Because of their new H2 chip, the AirPods Max 2 provide punchier sound, stronger ANC, and a extra compelling feature-set than their predecessor, and iOS customers will get an particularly top-level total consumer expertise. Sure, we’d’ve preferred to see some higher-res wi-fi codecs on board, and the underwhelming 20-hour battery life continues to be right here, however their expansive and emotive sound and exquisite design ensures they’re nonetheless a success.
Professionals
- Extremely expansive soundstage
- Eye-catching metallic design
- Huge swathe of iOS-friendly options
Cons
- Much less versatile for Android customers
- Method heavier than the XM6
- 20-hour battery life is weak
The Sony WH-1000XM6 are a implausible pair of over-ear headphones that mix the very best design parts of their predecessors, whereas leveling up the sonic and ANC capabilities of what got here earlier than. With super-clean contact controls, an ultra-comfy match and a ton of options at your disposal, there’s rather a lot to like about these headphones.
Professionals
- Punchy and tight but well-balanced sound
- Foldability makes them ultra-compact
- Cheaper than the AirPods Max 2
Cons
- Lack the visible aptitude of the AirPods Max 2
- Earcups are on the cumbersome aspect
- AirPods Max 2 have a extra spacious sound signature
Having examined numerous pairs of ANC headphones, it takes one thing particular to really wow me. However in the present day, we’re going to match two units of premium cans that did precisely that: Apple’s AirPods Max 2, and Sony’s WH-1000XM6.
If you happen to’re contemplating which pair of headphones are for you, I’ve bought you lined. I’ve spent hours testing each units aspect by aspect, assessing every mannequin on their feature-sets, efficiency, design, and most significantly, worth for cash.
The AirPods Max 2 and Sony WH-1000XM6 are each great headphones, and every earned a 4.5 star evaluate and hearty suggestion from us right here at TechRadar. They’re totally different in additional methods than you might anticipate, providing a reasonably distinctive listening and consumer expertise, however finally, there’s one set I’d decide over the opposite. Curious to listen to my verdict? The scroll on all the way down to see this conflict for the ages to unfurl.
AirPods Max 2 vs Sony WH-1000XM6: worth & specs
| Header Cell – Column 0 |
AirPods Max 2 |
Sony WH-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
|
Worth |
$549 / £499 / AU$999 |
$449 / £399 / AU$699 |
|
Drivers |
40mm customized |
30mm dynamic |
|
Energetic noise cancellation |
Sure |
Sure |
|
Battery life |
20 hours |
30 hours |
|
Weight |
13.6 oz / 386g |
8.96 oz / 254g |
|
Connectivity |
Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C |
Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm |
AirPods Max 2 vs Sony WH-1000XM6: options
Each the AirPods Max 2 and Sony WH-1000XM6 are rammed with options, however there’s one main level of differentiation — Apple’s cans are closely tailor-made in the direction of iOS customers.
That’s proper, the AirPods Max 2 have numerous options that Android customers received’t get entry to. Stuff like Spatial Audio, auto-device switching, Siri, and Apple Intelligence integrations. That is comprehensible, though it’s a disgrace that Android customers don’t have any method to immediately alter the headphones’ EQ. Apple customers get a implausible vary of choices to select from, although, with stuff like Reside Translation and the head-tracked Spatial Audio actually standing out.
Sony’s headphones are undeniably extra versatile, with myriad options out there to each iOS and Android customers. They don’t have any finish of choices, with a 10-band EQ, scene-based listening, a Cinema upmix mode, converse to talk, and mic-mute. That is all managed by Sony’s Sound Join app, which is simple to make use of, though some settings do really feel slightly hidden in sub-menus.
However how about the principle occasion: ANC? It is a a lot nearer struggle than I anticipated, really. See, the XM6 provide class-leading noise canceling capabilities, and even once I’ve used them on flights they’ve silenced the sound of the deep jet engines firing or conversations occurring round me. However the AirPods Max 2 are genuinely very aggressive, even towards the XM6. In my workplace, the sounds of keyboards clacking, colleagues speaking, and vehicles passing by outdoors had been completely crushed. Each headphones are top-tier on the subject of noise cancelling, and I’d argue they even rival Bose.
