Sony WH-1000XM4C
Sony
67 Overall Score
vs
Apple AirPods Max 2
Apple
88 Overall Score
What Buyers Say
Sony WH-1000XM4C
No customer feedback yet
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
Scores
Budget
Work
Commute
Gaming
Calls
Music
Studio
Specifications
| Sony WH-1000XM4C | Apple AirPods Max 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.25 kg★ | 0.39 kg |
| Ear Cushion | — | memory foam |
| Headband | — | Breathable knit mesh with stainless steel frame |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | — | dynamic |
| Driver Size | — | 40 mm★ |
| Drivers | — | 1★ |
| Freq Min | — | 20 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | — | 20 kHz★ |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | LDAC | 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) |
| Surround | — | Spatial Audio |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | 1000X Series noise cancelling | adaptive |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 6.0 | 5.3★ |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | USB-C |
| Detachable Cable | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 27 hrs★ | 20 hrs |
| Charge Time | — | 1.5 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | up to 1 hour of playback from a 3-minute charge | 5 Minutes for 1.5 Hour |
| Charging | — | USB-C★ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 2 | 3★ |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Detachable Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | — | Siri |
| Touch Controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| App | Sony | Sound Connect | iOS Only |
| Volume Limiting | — | ✗ |
| Gaming Mode | — | ✗ |
Pros & Cons
Sony WH-1000XM4C
- Strong connectivity (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong anc (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong mic (76th percentile)
- Strong build (76th percentile)
Apple AirPods Max 2
- Strong connectivity (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong anc (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong social proof (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong build (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Below average comfort (30th percentile)
Verdict
Winner: Apple AirPods Max 2
Scores 88 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 8 of 36 specs.