Sony WH-1000XM vs. Apple AirPods Max: Best Over-Ear Headphones

25 July 2025

When it comes to high-end, over-ear headphones, two names often dominate the conversation: the Sony WH-1000XM series and Apple's AirPods Max. Both of these headphones have earned a reputation for delivering exceptional sound quality, innovative features, and top-notch noise cancellation. But if you’re on the fence about which one is right for you, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive deep into the details and see which one truly stands above the rest for your needs.

Overview of Sony WH-1000XM vs. Apple AirPods Max

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s start with a brief overview. Sony's WH-1000XM series has been a fan favorite for years, known for its unbeatable noise-canceling capabilities and rich sound quality. On the other hand, the Apple AirPods Max, released in 2020, aims to redefine the premium headphone experience with its sleek design, spatial audio, and integration into the Apple ecosystem.

So which one takes the crown as the best over-ear headphones? Let’s break it down category by category.

1. Design and Comfort

Sony WH-1000XM Series

Sony’s design philosophy for the WH-1000XM series is all about functionality and comfort. The headphones are lightweight, and their headband is padded for extended wear. The ear cups are covered in soft memory foam, which makes them comfortable for long listening sessions. Additionally, they can fold up neatly, making them very portable.

In terms of aesthetics, the WH-1000XM models are understated. They come in basic colors like black, silver, and blue, which, while a bit simple compared to the AirPods Max, still feel premium.

Apple AirPods Max

The Apple AirPods Max, on the other hand, is a statement piece. If you’ve seen them, you know what I’m talking about. These headphones are sleek, with stainless steel frames, memory foam ear cushions, and a unique mesh canopy on the headband that distributes weight evenly. The design is undeniably premium, but it also makes them heavier than the WH-1000XM series.

Apple offers the AirPods Max in five stunning colors: Space Gray, Silver, Green, Sky Blue, and Pink. However, their weight and lack of foldability (they come with a rather interesting “Smart Case” instead) might be a dealbreaker for some users.

Winner: Sony WH-1000XM for comfort, Apple AirPods Max for style. If you care more about comfort during long listening sessions, go with Sony. If you want a fashion statement, Apple’s your pick.

2. Sound Quality

Sony WH-1000XM Series

Sony’s WH-1000XM series has been praised for offering deep and balanced sound. Whether you’re listening to bass-heavy tracks or intricate acoustic pieces, the WH-1000XM headphones deliver a full-bodied audio experience. Sony uses its proprietary LDAC codec to transmit high-resolution audio over Bluetooth, ensuring minimal loss in sound quality.

The WH-1000XM also has an adjustable equalizer in its app, which allows you to tweak the sound to fit your preferences. So, if you're a bass lover or you prefer clearer mids and highs, you can tailor the sound to your liking.

Apple AirPods Max

Apple’s AirPods Max also delivers in terms of sound quality, and some might even say they edge out Sony in certain areas. Apple uses custom-built drivers to produce incredibly clear sound with a wide soundstage. The bass is punchy but not overpowering, and the mids and highs are crisp and detailed.

But what truly sets the AirPods Max apart is its spatial audio feature. Paired with Apple devices, it delivers a surround-sound-like experience that feels immersive, especially when watching movies or listening to Dolby Atmos-enabled content. The sound adjusts dynamically as you move your head, making it feel as though you’re in the middle of the action.

Winner: Tie. Sony shines with customizable sound and bass, while Apple’s spatial audio is a game-changer for immersive experiences.

3. Noise Cancellation

Sony WH-1000XM Series

Sony’s WH-1000XM series is, quite frankly, the king of noise cancellation. It uses dual noise sensor technology to block out ambient noise effectively, whether you’re on a plane, in a noisy café, or walking down a busy street. In fact, it’s been widely considered one of the best noise-cancellation systems in the market for several years now.

