Sony WH-1000XM5 provides top comfort and up to 30 hours of battery life.
AirPods Max features a premium build and deep integration with Apple devices.
WH-1000XM5 offers better value with advanced noise cancellation at a lower price.
Apple AirPods Max and the Sony WH-1000XM5 are two headphones designed for those who seek exceptional sound, advanced noise cancellation, and a luxurious audio experience. Both offer top-tier features, but they serve different needs depending on user preferences and ecosystem loyalty.
This detailed comparison breaks down their design, performance, features, and overall value to help identify which premium pick stands out in 2025.
AirPods Max
Apple’s AirPods Max features a bold, luxurious design with stainless steel frames, anodized aluminum ear cups, and a soft, breathable mesh headband. This gives it a high-end feel but also makes it heavier, weighing around 385 grams. While the build quality is excellent, some users may find it uncomfortable for long listening sessions due to the weight. The included case — called the Smart Case — has a unique look but has been criticized for offering little protection.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 opts for a more subtle and sleek design. Made primarily from high-quality plastic, it is much lighter at about 250 grams. The lighter weight, combined with redesigned ear cups and a comfortable headband, makes it ideal for long periods of use. Its minimalist matte finish gives it a modern look without being flashy.
Verdict: Those prioritizing comfort and all-day use may find the Sony WH-1000XM5 more suitable, while the AirPods Max appeal more to those who appreciate luxurious materials and a bold aesthetic.
Also Read: Top 6 Sony Headphones to Try in 2025
AirPods Max
The AirPods Max offer a well-balanced and clear sound experience. They produce crisp highs, rich mids, and clean bass that doesn’t overpower the other frequencies. Each ear cup contains an Apple H1 chip, enabling smart audio features like Adaptive EQ and Personalized Spatial Audio. These features adjust sound based on the fit and position of the headphones, providing a more tailored listening experience. Recent updates have added support for lossless audio and reduced latency, enhancing quality for audiophiles and professionals.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony’s headphones deliver dynamic sound with a warm tone, which means the bass is slightly stronger — something many music lovers enjoy. Sony uses DSEE Extreme technology to upscale compressed audio files in real-time, improving overall sound detail. The sound profile can be customized through the Headphones Connect app, giving users more control over how their music sounds.
Verdict: AirPods Max offers more advanced smart audio features and a studio-like balanced sound, while Sony focuses on warmth and customizability, making it ideal for casual listeners.
AirPods Max
The noise cancellation in the AirPods Max is very effective in blocking out ambient noise like airplane engines, traffic, or chatter. Transparency mode lets external sounds in so users can hear announcements or have conversations without removing the headphones. Switching between these modes is simple and can be done using the Digital Crown on the side of the headphones.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony is known for industry-leading noise cancellation, and the WH-1000XM5 continues this legacy. It uses multiple microphones and smart algorithms to reduce a wide range of noises, including voices and sudden sounds. Adaptive Sound Control changes the noise cancellation level automatically based on surroundings. There’s also an Ambient Sound mode that mixes music with environmental sounds, offering a natural listening experience.
Verdict: Sony holds a slight edge with more intelligent and customizable noise control features. However, Apple provides a seamless and elegant experience, especially within its ecosystem.
Also Read: Best Open-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones: Top 10 Picks
AirPods Max
The AirPods Max provides up to 20 hours of battery life with noise cancellation and Spatial Audio turned on. A quick 5-minute charge gives around 1.5 hours of playback. The headphones automatically enter a low-power mode when placed in their case to help conserve battery.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony offers a much longer battery life of up to 30 hours with noise cancellation and up to 40 hours without it. A short 3-minute charge gives approximately 3 hours of listening time. This makes the WH-1000XM5 ideal for travelers or those who listen to music for long stretches.
Verdict: Sony wins clearly in battery life and fast charging, offering more flexibility and less frequent charging.
AirPods Max
AirPods Max is designed to work best with Apple devices. Features like automatic switching between iPhone, iPad, and Mac, hands-free Siri access, and audio sharing between two pairs of Apple headphones make them perfect for Apple users. Bluetooth 5.0 ensures strong wireless performance, and Spatial Audio with head tracking enhances movie and video experiences.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony’s headphones use Bluetooth 5.2 for better range and connection stability. They also support multipoint pairing, allowing connection to two devices at the same time — useful for switching between phone and laptop. Voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant are supported, and the Speak-to-Chat feature pauses playback automatically when the user speaks.
Verdict: AirPods Max shines in the Apple ecosystem, while Sony offers broader compatibility and more device-friendly smart features.
As of 2025, the AirPods Max cost around $549, making it one of the most expensive wireless headphones on the market. Its premium build and exclusive features are geared towards users heavily invested in the Apple environment.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is priced at approximately $398, offering a more affordable but still premium alternative. It delivers great sound, excellent noise cancellation, and long battery life — all at a lower price.
Verdict: Sony offers better overall value, especially for users who are not committed to Apple’s product lineup.
Both the AirPods Max and Sony WH-1000XM5 are top-tier wireless headphones, but they cater to different audiences.
AirPods Max is the ideal choice for those who use Apple devices and value top-tier audio features like Spatial Audio, Adaptive EQ, and seamless integration.
Sony WH-1000XM5 is perfect for those who prioritize comfort, long battery life, powerful noise cancellation, and value for money.
In the end, choosing between these two depends on individual needs. For luxury and integration with Apple, AirPods Max is unmatched. For flexibility, affordability, and advanced noise control, Sony WH-1000XM5 stands out as the more practical pick in 2025.