Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Apple AirPods Max (2024, USB-C)
Sony WH-1000XM5 ($279) and Apple AirPods Max 2024 ($549) are both premium ANC headphones — but they're not really competing for the same buyer. Sony is for anyone who wants the best ANC performance per dollar. AirPods Max is for Apple ecosystem users who want the best Apple headphone, full stop.
Updated June 22, 2026
Quick Verdict
Sony delivers equal or better specs at $270 less.
iCloud sync, instant switching between Apple devices, and Siri integration are exclusive to AirPods Max.
Sony is stronger for noise elimination in tests; AirPods Max has a more natural transparency mode. Effectively tied.
Sony delivers 30 hours ANC-on versus AirPods Max's 20 hours.
Aluminum ear cups and stainless steel headband make AirPods Max feel noticeably more premium.
Detailed Comparison
At $279 (often less on sale), WH-1000XM5 is one of the best value propositions in premium audio.
At $549, AirPods Max is one of the most expensive consumer headphones available. The build quality justifies some premium, but not $270 worth for non-Apple users.
Sony's HD Noise Canceling Processor QN2 consistently rates at the top of ANC benchmarks for blocking voices and ambient noise.
H2 chip ANC is excellent and performs similarly to Sony in most environments. The transparency mode (Adaptive Audio) is the most natural-sounding we've tested.
High-quality plastic with metal accents. Durable and light at 250g, but doesn't feel as premium as the price suggests.
Aluminum ear cups and stainless steel headband feel objectively more premium. Heavier at 385g. USB-C charging added in the 2024 update.
30 hours with ANC on. Quick charge gives 3 hours from 3 minutes.
20 hours with ANC on. No fast charge. Requires a case (sold separately) to prevent standby battery drain.
Works with all devices. Multipoint connects to two sources simultaneously. LDAC for Android hi-res audio.
Seamless iCloud sync across all Apple devices. No meaningful Android integration. Best experience reserved entirely for Apple users.
Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Sony WH-1000XM5 | Apple AirPods Max (2024, USB-C) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $279.99 | $549 |
| Our Score | 8.9 / 10 | 8.4 / 10 |
| Battery Life | 30 hrs (ANC on) / 40 hrs (ANC off) | — |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | — |
| Weight | 250g | — |
| Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) | — |
The Bottom Line
If you're not deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem, buy the Sony. It costs $270 less, has better battery life, matches AirPods Max in ANC performance, and adds LDAC support for Android users. The $270 premium for AirPods Max buys you Apple ecosystem integration, a more natural transparency mode, and premium aluminum build materials.
For iPhone and Mac users who already own AirPods Pro and want an upgrade, AirPods Max delivers a meaningfully better listening experience and seamless device switching. For everyone else, Sony wins by a wide margin on value.
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