Three True Wireless Earbuds Compared: Which One is the Commuter’s True Love?

On my daily commute—squeezing into the subway, riding buses, cycling through city streets—earbuds have become an essential part of my routine. Whether I’m listening to music to relax, blocking out noise, taking calls, or catching up on podcasts, true wireless earbuds have completely replaced wired ones for me.

But in a market overflowing with options, which pair truly deserves the title of a commuter’s best companion? I tested three of the most popular and highly-rated models on Amazon: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation), Sony WF-1000XM5, and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. From sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, connection stability, battery life to call performance, I conducted a thorough comparison based on real-world commuting use to help you find the pair that suits your lifestyle best.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation): The King of Ecosystem Integration, Best for iPhone Users

1. Design and Comfort
The AirPods Pro 2 maintains the iconic “short stem” design—compact and ultra-lightweight. It fits comfortably in the ear without creating any pressure, even during long wear. The silicone ear tips offer a secure fit that stays in place during walks or light physical activity.

Apple’s ear tip fit test also helped me find the perfect size for my ears, enhancing both comfort and sound isolation.

2. Active Noise Cancellation & Transparency Mode
Equipped with the new H2 chip, the noise cancellation is significantly improved compared to the previous generation. It effectively filters out low-frequency noises, like subway rumbles or airplane hums, allowing for an undisturbed listening experience.

The transparency mode is the most natural I’ve tested. It mimics the sensation of listening without earbuds, and even adjusts environmental volume automatically to maintain safety in busy streets.

3. Sound Quality
Audio quality has notably improved. With support for Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos, the immersive soundstage is impressive.

Highs and mids are clear and well-defined, vocals are crisp, and the bass is controlled and balanced. The tuning leans toward a neutral and natural sound, perfect for pop, podcasts, or easy listening.

4. Call Quality
Even in noisy environments, the call quality remained excellent. Dual microphones pick up voice clearly, and background noise like station announcements or street traffic is effectively minimized.

5. Battery Life and Connectivity
You get about 6 hours on a single charge and up to 30 hours with the case. It supports MagSafe wireless charging, Lightning, and USB-C (on newer models), offering great flexibility.

Thanks to the H2 chip, pairing with iOS devices is instantaneous, and switching between Apple devices is seamless—making it the best choice within the Apple ecosystem.

Sony WF-1000XM5: The Audiophile’s Choice with Exceptional Noise Cancelling

1. Design and Comfort
Compared to its predecessor (XM4), the XM5 is smaller and lighter, weighing only 5.9g per earbud. The rounded design and new memory foam tips offer a snug, more comfortable fit.

Even during my 2-hour commutes, I experienced no discomfort—something not all earbuds can achieve.

2. Industry-Leading Noise Cancellation
With the combination of the V2 and QN2e chips, Sony remains unmatched in noise cancellation. Subway tracks, office chatter, and air conditioning hums were all blocked out with ease.

Its ambient sound mode intelligently adjusts based on surroundings. Though not as “invisible” as AirPods Pro’s transparency, it’s more customizable and adaptive.

3. Superior Sound Quality
Among the three, the WF-1000XM5 delivered the most impressive audio. Supporting LDAC, it handles high-res audio files beautifully.

Bass is punchy and textured, mids are full and detailed, and highs are smooth and expansive. The clarity and layering make it ideal for classical, jazz, or any high-fidelity tracks.

With Sony’s app, you can fine-tune EQ settings and even use head-tracking spatial audio—an audiophile’s dream.

4. Call Quality and Smart Features
Sony made big strides in call clarity with bone conduction sensors and AI noise reduction. Voices came through clean, and wind or traffic noise was barely noticeable.

Smart features include voice assistant access, auto pause when removed, and speak-to-chat, which automatically pauses playback when you start talking—great for quick interactions during commutes.

5. Battery and Charging
You’ll get up to 8 hours on the buds and 24 hours total with the case. It supports Qi wireless charging and USB-C fast charging—just 3 minutes gives about an hour of playtime.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds: Noise Cancelling Master with Immersive Comfort

1. Wear It, and You’re in a Quiet World
Bose has long been known for its stellar noise cancelling, and the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are no exception. The combination of soft silicone ear wings and tips provides a secure and pressure-free fit.

Whether I was flying, riding high-speed trains, or working in a loud café, these earbuds created a peaceful, focused sound environment that felt truly isolating—in a good way.

2. Immersive Audio for Everyday Use
This generation introduces Bose’s proprietary “Immersive Audio” tech. Even with regular stereo tracks, the earbuds simulate a spacious sound field for a surround-like experience.

While Bose doesn’t target hardcore audiophiles, its sound is incredibly balanced. The bass is deep without overpowering, mids are smooth and rich, and highs are clean and airy. Perfect for pop, R&B, or cinematic audio.

Its easy-on-the-ears sound signature makes long listening sessions a pleasure.

3. Call Performance
Call clarity was solid in real-world testing. While it lacks AI noise cancellation like Sony, the microphones captured my voice well and reduced background noise enough to maintain a clear conversation.

4. App Features and Connectivity
Bose’s companion app is feature-rich, allowing for EQ adjustment, noise mode switching, and immersive sound controls. Connection was strong, especially with Android phones and Windows laptops.

However, Bose still lacks multipoint Bluetooth support—you can’t connect to two devices simultaneously, which makes device switching less convenient.

5. Battery and Charging
You’ll get about 6 hours of use on a full charge, with an additional 18 hours via the case. USB-C fast charging is supported, but there’s no wireless charging—a notable omission at this price point.

Which One is the Perfect Commuting Companion?

• If you’re an iPhone user and value instant pairing, seamless integration, and dependable performance, the AirPods Pro 2 is the best pick.
• If you prioritize sound quality and want top-tier noise cancellation with advanced features, the Sony WF-1000XM5 is the clear winner.
• If you seek unmatched comfort, immersive sound, and a true sense of peace on noisy commutes, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra won’t disappoint.

All three models are available through official or verified sellers on Amazon, where you can often catch discounts or bundle deals. For commuters, a great pair of true wireless earbuds can truly transform your daily grind into a more enjoyable and immersive experience.