Apple AirPods Max
Sony WH-1000XM6
What Buyers Say
Apple AirPods Max
The AirPods Max receive overwhelmingly positive feedback for their exceptional sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. Users praise the rich, detailed audio and the immersive listening experience, though some note the high price and weight as drawbacks. A few reviews mention initial connectivity issues that were resolved with updates, and the smart case is considered more of a sleeve than a protective case.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality
- Effective noise cancellation
- Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
- Comfortable ear cups
- Premium build quality
Cons
- High price
- Heavy weight
- Smart case is just a sleeve
- Initial connectivity issues
- Clamp force with glasses
Sony WH-1000XM6
The Sony WH-1000XM6 earns praise for its exceptional noise cancellation, clear sound quality, and comfortable fit for many users, with several calling it the best headphones they've owned. However, a significant number of reviews highlight serious drawbacks: uncomfortable clamping force and shallow earcups causing pain, buggy multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, a fingerprint-prone finish, and disappointing customer service regarding warranty repairs and promised free gifts. While the ANC and audio are top-tier, comfort and reliability issues prevent it from being a universal recommendation.
Pros
- Exceptional noise cancellation
- Clear and detailed sound quality
- Comfortable for many users
- Long battery life
- Foldable design
Cons
- Uncomfortable clamping force
- Shallow earcups causing pain
- Buggy multipoint Bluetooth
- Fingerprint-prone finish
- Poor customer service
Scores
Specifications
| Apple AirPods Max | Sony WH-1000XM6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.39 kg | 0.25 kg★ |
| Ear Cushion | Mesh textile, memory foam | synthetic leather |
| Headband | Stainless steel | synthetic leather |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | — | 30 mm★ |
| Drivers | — | 1★ |
| Freq Min | — | 4 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | — | 40 kHz★ |
| Impedance | — | 48 Ω |
| Sensitivity | — | 103 dB★ |
| Hi-Res Audio | — | ✓★ |
| Codecs | Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Active Noise Cancelling, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone – Space Gray | LDAC |
| Surround | Dolby Atmos, Spatial Audio | Sony WH-1000XM6 The Best Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones, HD NC Processor QN3, 12 Microphones, Studio-Quality, New Sandstone Color | Sony WH-1000XM6 The Best Noise Cancelling Wireless | Sony | Sa |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | — | adaptive |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3★ |
| Profiles | — | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, TMAP, PBP |
| Multipoint | — | ✓★ |
| Wired Connector | Lightning | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | — | ✓★ |
| Cable Length | — | 1.2000000476837158 m |
| Range | — | 10 m★ |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 20 hrs | 30 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | — | 3 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | — | 3 minutes for 3 hours playback |
| Charging | Lightning | USB-C★ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | — | 6★ |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boom Mic | — | ✗ |
| Detachable Mic | — | ✗ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri | Siri, Google Assistant |
| Touch Controls | ✗ | ✓★ |
| App | Apple H1 chip | Sony | Sound Connect |
| Gaming Mode | — | ✓★ |
| Water Resistance | — | Waterproof |
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods Max
- Strong social proof (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong build (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong anc (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong connectivity (77th percentile)
- Below average battery (21st percentile)
- Below average comfort (30th percentile)
Sony WH-1000XM6
- Strong connectivity (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong anc (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong sound (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong build (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Below average user sentiment (22nd percentile)
Pricing
Apple AirPods Max
No current pricing available
Sony WH-1000XM6
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 18 of 41 specs.