One other essential space to discover is battery life. The Sony WH-1000XM6 maintain issues fairly normal with 30 hours of battery life with ANC on. That is the everyday determine you’ll see for headphones in this type of worth vary — nothing particular, however sufficient to get you thru a good few days of listening. The AirPods Max 2, nonetheless, solely provide 20 hours with ANC on. That’s simply not ok, and falls effectively wanting the competitors. If you happen to don’t need to cost your cans all too typically, then the XM6 are a greater decide.
There are just a few different areas the place the XM6 prevail over the AirPods Max 2 as effectively, resembling their superior name high quality and background noise supression, inclusion of intuitive and exact contact controls over Apple’s digital crown, and use of DSEE Excessive for upscaling lower-quality audio information.
So, when you’re an iOS consumer, the AirPods Max 2 positively have some snazzy options up their sleeves — together with some sensible choices that the XM6 miss. Every are nice on the subject of ANC, and are on comparatively even footing there. However Sony’s cans provide superior compatibility, battery life, and name high quality, making them the general winner on this class.
AirPods Max 2 vs Sony WH-1000XM6: sound high quality
That is what you actually got here right here for, proper? However earlier than I get into my sound comparability, let’s check out just a few technical variations.
Like their predecessor, the Sony WH-1000XM5, the Sony WH-1000XM6 use 30mm dynamic drivers, besides they’ve been redesigned with high-rigidity carbon fiber for higher efficiency throughout the frequency vary. Additionally they characteristic Sony’s QN3 processor that includes a noise-shaper, which pre-empts sudden sound modifications for a extra managed listening expertise.
However, the AirPods Max 2 use customized 40mm drivers — simply as the unique AirPods Max did. Nevertheless, the sequel added a brand new amplifier alongside Apple’s H2 processor, which is meant to provide extra detailed, cleaner sound. Not like the LDAC-equipped XM6, the AirPods Max 2 don’t have any higher-res Bluetooth codec assist, though you possibly can entry lossless playback through the headphones’ USB-C port.
Now that we’ve bought that out of the best way, let’s get into my listening comparability. In Journey by Ruze, the variations between the 2 pairs of headphones had been clear. With the AirPods Max 2, I used to be handled to a spacious, immersive interpretation, with expansive vocals and dreamy synths exhibiting off the headphones’ nuanced soundstage.
The Sony WH-1000XM6 went for a special strategy, with a tighter and punchier take. Bass got here by with the form of influence that immediately demanded my consideration. Vocals and synths had been additionally actually clear and effectively separated within the combine, however didn’t have fairly as a lot of an expansive high quality.
Shifting over to one thing softer with Sakamichi by Yuta Orisaka and it was an analogous story once more. Vocals had been emotive and tonally correct, and had been elegantly separated from strumming guitars. Percussion was additionally rhythmic and well-defined within the combine, and the broad soundstage uncovered the observe’s layers with finesse.
The XM6 excelled too, and vocals had glorious readability within the combine, warped electrical guitars sounded brilliantly separated — virtually as in the event that they had been working in a separate pocket. In the meantime, the heat of the observe’s bass got here by superbly, and delicate percussive parts had been weighted properly too. Regardless of this, there was nonetheless a tightness to the sound — the direct and cohesive sound of the XM6 is just very putting.
So, which headphones sound higher? I feel it’s a query that’s tougher to reply than you might anticipate. On a strictly technical degree, I’d argue that the AirPods Max 2 provide a bit extra nuance, due to their wider soundstage, which opens up a extra revealing and insightful pay attention. However I actually do assume there’s a case to be made for the XM6. Their punchier, tighter strategy sounds spectacular, and provides numerous vim and pleasure — particularly to extra energetic tracks.
Finally, this one’s down to private desire. In order for you a extra intimate sound with the fun of LDAC, then the Sony WH-1000XM6 are for you. However when you’re on the lookout for an ultra-spacious, meticulous soundstage with clear all-round sound, then the AirPods Max 2 get the nod for me. Let’s name this one a tie.
AirPods Max 2 vs Sony WH-1000XM6: design
The AirPods Max 2 and Sony WH-1000XM6 have proven themselves to be very totally different propositions to this point. And that’s mirrored of their design as effectively.
