Sony WH-1000XM6 vs AirPods Max: Ultimate Flagship Headphones Showdown

Explore how Sony WH-1000XM6 stacks up against AirPods Max in sound, design, features, and value for wireless headphones enthusiasts.

Introducing Sony WH-1000XM6: A Feature-Packed Contender

Sony's latest flagship headphones, the WH-1000XM6, might not match the impeccable build quality of the AirPods Max, but they offer superior sound performance, a broader set of features compatible with multiple operating systems, and exceptional active noise cancellation alongside outstanding call quality. These headphones are tough to beat.

Key Specs for Sony WH-1000XM6:

• Bluetooth: SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3
• Battery Life: 30 hours
• Wired Audio: Not supported via USB-C, but includes 3.5mm audio cable
• Finishes: 3 color options
• Weight: 254 grams

Pros:

• Exceptional detail and clarity
• Dynamic and lively sound experience
• Spacious, musical soundstage
• Top-tier active noise cancellation and call quality

Cons:

• Lack of aptX HD codec support
• No wired audio via USB-C

Meet Apple AirPods Max: Premium Build and Cinematic Sound

Released nearly five years ago, Apple’s AirPods Max continue to shine with their exceptional build quality, setting the standard for premium noise-cancelling headphones. However, in terms of sound quality, call clarity, and noise cancellation, the market has moved forward, leaving the AirPods Max somewhat behind, especially since the 2024 update brought only minor improvements.

Key Specs for AirPods Max:

• Bluetooth: AAC, SBC
• Battery Life: 20 hours
• Wired Audio: Supported (USB-C and 3.5mm cable separately sold)
• Finishes: 5 color options
• Weight: 385 grams

Pros:

• Excellent sound and noise cancellation
• Immersive spatial audio experience
• Outstanding premium build quality

Cons:

• Case offers limited protection, mainly for battery preservation
• 3.5mm audio cable sold separately
• Best suited for Apple ecosystem users only

New flagships from Sony are making waves in the noise-cancelling headphone world. They earned five stars in our WH-1000XM6 review and held their own against top competitors such as Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3.

But how do they measure up against Apple’s AirPods Max? Apple’s first over-ear wireless headphones have been around for nearly five years, an eternity in wireless audio. And the 2024 update did little to modernize them.

Let’s see which pair deserves your hard-earned cash.

Price Comparison: Which Headphones Are Worth Your Money?

When the AirPods Max launched in December 2020, they created a new wireless headphone segment with a price above flagship models from Sony and Bose. Initially priced at $549, their cost has dropped slightly but remains high at about $479, placing them in the premium wireless headphone category.

The WH-1000XM6 saw a modest price increase over their XM5 predecessors but at $450, they are much easier on the wallet than the Max. Moreover, Sony headphones are more likely to be discounted during sales events.

Winner: Sony WH-1000XM6

Design Differentiators: Build Quality vs Portability

The AirPods Max may be the pioneers of premium noise-cancelling headphones, but they remain the benchmark for build quality. They introduced the use of high-quality materials and, five years later, still look stunning.

With perfectly machined, solid anodized aluminum cups connected by a stainless steel headband, memory foam cushions, and a control dial inspired by the Apple Watch digital crown, they feel worth every cent of their high price and durable enough to last long.

These premium materials make the headphones rather heavy. At 385 grams, they are noticeably heavier than their 254-gram Sony counterparts. But thanks to superb weight distribution, they never feel too heavy on the head.

The only downside is the case. Its sole useful function is to put the Max into ultra-low power mode, helping them preserve charge for months. But as for travel protection? Not impressive.

The XM6 might not be as meticulously built as the AirPods Max, but they fold up nicely. This makes them more portable than the Max, though they must be folded to fit into the more practical carrying case.

Other design perks include an asymmetrical headband that clearly indicates which side is left and right, avoiding mix-ups.

They fit a bit tighter than their predecessors due to increased clamping force for better noise isolation but stay comfortable throughout long sessions without overheating ears.

While Max offers more color options (five versus three for the XM6), Sony varies finishes depending on color choice. The XM6 also feature a fingerprint-resistant coating to keep them looking new, though time will tell how well it holds up.

Winner: Apple AirPods Max

Feature Face-Off: Technology and Usability

Both pairs are premium wireless headphones packed with features.

