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HearWiki

Apple AirPods Max 2 vs Sony WH-1000XM6: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Sony WH-1000XM6 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 89. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Sony WH-1000XM6 - Outstanding overall at around $398.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Sony WH-1000XM6 leads on 7 of 7 measures.

  • Apple AirPods Max 2
  • Sony WH-1000XM6
HearWiki score
83
89
Sound
8.7
9.0
Noise cancelling
9.3
9.6
Battery
5.5
8.1
Calls
8.0
9.6
Value
6.5
8.2
Price (USD)
$430
$400

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

New platform

Apple AirPods Max 2 (2026) against Sony WH-1000XM6 (2025). The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the newer platform here: Top codec LC3 against AAC and LE Audio (LC3). It also adds Multipoint pairing, Custom EQ and Companion app.

  • AirPods Max 220261 yr newer
  • WH-1000XM62025
What differsAirPods Max 2WH-1000XM6

Platform

Top codec
AAC
LC3
LE Audio (LC3)
No
Yes

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Custom EQ
No
Yes
Companion app
No
Yes

Level on: Bluetooth, ANC type, USB-C, Wear detection, Transparency mode.

Specifications

AirPods Max 2WH-1000XM6
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$430
$400
HearWiki score
83
89
Released
2026
2025
Availability
Sold new
Sold new
Driver
dynamic
30 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
-
30 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
-
4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
-
48 Ω
Sensitivity
-
103 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
5.3
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Wireless range
-
10 m
Battery life
20 h
40 h
Battery life (ANC on)
20 h
30 h
Full charge time
-
210 min
Quick charge
5 min → 1.5 h
3 min → 3 h
Wireless charging
-
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
adaptive
adaptive
Transparency mode
Yes
Yes
Companion app
No
Yes
Custom EQ
No
Yes
Wear detection
Yes
Yes
Controls
both
buttons
Voice assistant
Siri
Yes
Weight
386.2 g
254 g
Case weight
134.5 g
-
Water resistance
-
none
Foldable
No
-
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Connector
-
3.5 mm
Microphones
9
12
Microphone type
MEMS
MEMS
Call noise reduction
Yes
-

What reviewers said

Apple AirPods Max 2

Apple's second-generation over-ear headphones deliver adaptive noise cancellation and a transparency mode, powered by a custom dynamic driver and an H2 chip. With nine microphones for voice pickup and a 20-hour battery life with ANC active, they offer a premium wireless experience, though they lack app support and multipoint connectivity. The design remains non-foldable and relies on SBC and AAC codecs for Bluetooth audio.

  • Pro:Adaptive ANC and transparency mode
  • Pro:Long 20-hour battery with ANC on
  • Pro:Nine microphones for clear calls
  • Con:No custom EQ or app support
  • Con:No multipoint connection
  • Con:Non-foldable design

Sony WH-1000XM6

The Sony WH-1000XM6 is a premium over-ear wireless headphone that combines adaptive active noise cancellation with a long-lasting battery and support for high-quality audio codecs. It features multipoint Bluetooth connectivity and a transparent mode, making it a versatile choice for both focused listening and everyday commutes. With a lightweight build and tactile controls, it balances comfort and functionality for extended use.

  • Pro:Adaptive active noise cancellation for personalized silencing
  • Pro:Multipoint Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless device switching
  • Pro:Transparency mode for ambient awareness when needed
  • Con:No water resistance rating for wet conditions
  • Con:No wireless charging option
  • Con:Relies on physical buttons rather than touch controls

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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