Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Apple AirPods Max 2
Get the Sony XM6. Unless you're all-in on Apple and want the most premium build — then the AirPods Max 2.
Sony WH-1000XM6
Class-leading noise cancelling, rich and detailed sound, and the clearest calls. The ones to get.
Apple AirPods Max 2
Beautifully made, smooth-sounding and seamless with an iPhone. Heavy, and the battery is short.
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Both block noise about as well as anything you can buy. The Sony sound better, last about 30 hours against 20 and fold into a slim case, for less; the AirPods Max 2 are beautifully made and seamless with an iPhone, but heavy.
- —You use Android, or a mix of devices.
- —You want the longer battery.
- —You want them to fold small for a bag.
- —You use an iPhone and other Apple devices.
- —You want the most premium build.
- —You'd use spatial audio for films.
Key differences
Pros and cons
- +Among the very best noise cancelling
- +Rich, detailed sound with a 10-band EQ
- +Clear calls, even outdoors
- −The fit is snug and the cups are fairly small, which some people with glasses or big ears find tight.
- −Fast charging (3 minutes for 3 hours) needs a USB-PD charger, which isn't in the box.
- −No audio over USB-C, and the mic doesn't work over the cable.
- −A few owners report a cracked headband ring or hinge.
- +Seamless with iPhone, iPad and Mac
- +Superb build and transparency mode
- +Strong noise cancelling
- −At 386g they get heavy and press on the ears over a long session.
- −They don't fold, and the case covers only part of them.
- −Only SBC and AAC over Bluetooth; lossless needs the USB-C cable.
Ready to choose?
- Is the Sony XM6 worth it?
- Is the AirPods Max 2 worth it?
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- Sony XM6 vs Bose QC 2nd Gen
- Best headphones
How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: RTINGS, RTINGS, What Hi-Fi, manufacturer specifications.