The XM6 run on Sony's new HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3, two generations ahead of the QN1 chip in XM5. Sony claims QN3 is seven times faster, reducing distortion and enhancing dynamics.

They share the DSEE Extreme upscaling engine with XM5, boosting low-quality audio nearly to hi-res. Also borrowed are technologies from Sony’s premium Walkman line for improved sound quality.

360 Reality Audio Upmix for Cinema enhances spatial audio for visual content, alongside a 10-band equalizer and a dedicated gaming EQ. They retain all the five-star WH-1000XM5 features like Speak-to-Chat, Bluetooth Multipoint, and LDAC high-quality codec support.

The 30-hour battery life remains the same as XM5, slightly disappointing but still better than the 20 hours from AirPods Max.

The Max feature dual Apple H1 chips and 40mm drivers with dual neodymium ring magnets.

Bluetooth codec support is limited to SBC and AAC. The 2024 USB-C equipped AirPods Max now support wired listening via the included USB-C to USB-C charging cable, or optionally via a separately sold 3.5mm audio cable.

Sony XM6 include a 3.5mm audio cable for wired listening but lack audio over USB-C.

Apple’s spatial audio is part of the AirPods package but requires iOS device pairing to use. Device switching is seamless if logged into the same Apple ID.

The Max lacks many of the newer AirPods Pro 2 features like Conversation Awareness, Siri gesture controls, or health-related functions.

For the most useful and modern feature set with broader OS compatibility, this round goes to Sony.

Winner: Sony WH-1000XM6

Noise Cancellation Battle: Who Silences the World Better?

The AirPods Max are excellent noise cancellers. They let very little background noise through, and their transparency mode works well whenever you want to let in some real-world sounds.

However, the XM6 surpass them with more microphones—12 compared to 8 on previous models. Their adaptive noise cancelling optimizer constantly adjusts to the environment to deliver optimal performance.

They excel at blocking low and mid-frequency noise, especially in noisy environments like subway rides. Their ANC is subtle, natural, and consistent.

Call quality is also superior on the XM6, effectively muffling background noise while keeping voices crisp and clear.

Winner: Sony WH-1000XM6

Audio Quality Showdown: Clarity, Dynamics, and Detail

When we first tested the AirPods Max, the quality of their sound blew us away. “Truly special,” was our verdict, thanks to their ultra-clear and spacious delivery. They sounded like a big step up from the Sony WH-1000XM5 in sound sophistication, being lighter, more precise, and even more engaging.

But that was five years ago. The XM6 are now a genuine leap forward over the XM5 and yes, even the Max.

Their sound is “the most detailed, dynamic, accurate, and open we have heard from a Sony flagship,” we wrote in our review.

Track elements come together as a coherent whole, with power and solidity when needed, alongside a fantastic sense of rhythmic drive.

Overall, they are clearer, more open, detailed, and expressive than the AirPods Max, though Apple’s top headphones remain a very fun and enjoyable listen.

Winner: Sony WH-1000XM6

Final Verdict: Which Flagship Reigns Supreme?

The Sony WH-1000XM6 are cheaper, offer a wealth of features regardless of your mobile OS, are truly portable, and sound fantastic. But the AirPods Max are built to a higher standard and provide many features for Apple users. They also sound very good in their own right.

Apple users will undoubtedly have a great time with the Max, but in our opinion, the new XM6 offer the best value for money, with cleaner and more dynamic sound and superior ANC that takes the wireless headphone experience even further.

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• How long does the battery last on each headphone?
  The Sony WH-1000XM6 offers up to 30 hours of playback, while the AirPods Max provide around 20 hours on a full charge.
• Can I use AirPods Max with non-Apple devices?
  Yes, but some features like spatial audio and seamless device switching are limited outside Apple devices.
• Do Sony WH-1000XM6 support wired audio?
  They include a 3.5mm cable for wired listening but do not support audio over USB-C.
• Which headphones have better noise cancellation?
  Sony WH-1000XM6 surpass AirPods Max with more microphones and adaptive noise cancellation technology.
• Are both headphones comfortable for long listening sessions?
  Yes, but AirPods Max are heavier. Sony’s XM6 are lighter and foldable, enhancing comfort and portability.

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