Apple AirPods Max
Sony WH-1000XM6
What Buyers Say
Apple AirPods Max
The AirPods Max receive largely positive feedback for their excellent sound quality, superb noise cancellation, and premium build, especially among Apple ecosystem users. However, many reviewers note the high price, lack of a travel case, and occasional connectivity or durability issues, with some reporting problems with open-box units linked to previous owners. Overall, sentiment is positive but tempered by value-for-money concerns.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Superb noise cancellation
- Premium build quality
- Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
- Great transparency mode
Cons
- High price
- No travel case included
- Heavy weight
- Connectivity issues
- Durability concerns
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 | memory foam | synthetic leather |
| Headband | Stainless steel | synthetic leather |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40 mm★ | 30 mm |
| Drivers | 1 | 1 |
| Freq Min | 20 Hz | 4 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | 20 kHz | 40 kHz★ |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | 48 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB | 103 dB★ |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | Active Noise Cancellation , Adjustable Headband , Ambient Sound Mode , Built-in Microphone , Noise Cancellation , Rechargeable Battery , Stereo , Wireless | LDAC |
| Surround | 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 | Pro-level | adaptive |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3★ |
| Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, TMAP, PBP |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | USB-C | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Cable Length | — | 1.2000000476837158 m |
| Range | 15.199999809265137 m★ | 10 m |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 20 hrs | 30 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | 1.5 hrs★ | 3 hrs |
| Fast Charging | 5 Minutes for 1.5 Hour | 3 minutes for 3 hours playback |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 3 | 6★ |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Detachable Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri | Siri, Google Assistant |
| Touch Controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| App | iOS Only | Sony | Sound Connect |
| Volume Limiting | ✗ | — |
| Gaming Mode | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Water Resistance | — | Waterproof |
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods Max
- Strong social proof (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong connectivity (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong build (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong sound (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Below average user sentiment (22nd 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
Sony WH-1000XM6 offers 1.4x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 10 of 42 specs.
