AirPods Pro 2 Earbuds VS WH-1000XM6 Headphones
AirPods Pro 2 Earbuds
In-ear TWS · ANC · 6h/30h · H2 chip · BT 5.3
MSRP
WH-1000XM6 Headphones
Over-ear · ANC · 40h · LDAC · BT 5.3
MSRP
Our verdict
The WH-1000XM6 Headphones takes the performance lead with a 9% higher overall score, driven by its more shader cores, more of memory, and higher TFLOPS of compute power. In gaming benchmarks at 1440p, it delivers roughly 0% more frames per second across demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Alan Wake 2.
However, the AirPods Pro 2 Earbuds tells a compelling value story. At $200 versus the WH-1000XM6 Headphones's $400 price tag, it costs 100% less while delivering performance that's only 9% behind. Its of memory is still more than enough for 1440p and even 4K gaming in most titles.
Our recommendation: for the majority of gamers targeting 1440p or even 4K with upscaling enabled, the AirPods Pro 2 Earbuds is the smarter purchase. The WH-1000XM6 Headphones only makes sense if you need the absolute maximum performance for native 4K ray tracing, professional 3D rendering, or AI workloads where the extra VRAM and compute power provide a tangible advantage.
Performance winner
WH-1000XM6 Headphones
9% faster overall
Best value for money
AirPods Pro 2 Earbuds
10% better value per dollar
AirPods Pro 2 Earbuds best for
Value for money
10% better value per dollar
Audio
Battery
Comfort
Connectivity
Noise Cancellation
Frequently asked questions
Is the WH-1000XM6 Headphones worth $200 more than the AirPods Pro 2 Earbuds?
It depends on your needs. The WH-1000XM6 Headphones scores 94 overall vs 86 for the AirPods Pro 2 Earbuds. If you need the extra performance for demanding tasks, the premium is justified. For most users gaming at 1440p or below, the AirPods Pro 2 Earbuds offers better value.
Which GPU is better for 1440p gaming, the AirPods Pro 2 Earbuds or WH-1000XM6 Headphones?
The WH-1000XM6 Headphones delivers higher frame rates at 1440p, but both GPUs handle 1440p gaming well. The WH-1000XM6 Headphones provides more headroom for ray tracing and future titles, while the AirPods Pro 2 Earbuds still maintains smooth gameplay in current games.
Can the AirPods Pro 2 Earbuds handle 4K gaming?
The AirPods Pro 2 Earbuds can handle 4K gaming in less demanding titles and with upscaling technologies like DLSS or FSR. For native 4K at ultra settings in demanding games, the WH-1000XM6 Headphones is the better choice with its higher performance ceiling.
Which should I buy, the AirPods Pro 2 Earbuds or WH-1000XM6 Headphones?
Choose the AirPods Pro 2 Earbuds if you want the best value for money and primarily game at 1080p or 1440p. Choose the WH-1000XM6 Headphones if you need maximum performance, play at 4K, or do professional workloads like video editing and 3D rendering.
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