Sony WH-1000XM5vsApple AirPods Max (USB-C)
WINNER
Sony
WH-1000XM5
6.8
6.8/10$349
Apple
AirPods Max (USB-C)
5.6
5.6/10$549
AI
AI Matrix
Powered by Claude AISony WH-1000XM5 edges out the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) in the headphones category, particularly in performance, scoring 6.8/10 vs 5.6/10. If you want the better overall performer, Sony WH-1000XM5 is the clear pick.
5 Reasons Why Sony WH-1000XM5 Is Better
- 1.Larger battery: 3,000mAh vs 2,400mAh (+25%)
- 2.Longer battery life: 30h vs 20h
- 3.Lighter: 250g vs 385g
- 4.Lower price: $349 vs $549
- 5.Better performance score: 10.0 vs 5.0
Score Comparison
Sony WH-1000XM5Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
Score Breakdown
Sony WH-1000XM5Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
8.9
Price20% weight
8.2Sony WH-1000XM5 wins
10.0
Codec Quality25% weight
5.0Sony WH-1000XM5 wins
2.9
Battery Life20% weight
1.8Sony WH-1000XM5 wins
10.0
Noise Cancellation15% weight
10.0Tied
0.0
Driver Size10% weight
3.7Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) wins
5.0
Water Resistance10% weight
5.0Tied
Scores are relative within the headphonescategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Winner✓ Pros
- ●Strong performance score
- ●Superior battery life
- ●Better value for money
✗ Cons
- ●Lower display score
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
✓ Pros
- ●Better display quality
- ●Water resistant (IPX4)
✗ Cons
- ●Higher price tag
- ●Shorter battery life
- ●Lower performance score
Side-by-Side Specs
| Spec | Sony WH-1000XM5W | Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Driver Size | 30mm | 40mm✓ |
| Frequency Response | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz | — |
| Impedance | 47 Ohm | — |
| Sensitivity | 105 dB/mW | — |
| ANC | true | true |
| Transparency Mode | Yes (Ambient Sound) | Yes (Transparency Mode) |
| EQ App | Sony Headphones Connect | Apple Settings (Personalized Spatial Audio) |
| Touch Controls | Yes | Yes (Digital Crown, button) |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant, Alexa, Siri | Siri |
| Battery Life | 30hrs✓ | 20hrs |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC, aptX HD | SBC, AAC |
| Multipoint | true | false |
| Water Resistance | — | IPX4 |
| Foldable | No | No |
| Weight | 250g✓ | 385g |
| Colors | Black, Silver | Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, Orange |
| Price | 349$✓ | 549$ |
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy Sony WH-1000XM5 if…
Buy the Sony WH-1000XM5 if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Buy Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) if…
The Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Community Vote
Who do you think wins this matchup?
Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) — FAQ
Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Apple AirPods Max (USB-C): which is better?
Sony WH-1000XM5 edges out the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) in the headphones category, particularly in performance, scoring 6.8/10 vs 5.6/10. If you want the better overall performer, Sony WH-1000XM5 is the clear pick.
Is Sony WH-1000XM5 better than Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)?
Yes, Sony WH-1000XM5 scores higher overall (4.8 vs 5.1).
Which is cheaper, Sony WH-1000XM5 or Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)?
Sony WH-1000XM5 is cheaper at $349 vs $549 for the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C).
Who should buy the Sony WH-1000XM5?
Buy the Sony WH-1000XM5 if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Who should buy the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)?
The Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Which has better battery life, Sony WH-1000XM5 or Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)?
Sony WH-1000XM5 has a larger battery (3,000mAh vs 2,400mAh for the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)), which generally means longer use between charges.
Which lasts longer, Sony WH-1000XM5 or Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)?
Sony WH-1000XM5 lasts longer with 30 hours vs 20 hours for the other.
Which is lighter, Sony WH-1000XM5 or Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)?
Sony WH-1000XM5 is lighter at 250g vs 385g.
