AirPods Max vs Sony WH-1000XM5: Which Premium Headphones Deserve Your Money?

Based on expert reviews from RTINGS, SoundGuys, What Hi-Fi?, and real user experiences from Reddit and enthusiast forums

The short answer: The Sony WH-1000XM5 wins this battle for most buyers. While the AirPods Max offers marginally better sound quality and premium build materials, the Sony XM5 delivers superior noise cancellation, 50% longer battery life, significantly better call quality, and costs $100-150 less. Unless you're deep in the Apple ecosystem and prioritize transparency mode above all else, the Sony is the smarter buy. Get the Sony WH-1000XM5 on Amazon for $328 →

The Fighters

	Apple AirPods Max	Sony WH-1000XM5
Price	$449 on Amazon	$328 on Amazon
Best For	Apple ecosystem users, audiophiles	Frequent travelers, work calls
Weight	385g	250g
Battery Life	20 hours	30 hours (ANC on)
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC, AAC	SBC, AAC, LDAC
Quick Charge	5 min = 1.5 hrs	10 min = 5 hrs

Apple AirPods Max in Space Gray showing premium aluminum ear cups and stainless steel headband

The Death Match: 6 Rounds, 1 Winner

We're scoring each round from 1-10. Higher score wins the round. Let's fight!

Round 1: Sound Quality

The AirPods Max delivers a wider, more open soundstage with impressive stereo width and sub-bass extension. SoundGuys notes that the Apple headphones have a flatter frequency response closer to what mastering engineers intended. Track separation is cleaner, making individual instruments more distinct.

The Sony XM5 has a warmer, bass-forward signature out of the box—What Hi-Fi? describes it as "fuller vocals with more thump." However, Sony's companion app lets you customize the EQ to match the AirPods Max profile if you prefer a neutral sound. The XM5 also supports LDAC for high-resolution Bluetooth audio on Android—something Apple simply doesn't offer.

Apple AirPods Max	Sony WH-1000XM5
8/10	7/10

Round 1 Winner: AirPods Max — Superior out-of-box tuning with wider soundstage and better detail retrieval.

Score after Round 1: AirPods Max 8 | Sony XM5 7

Round 2: Noise Cancellation

Both headphones deliver class-leading ANC, but testing by Marius Masalar confirms the Sony edges ahead. The XM5's superior ear cup seal provides better passive isolation even before ANC kicks in. With two processors controlling eight microphones, the Sony creates what reviewers call "eerie, beautiful silence."

The AirPods Max performs slightly better at blocking low-frequency rumble, but the Sony's Adaptive Sound Control automatically switches between ANC and ambient mode based on your location—a genuinely useful feature the AirPods Max lacks. TechRadar's testing found the Sony more effective on airplane flights specifically.

Apple AirPods Max	Sony WH-1000XM5
9/10	9/10

Round 2 Winner: Sony XM5 — Marginally better overall ANC with smarter adaptive features.

Score after Round 2: AirPods Max 17 | Sony XM5 16

Round 3: Comfort & Wearability

This isn't close. The AirPods Max weighs 385g—135g heavier than the Sony's 250g. Multiple users on Head-Fi forums report headaches after 30-60 minutes due to the strong clamping force that "squeezes your head like a musical bear hug."

The Sony XM5 uses lightweight plastic construction with memory foam ear pads wrapped in soft leatherette. HeadphonesAddict confirms they're comfortable for multi-hour listening sessions. For anyone wearing headphones 4+ hours daily, this weight difference is significant.

Apple AirPods Max	Sony WH-1000XM5
6/10	9/10

Round 3 Winner: Sony XM5 — 135g lighter with better weight distribution for extended wear.

Score after Round 3: AirPods Max 23 | Sony XM5 25

Sony WH-1000XM5 in black showing slim profile design with soft-touch finish

Round 4: Call Quality & Microphone

The Sony XM5 dominates here. SoundGuys calls it "the best call quality among Bluetooth headsets tested." Sony's Precise Voice Pickup technology uses four beamforming microphones plus AI-powered noise reduction trained on 500 million voice samples. Even in windy conditions, your voice comes through clearly.

The AirPods Max has nine microphones, but Headset Advisor's testing found it "didn't do a good job at removing background noise during calls." Multiple reviews describe call quality as "mediocre" with "muffled voice" even in quiet rooms. For remote workers and frequent callers, this matters.

Apple AirPods Max	Sony WH-1000XM5
6/10	9/10

Round 4 Winner: Sony XM5 — Best-in-class call quality with superior noise rejection.

