
In this case, the WF-XB700 has an advantage over its direct rival, as it has a bass boost and frequency response from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Although it is a common range in several Bluetooth headsets on the market, it should be sufficient to reproduce different ranges without distortions. The model also brings the intra-ear design, which should work as a kind of sound insulation, and 12 mm drivers, an interesting size for products in the category.
Battery
According to Sony, the WF-XB700 headphones can offer up to nine hours of continuous playback with a full charge, so to reach 100% it should be necessary to leave the earbuds in the case for about 2.5 hours. In the charger case, on the other hand, more battery hours are available, totaling about 18 hours, according to the manufacturer.
AirPods, on the other hand, offers five hours of playback on a single charge, which can go up to 24 hours when considering the available autonomy in the charger case. Apple also guarantees that 15 minutes of charge is sufficient for about three hours of music or voice calls. Also, it’s worth noting the possibility to use wireless charging with the apple case. This option is available on the brand’s website for a higher price.
Price and Availability
The AirPods are sold in two options, one with a conventional case and the other via wireless charging. The simplest has a price of $109 while the version with the extra feature costs $129, also in the official apple store. The WF-XB700 appears on Sony’s website for $98, with two color options and one year warranty.
- Buy Airpods
- Buy Sony WF-XB700
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