Sony WH-1000XM5 Black
Score: 86/100
Apple AirPods Max Midnight
Score: 83/100Rankings
The Sony WH-1000XM5 are premium over-ear headphones featuring dual-processor ANC, LDAC Hi-Res audio, and up to 30 hours of playback. Their 250 g weight and higher-bitrate LDAC can cause fatigue and occasional dropouts. Perfect for audiophiles and frequent flyers who value top-tier sound and ANC.
Apple AirPods Max are over-ear headphones delivering industry-leading ANC, 20 hours of battery life, and immersive spatial audio. Their premium weight and lack of multi-device pairing limit comfort and flexibility. They cater to dedicated Apple users who value audio fidelity above all.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
30 hoursbest | 20 hours | |
| ↓ lower better | 250 gbest | 384.9 g |
| ↓ lower better | 3 minutesbest | 5 minutes |
30 mmbest | — | |
48 Ωbest | 16 Ω | |
10 m | 15 mbest | |
4 | 9best | |
1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Battery & Power(2) | ||
Battery Life (ANC On) (hours) | 30 hours | 20 hours |
Quick Charge Time (minutes) | 3 minutes | 5 minutes |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Bluetooth Range (m) | 10 m | 15 m |
Controls(1) | ||
Touch Controls | true | false |
Audio(3) | ||
Noise Cancellation Type | Active | Active Noise Cancelling |
Impedance (Ω) | 48 Ω | 16 Ω |
Microphone Count | 4 | 9 |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Weight (g) | 250 g | 384.9 g |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers consider the WH-1000XM5 a benchmark in active-noise-cancellation and audio fidelity, highlighting its sophisticated 8-mic, dual-processor system, long battery life, and premium driver design. Comfort is enhanced by a friction-rod headband, though the 250 g weight and potential LDAC-related dropouts are noted as drawbacks.
Professional reviewers commend the AirPods Max for its industry-leading ANC, long 20-hour battery life even with spatial features active, and the new Adaptive Audio and Bluetooth 5.3 upgrades in the second-generation model, while noting its premium price and Apple-centric design.
Pick Sony for longer battery, detachable cable, and broader codec support; pick AirPods Max for premium build and spatial audio on Apple devices.
Choose AirPods Max if you need Apple ecosystem features; choose Sony WH-1000XM5 for lighter weight, longer battery, and lower cost.
Everyday owners praise the immersive Spatial Audio and the battery endurance that covers long trips, but many complain about the noticeable weight and the lack of multi-device Bluetooth pairing, describing the headphones as best suited for dedicated Apple users.
