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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If price is a major concern for you, then the Sony WF1000XM5 might be a more appealing choice considering it is less expensive. The Apple AirPods Max, being over-ear headphones, generally offer better sound isolation and potentially a richer audio experience, which may justify their higher cost if you prioritize audio quality and comfort over a long period of wearing them. In contrast, the Sony WF1000XM5 are in-ear earbuds, which are more portable and discreet, making them ideal for use on the go or during physical activities. Additionally, in-ear options like the Sony WF1000XM5 can be more comfortable for those who do not like the bulk of over-ear headphones. Keep in mind that the AirPods Max might integrate more seamlessly with other Apple devices, offering features such as spatial audio and easy switching between Apple products, which could be significant if you're already within the Apple ecosystem. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods Max
- Excellent for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM5
- Very good for music
Key differences
Music
7.3
8.0
The Sony WF1000XM5 is very good for music, while the Apple Airpods Max is good.
Phone Calls
6.6
5.0
The Apple Airpods Max is only fair for phone calls, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.0
4.9
The Apple Airpods Max is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Noise Reduction
10.0
8.7
The Apple Airpods Max is best in class for noise reduction, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is very good.
Battery
21.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods Max has 21 hours of battery life. The Sony WF1000XM5 has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$549
$298
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Max has a price of $549 and the Sony WF1000XM5 costs $298.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Apple Airpods Max has excellent build quality, while the Sony WF1000XM5 has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.5
5.1
The Apple Airpods Max and Sony WF1000XM5 are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.7
5.4
The Apple Airpods Max and Sony WF1000XM5 are both poor for TV and video.
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How the Apple Airpods Max and the Sony WF1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Max | Sony WF1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$549 | $298 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2020 | July 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.6/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.2/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 21 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 18 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 10/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 385.5 Grams | 6 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods Max
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Adam Molina | July 2023
"Objectively, the AirPods Max is a spectacular pair of headphones. I appreciate the smart features like auto-pause and the transparency mode are super practical. It also sounds great, is well-built, and has solid battery life."
Sony WF1000XM5
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Sound Guys
Harley Maranan | July 2023
"The Sony WF-1000XM5 is among the best noise canceling earbuds currently on the market, and they aren’t cheap. These earbuds aren’t the best choice for budget-conscious listeners. But if you prioritize active noise cancelation, sound quality, and extensive software support, the WF-1000XM5 is worth its premium price tag."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods Max or the Sony WF1000XM5
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
About Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
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Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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