For my part, the AirPods Max 2 are a few of the best-looking wi-fi headphones in the marketplace in the present day, with a super-striking metallic look, a sublime material headband, and a collection of eye-catching colours. Positive, they appear nearly equivalent to the unique AirPods Max, but when it ain’t broke…
The Sony WH-1000XM6 look fairly good themselves, although. They’ve a modern, cohesive, and textured look, which resembles the XM5 fairly carefully. The XM6 have extra of an understated collection of colours than the AirPods Max 2 — personally I want what Apple’s headphones have to supply, but it surely’s completely down to private desire.
I’d argue that the AirPods Max 2 have a extra premium feel and look — as you’d hope contemplating the worth distinction — I simply assume they’re extra putting. As well as, I want the flatter look of the earcups on Apple’s headphones to the semi-bulky look of the XM6’s.
However hold on. The XM6 aren’t down and out simply but. As a result of if we’re speaking about pure practicality, they’ve the AirPods Max 2 beat. The XM6 are completely foldable, making them phenomenally compact if you wish to toss them right into a small bag, whereas Apple’s headphones are a bit extra inflexible. On high of that, the XM6 include a implausible magnet-lock case that is much better than the weird sensible case of the AirPods Max 2, which doesn’t even defend the headscarf.
Total, although, I’m gonna hand this one to Apple. I do just like the case and foldability of the XM6 for positive, however the attention-grabbing, luxurious look of the AirPods Max 2 is plain. Sure, they’re additionally a good bit heavier than the XM6 too, however I nonetheless discovered Apple’s cans very snug in use, which means they simply about edge it for me.
AirPods Max 2 vs Sony WH-1000XM6: worth
There’s no hiding the truth that the AirPods Max 2 are considerably pricier than the Sony WH-1000XM6. Apple’s newest headphones usually are available at $549 / £499 / AU$999, whereas Sony’s have a listing worth of $449 / £399 / AU$699. However which one really affords higher worth for cash?
As I famous above, these headphones are very totally different, so the reply will range relying on just a few components. The AirPods Max 2 provide extra expansive sound than the XM6, paired with a superb set of options for Apple machine customers and an expensive look as well. They’re positively on the costly aspect, although, and though we’ve seen them pop up on sale with just a few retailers (even as little as $399 within the US over Amazon Prime Day), they do have some notable flaws for the worth.
The battery life immediately involves thoughts — 20 hours isn’t very aggressive. Additionally they lack higher-res Bluetooth codecs, and their compatibility with Android units is proscribed. Nonetheless, they’re an important pair of headphones total, with implausible sound high quality, seems to be, and iOS performance.
At $449 / £399 / AU$699, the Sony WH-1000XM6 really feel like a neater promote. They provide ANC that’s simply on par with the AirPods Max 2, a extra sensible design, they sound spectacular, with a punchy but well-balanced signature, and their broad compatibility is a giant win — particularly when you personal a Home windows laptop computer or Android telephone.
These are additionally on sale pretty recurrently, and I’ve seen them drop as little as $380 / £300 in latest occasions within the US and UK respectively. Positive, when you solely have Apple units, these could not provide the identical comfort because the AirPods Max 2, and Sony’s headphones additionally miss USB-C audio passthrough and have a barely much less premium look.
It’s nearer than I initially thought, however I do assume the Sony WH-1000XM6 are higher worth when all’s mentioned and accomplished. For much less cash, you get super-engaging sound, top-tier ANC, higher battery life, and a extra versatile software program setup.
AirPods Max 2 vs Sony WH-1000XM6: verdict
So, if I might solely select one pair of those glorious headphones, which might I like to recommend? On this occasion, I’m going at hand it to the Sony WH-1000XM6. Apple’s headphones are undoubtedly implausible performers, and if you’d like essentially the most spacious sound and options tailor-made for iOS, they’ll undoubtedly serve you very effectively. However for much less cash, the XM6 are simply the marginally higher worth decide for me. Their mixture of S-tier ANC, balanced, but tight and punchy sound, and extra versatile compatibility make them the perfect all-rounders.
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One of the best noise cancelling headphones for all budgets
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