AirPods Pro 3 vs Sony WF-1000XM5 vs LinkBuds Fit: Which Wins?
Apple AirPods Pro 3 take on Sony's best earbuds. We compare sound, ANC, fit, and value to crown the definitive winner for 2025.
Ethan Mercer
Editor-in-Chief
Choosing between the AirPods Pro 3 at $250, Sony's WF-1000XM5 at $299, and the LinkBuds Fit at $230 isn't just about price. It's about whether you value ecosystem integration over pure audio fidelity, and whether comfort matters more than cutting-edge noise cancellation. All three are excellent earbuds, but they're excellent in fundamentally different ways.
The AirPods Pro 3 represent Apple's most refined earbuds yet, with 90% noise reduction that puts them at the top of the ANC hierarchy. The WF-1000XM5 deliver class-leading sound detail that audiophiles will appreciate, though fit issues plague some users. The LinkBuds Fit prioritize all-day comfort above everything else, but that focus comes with performance compromises.
Here's the definitive breakdown of which earbuds deserve your money in 2025.
★ Quick Navigation
- 1
AppleGood TimingGood Time to Buy — Early in the product cycle
- 2
SonyNew Model SoonNew model coming in a few months
- 3
SonyNew Model SoonNew model coming in a few months
AirPods Pro 3
AppleGood TimingGood Time to Buy — Early in the product cycle
WF-1000XM5 True Wireless Earbuds
SonyNew Model SoonNew model coming in a few months
LinkBuds Fit
SonyNew Model SoonNew model coming in a few months
How We Review
Every product on this list was evaluated by aggregating expert reviews from trusted, independent sources. We don't accept pay-for-placement — our rankings are based entirely on review consensus, real-world testing data, and measurable performance.
Products are scored on a 10-point scale using a weighted formula that factors in expert ratings, price-to-value ratio, and recency. Newer products with strong reviews get a meaningful boost because we believe our readers deserve current recommendations.
Sources analyzed for this article: 3 products across multiple expert reviews.
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