The headphones also come with an "Ambient Sound Mode" that allows you to hear your surroundings when needed and the "Quick Attention" feature, where you simply place your hand over the right earcup to temporarily lower the volume and hear what's happening around you.

Apple AirPods Max

Apple’s AirPods Max offers excellent noise cancellation, too, but are they better than Sony’s? Well, it depends. Apple uses a total of nine microphones to detect and cancel out external noise, and it works brilliantly. Whether you’re in a crowded space or near a loud appliance, the AirPods Max creates an impressively quiet listening environment.

However, some users have noted that while the AirPods Max excels in blocking out external chatter and mid-range frequencies, Sony still has the edge when it comes to lower frequencies like engine noises.

Winner: Sony WH-1000XM. While Apple’s noise cancellation is top-notch, Sony’s is a bit more refined, especially with low-frequency hums.

4. Features and Smart Integration

Sony WH-1000XM Series

Sony’s WH-1000XM headphones are packed with smart features. The headphones come with touch-sensitive ear cups, allowing you to control playback, volume, and calls with simple swipes and taps. They also have voice assistant integration (Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa), which lets you manage tasks hands-free.

Another stand-out feature is Sony’s Adaptive Sound Control, which automatically adjusts the noise-canceling level based on your activity and surroundings. For example, it will lower the noise cancellation when you're walking outside so you can hear traffic.

Apple AirPods Max

Apple’s AirPods Max, of course, shine when connected to Apple devices. The seamless integration with iPhones, iPads, and Macs is one of the AirPods Max’s biggest selling points. Once you connect them to one Apple device, they automatically sync across all your devices, making switching between them effortless.

There’s also support for Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, and the aforementioned spatial audio feature that takes your listening experience to another level. If you're deep into the Apple ecosystem, the AirPods Max will feel like second nature.

Winner: Apple AirPods Max. If you’re an Apple user, you’ll find the seamless integration hard to beat.

5. Battery Life

Sony WH-1000XM Series

When it comes to battery life, the Sony WH-1000XM headphones are a beast. They provide up to 30 hours of playback with noise-cancellation turned on, and you can stretch it to 38 hours if you turn off noise cancellation. Plus, they have quick charging—10 minutes of charging gives you up to 5 hours of playback, which is incredibly convenient for last-minute boosts.

Apple AirPods Max

The AirPods Max, meanwhile, offers up to 20 hours of battery life with both active noise cancellation and spatial audio enabled. While 20 hours is still solid, it’s noticeably shorter than what the WH-1000XM offers. Additionally, there’s no fast-charging feature as robust as Sony’s.

Winner: Sony WH-1000XM. If battery life is a major concern for you, Sony has the clear upper hand here.

6. Price

Sony WH-1000XM Series

Sony’s WH-1000XM series is priced more affordably than the AirPods Max, usually around $350, though you can often find them on sale for less. Given the feature set, it offers excellent value for money, especially considering its top-tier noise cancellation and sound quality.

Apple AirPods Max

Apple’s AirPods Max, on the other hand, come with a hefty price tag of $549. While the premium design, spatial audio, and seamless Apple integration might justify the cost for some, it’s undeniably expensive, especially compared to the competition.

Winner: Sony WH-1000XM. The more affordable price makes Sony the more budget-friendly option without compromising on high-end features.

Conclusion: Which is the Best Over-Ear Headphone?

So, which should you choose: the Sony WH-1000XM series or the Apple AirPods Max? Well, it depends on what you prioritize.

- If you’re after the best noise cancellation, longer battery life, and a more affordable price tag, the Sony WH-1000XM series is your best bet. It’s a solid all-rounder that excels in almost every category.

- However, if you’re deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem and want top-tier build quality, seamless integration, and an immersive spatial audio experience, the Apple AirPods Max will be hard to resist. Just be prepared to shell out a bit more for those luxuries.

In the end, both headphones are fantastic in their own ways. It really comes down to personal preference and how much you're willing to spend.