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Apple Airpods Max 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
  • Sony WH-1000XM6
HearWiki score
73
89
Sound
8.4
9.0
Noise cancelling
8.8
9.6
Battery
6.4
8.1
Calls
5.8
9.6
Value
4.8
8.2
Price (USD)
$510
$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

Sony WH-1000XM6 (2025) against Apple Airpods Max (2020). The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the newer platform here: Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.0, Top codec LC3 against AAC, LE Audio (LC3) and ANC type Adaptive against Hybrid.

  • Airpods Max2020
  • WH-1000XM620255 yr newer
What differsAirpods MaxWH-1000XM6

Platform

Bluetooth
5.0
5.3
Top codec
AAC
LC3
LE Audio (LC3)
No
Yes
ANC type
Hybrid
Adaptive

Level on: Multipoint pairing, USB-C, Transparency mode, Companion app.

Specifications

Airpods MaxWH-1000XM6
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$510
$400
HearWiki score
73
89
Released
2020
2025
Availability
Still sold new
Sold new
Driver
40 mm dynamic
30 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
30 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
48 Hz - 20 kHz
4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
-
48 Ω
Sensitivity
-
103 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.0
5.3
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
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
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
hybrid
adaptive
Transparency mode
Yes
Yes
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
-
Yes
Wear detection
-
Yes
Controls
both
buttons
Voice assistant
Siri
Yes
Weight
386.2 g
254 g
Case weight
134.5 g
-
Water resistance
none
none
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Connector
-
3.5 mm
Microphones
9
12
Microphone type
-
MEMS

What reviewers said

Apple Airpods Max

The Apple AirPods Max are premium over-ear wireless headphones featuring hybrid active noise cancellation, a 40mm dynamic driver, and up to 20 hours of playback with ANC enabled. They deliver polished sound and effortless pairing within the Apple ecosystem, though their 386-gram build and premium price tag may deter some buyers.

  • Pro:Excellent active noise cancellation
  • Pro:Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
  • Pro:Premium build and materials
  • Con:Heavy at 386 grams
  • Con:High price point
  • Con:No water resistance

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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