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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple Airpods Max offers a slightly lower overall sound quality, less comfort, and lower microphone quality compared to the Sony WH-1000XM5. They do, however, provide better noise isolation, are optimized for Apple devices, and come with integrated virtual surround sound. The Airpods Max is less portable due to a higher weight and has a shorter battery life. Conversely, the Sony WH-1000XM5, while generally more comfortable and providing better mic quality, may not isolate noise as effectively but does boast a significantly longer battery life, is lighter making them more portable, and comes with an app that offers equalizer customization. Both headphones have active noise canceling, are wireless with the option to use a wired connection, and offer similar build quality and controls. 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 WH-1000XM5
- Very good for music
Key differences
Music
7.3
8.2
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is very good for music, while the Apple Airpods Max is good.
Phone Calls
6.6
5.5
The Apple Airpods Max is only fair for phone calls, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.0
6.0
The Apple Airpods Max is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is only fair.
Noise Reduction
10.0
9.1
The Apple Airpods Max is best in class for noise reduction, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is excellent.
Battery
21.0 Hours
40.3 Hours
The Apple Airpods Max has 21 hours of battery life. The Sony WH-1000XM5 has 40.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$549
$398
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Max has a price of $549 and the Sony WH-1000XM5 costs $398.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.5
5.6
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Apple Airpods Max are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.7
5.8
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Apple Airpods Max are both poor for TV and video.
Build Quality
9.0
8.8
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods Max to have excellent build quality, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 has very good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods Max and the Sony WH-1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Max | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$549 | $398 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2020 | May 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.4/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.6/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.2/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 21 Hours | 40.3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 3.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.2 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 10/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 385.5 Grams | 249.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
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 WH-1000XM5
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Headphonesty
Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir | February 2023
"The Sony WH-1000XM5 are the best Sony Bluetooth headphones so far and one of the most well-rounded Bluetooth headphones around. Look no further if you need class-leading ANC with a mostly inoffensive sound signature. Just be ready to pony up the price premium."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods Max or the Sony WH-1000XM5
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.
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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.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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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.
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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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