Apple AirPods Max 2
Apple
85 Overall Score
vs
Sony WH1000XM6B.UC
Sony
97 Overall Score
What Buyers Say
Apple AirPods Max 2
78 out of 100 high confidence 159 reviews
The Apple AirPods Max 2 receive overwhelmingly positive feedback for their exceptional sound quality, powerful noise cancellation, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. Many users praise the clear, immersive audio and the effective ANC that can block out most background noise. However, significant complaints include high weight causing neck discomfort, poor battery life with rapid drain, and connectivity issues like frequent disconnections. A few users also report defective units that stop working within weeks, and the lack of a power-off button is a common frustration.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality
- Powerful noise cancellation
- Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
- Premium build quality
- Comfortable for extended use
Cons
- Heavy weight causes neck discomfort
- Poor battery life with rapid drain
- Frequent disconnection issues
- No power-off button
- Defective units stop working early
Sound quality 35
Noise cancellation 28
Battery life 12
Build quality 15
Weight and comfort 10
Connectivity 8
Sony WH1000XM6B.UC
No customer feedback yet
Scores
Budget
Work
Gaming
Commute
Music
Calls
Studio
Specifications
| Apple AirPods Max 2 | Sony WH1000XM6B.UC | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Breathable knit mesh with stainless steel frame | 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 | — | 48 Ω |
| Sensitivity | — | 103 dB★ |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | Apple AirPods Max 2 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Personalized Spatial Audio, Live Translation, Bluetooth Headphones – Purple with AppleCare+ (2 years) | LDAC |
| Surround | Spatial Audio | Sony WH-1000XM6 The Best Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones, HD NC Processor QN3, 12 Microphones, Adaptive NC Optimizer, Mastered by Engineers, Studio-Quality, 30-Hour Battery, Platinum Silver | Sony |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | adaptive | adaptive |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Profiles | — | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, TMAP, PBP |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | USB-C | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Cable Length | — | 1.2000000476837158 m |
| Range | — | 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 2
- Strong connectivity (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong anc (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong social proof (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong build (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Below average comfort (32nd percentile)
Sony WH1000XM6B.UC
- Strong connectivity (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong anc (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong build (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong sound (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
Verdict
Winner: Sony WH1000XM6B.UC
Scores 97 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 10 of 42 specs.