Score after Round 4: AirPods Max 29 | Sony XM5 34

Round 5: Battery & Convenience

The Sony XM5 delivers 30 hours with ANC enabled—50% more than the AirPods Max's 20 hours. Quick charging is also better: 10 minutes gives you 5 hours on the Sony versus just 1.5 hours on Apple's offering.

The AirPods Max has another issue: no power button. The headphones enter a "low-power state" automatically but still drain battery in the background. Multiple reviewers report needing to charge more frequently than competitors. The Sony has proper power management and multipoint connection (two devices simultaneously)—a feature Apple still doesn't offer.

Apple AirPods Max	Sony WH-1000XM5
6/10	9/10

Round 5 Winner: Sony XM5 — 50% more battery life with better quick-charge and power management.

Score after Round 5: AirPods Max 35 | Sony XM5 43

Round 6: Build Quality & Durability

The AirPods Max is built like a tank. Stainless steel headband, anodized aluminum ear cups, and a mesh canopy that distributes weight. These materials feel premium and should last years. The weak point? That infamous "Smart Case" that critics call "the worst headphone case in existence"—it doesn't protect the headband and attracts dust like a magnet.

The Sony XM5 has a concerning durability record. Reddit discussions and eBay listings show many units with broken hinges. Users report paint chipping within months and hairline fractures appearing on ear cups. The plastic construction feels less premium, and long-term reliability is questionable.

Apple AirPods Max	Sony WH-1000XM5
9/10	6/10

Round 6 Winner: AirPods Max — Premium metal construction built to last versus concerning durability reports.

Person wearing over-ear headphones while working at a computer in a modern workspace

Final Score

Product	Total Score	Verdict
Sony WH-1000XM5	52/60	WINNER
Apple AirPods Max	44/60

The Winner: Sony WH-1000XM5

The Sony WH-1000XM5 wins this death match by delivering better overall value across the categories that matter most to daily users. Yes, the AirPods Max sounds slightly better and feels more premium in your hands—but not $120+ more premium.

The Sony's advantages are practical and significant: 50% longer battery life means fewer interruptions. Best-in-class call quality matters if you work remotely. 135 fewer grams means you can actually wear them for extended periods without discomfort. And the LDAC codec support plus full EQ customization gives you flexibility Apple simply doesn't offer.

The AirPods Max isn't a bad product—it's a great one trapped in an overpriced body with a terrible case. For Apple devotees who value transparency mode and ecosystem integration above all else, it remains a solid choice. But for everyone else, the Sony XM5 delivers a better everyday experience at a lower price.

Ready to buy the winner? Get the Sony WH-1000XM5 on Amazon for $328 →

When the Loser Actually Wins

The Apple AirPods Max isn't right for everyone, but it's the better choice if:

You're all-in on Apple: Seamless switching between iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV with Spatial Audio head tracking is genuinely magical.
Transparency mode is critical: The AirPods Max has the best transparency mode on the market—period. If you need to hear your environment clearly while wearing headphones, nothing else comes close.
You prioritize build quality: If you want headphones that feel like they'll last a decade and don't mind the weight, the premium materials justify the premium price.
Sound quality is paramount: The slightly wider soundstage and cleaner frequency response matter to discerning listeners who won't EQ their headphones.

AirPods Max might be right for you: Check price on Amazon →

Frequently Asked Questions

Person relaxing with over-ear headphones listening to music on a couch

Can you use AirPods Max with Android?

Yes, but you lose most of the premium features. No Spatial Audio, no seamless device switching, no "Hey Siri," and battery life is harder to monitor. You're paying Apple tax for features you can't use. The Sony XM5 with LDAC will sound better on Android.

Which has better noise cancellation for airplanes?

The Sony WH-1000XM5. While both offer excellent ANC, multiple reviewers found the Sony more effective at blocking airplane cabin noise specifically. The better ear cup seal and adaptive features give it an edge for travel.

Are the AirPods Max worth $550?

For most buyers, no. At the current sale price of $449, they're more reasonable—but the Sony XM5 at $328 offers comparable or better performance in most categories. The AirPods Max only makes sense if you heavily value Apple ecosystem integration and transparency mode.

How long do these headphones last before needing replacement?

The AirPods Max's metal construction suggests longevity, though the non-replaceable battery is a concern. The Sony XM5 has more durability complaints—broken hinges and paint chipping are commonly reported within 1-2 years. Both have ~3-5 year realistic lifespans for daily users.

Which is better for working from home?

The Sony WH-1000XM5. Superior call quality with AI noise reduction, longer battery life, lighter weight for all-day comfort, and multipoint connection to switch between your phone and computer. The AirPods Max's weak microphone performance makes it a poor choice for frequent video calls.