Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
Quick take: The Sony WH-1000XM6 costs $52 less; the Sony WH-1000XM6 lasts longer per charge (30 hrs); only the Sony WH-1000XM6 supports multipoint (two devices at once).
| Spec | Sony WH-1000XM6 | Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $398 | $450 |
| Rating | 4.6★ (3,200) | 4.6★ (4,500) |
| Type | Over-Ear Headphones | Over-Ear Headphones |
| Noise Cancelling | Adaptive ANC | ANC |
| Battery (single charge) | 30 hrs | 20 hrs |
| Battery (with case) | — | — |
| Quick Charge | 3 min = 3 hrs | 5 min = 1.5 hrs |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Multipoint | Yes | No |
| Driver Size | 30 mm | 40 mm |
| Weight | 254 g | 385 g |
| Water Resistance | — | — |
| Wireless Charging | No | No |
| Transparency Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Spatial Audio | Yes | Yes |
| App EQ | Yes | No |
Pros & cons
Sony WH-1000XM6
- ✓Arguably the best ANC money buys right now
- ✓Folding hinges return after the XM5's rigid design
- ✓12-mic array delivers excellent call quality
- ✓3-minute charge buys 3 hours of playback
- ✓Wider headband spreads pressure better than the XM5
- ✓LDAC and LC3 codecs plus reliable multipoint
- ✗$449 list price stings versus the discounted XM5
- ✗30-hour battery is now merely average — Momentum 4 doubles it
- ✗LDAC streaming drains the battery noticeably faster
- ✗Matte finish picks up skin oils quickly
- ✗Power button sits awkwardly close to the ANC button
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
- ✓Best transparency mode ever shipped on headphones
- ✓Aluminum-and-knit build feels genuinely luxurious
- ✓Seamless auto-switching across Apple devices
- ✓Lossless 24-bit/48kHz wired audio via USB-C firmware update
- ✓Personalized Spatial Audio head tracking is magic
- ✓5-minute charge buys 1.5 hours
- ✗385 grams is genuinely heavy for long sessions
- ✗No power button — just the ridiculed Smart Case
- ✗Condensation inside cups has killed drivers out of warranty
- ✗20-hour battery is worst in the flagship class
- ✗No app EQ, and Android loses nearly everything