Odi Productions
In this article, I’m going to share my HONEST experience with the Apple AirPods Max vs Sony WH-1000XM5 and tell you which is best, after personally owning both products. I have thoroughly tested each of these headphones for hundreds of hours, and aim to offer a critical opinion from the perspective of an audiophile and professional music producer.
I’ll be comparing these two head to head on categories like price, comfort, features, battery life, noise cancelling performance, and sound quality.
Then at the end, I’ll share which is the best overall value for the money, and my overall recommendation on which you should buy.
I’ve also conducted a separate in-depth Apple AirPods Max Review and Sony WH-1000XM5 review, for those who are interested in reading more detailed thoughts about each headphone after. (Links open in a new tab.)
Key Takeaways
- Apple AirPods Max has superior sound quality, build quality (XM5 hinge issue), and more premium materials.
- Sony WH-1000XM5 wins on noise cancelling performance, comfort, and value.
- AirPods Max is typically $100 to $150 more expensive than Sony WH-1000XM5, at the time of this writing.
Apple AirPods Max vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Price Compared
Overall, the Sony WH 1000XM5 is anywhere from $100 to $150 cheaper than the Apple AirPods Max at current market prices for brand new. They can be much closer in price depending on current sales, and whether you’re buying new, renewed, or used.
Apple AirPods Max Prices
- Retail: $549.00
- New: $480
- Renewed: $380 (save up to $100!)
Sony WH-1000XM5 Prices
- Retail: $399.99
- New: $328
- Renewed: $253 (save up to $75!)
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Comfort
When it comes to comfort, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is one of the lightest full-sized headphones I’ve tested, while the AirPods Max is the heaviest I’ve tested to date.
On my scale, the Sony’s are 141.8 grams lighter than AirPods Max:
- Apple AirPods Max weight: 387.9 grams
- Sony WH-1000XM5 weight: 246.1 grams
Make no mistake, a 141 gram difference is massive and immediately felt when putting on each headphone back-to-back.
The only other headphone in this class that can match the XM5’s light weight and all-day comfort is the Bose QuietComfort Ultra.
My only knock on the XM5 is that the earcup interior is quite shallow, and my ears press against the fabric inside. This isn’t a big deal at all, but my ears are more free inside the AirPods Max.
Now, despite the massive weight penalty, the Apple AirPods Max actually feels lighter than the numbers suggest, and is still fairly comfortable.
What the AirPods Max has going for it is a fantastic suspension headband design, with virtually zero top-of-head pressure.
Where the “APM” loses comfort points is the pressure is mostly felt by its clamping force instead.
It’s not too excessive, but it’s clearly noticeable when wearing. On the other hand, the XM5 practically feels like wearing nothing in comparison.
Apple AirPods Max Comfort: 4.0 out of 5
Sony WH-1000XM5 Comfort: 5 out of 5
Winner: Sony WH-1000XM5
Features / Build Quality / Battery Life / Noise Cancelling
Features
Despite the Apple AirPods Max being nearly 2 years older (released late 2020 vs Sony XM5 in late 2022), both headphones feature pretty much every modern feature available today.
Both wireless headphones feature Active Noise Cancelling, Transparency Modes, Spatial Audio, and multiple built-in microphones for calls.
I’d say the biggest feature that separates these two is that the AirPods Max has more seamless connectivity + switching for user’s on the Apple ecosystem.
The limitation of non-Apple headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM5 is that they can only connect to 2 devices at a time simultaneously, and if you’d like to switch, you’ll need to use the companion app.
This isn’t the biggest deal, but it’s simply not as effortless or convenient as AirPods, which can switch from iPhone, to Mac, to iPad without even pressing a button most of the time.
Build Quality
If there’s one significant difference that can maybe justify the price difference, the Apple AirPods Max has much superior build quality and premium materials versus the Sony WH-1000XM5.
Sony achieved its light weight through relying heavily on plastic, while conversely, the AirPods Max gained its weight penalty by using very solid materials like aluminum and even stainless steel metals.
Just simply holding both headphones back to back, it’s no contest which one feels more expensive.
That said, the most egregious offense that hurts the Sony WH-1000XM5 is its notoriously poor hinge design.
There are quite a few reports online of broken hinges for the XM5, and I’m not at all surprised, considering how seemingly fragile it feels.
If you’re extra careful with handling the XM5, and always use the included hardshell case, then you should be fine. But this design flaw should be considered before investing $300+ into a pair.
For the weak hinge design, I will be docking 0.5 points from the Sony XM5 in this category.
Looks
I prefer the looks and design of the AirPods Max over the Sony WH-1000XM5 by a decent margin.
First off, the APM is very striking and distinct, both from a materials and form standpoint.
The metallic earcups have a nice sheen that reflects light around its form beautifully.
In contrast, I find the XM5 to have quite a blocky and chunky earcup design, exacerbated even more by the tiny slim headband.
When worn on head, I would just rather be seen wearing AirPods Max than the bulky XM5. Judging by the amount of YouTube thumbnails with people sporting the APM, it’s become something of a fashion statement these days.
Apple AirPods Max vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Battery Life Compared
The Sony WH-1000XM5 has 10 hours more battery life on a single charge compared to the Apple AirPods Max:
- Apple AirPods Max Battery Life: Up to 20 hours
- Sony WH-1000XM5 Battery Life: Up to 30 hours
In my testing, I found both of these manufacturer’s battery ratings to be accurate, but the AirPods Max could lose battery faster when not using the included “Smart Case”.
Personally, I griped pretty hard about the Smart Case in my individual review of the APM, probably one of the biggest design flaws of using the APM on a daily basis.
There is no “OFF” button like every other headphone out there, so you have to rely on the APM to automatically switch to a low-power mode, OR put it in the Smart Case to activate this instantly.
Apple AirPods Max vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise Cancelling: Which is better?
The Sony WH-1000XM5 has superior active noise cancelling performance to the Apple AirPods Max, especially on airplane flights.
The only headphone that I have tested which has equal or better noise cancelling performance to the XM5 is the Bose QuietComfort Ultra.
The Sony XM5 boasts 20+ levels of noise cancelling customization between outside Ambient Noise (Sony’s version of “Transparency Mode”) and pure Noise Cancelling.
If there’s one knock on the XM5, it’s that its Transparency Mode isn’t that good and still sounds quite muffled.
On the other hand, the AirPods Max has very respectable noise cancelling.
It performs good enough in noisy everyday environments like a busy office or coffeeshop. I think it’s really just airplane travel that exposes the levels to ANC, and of which the XM5 handles more effectively.
Apple AirPods Max Features / Build Quality / Battery Life / Noise Cancelling: 4.5 out of 5
Sony WH-1000XM5 Features / Build Quality / Battery Life / Noise Cancelling: 4.5 out of 5
Winner: Tie
Apple AirPods Max vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Sound Quality Comparison
Before we dive into the sound quality comparison, I have to make a very important note here:
The stock tuning on the Sony WH-1000XM5 is pretty bad.
But luckily, this can be greatly improved by using Sony’s official free companion app and applying the EQ settings shared below.
I’ll be reviewing the sound quality WITH these EQ settings applied to get the most out of the XM5.
If I was judging this based on the stock XM5 sound, they would lose quite a few points here and it’d be an easy slam dunk for the AirPods Max.
With EQ however, things get a LOT more interesting…
Best Sony WH 1000XM5 EQ settings
- 400: +2
- 1k: +4
- 2.5k: +9
- 6.3k: +4
- 16k: +9
- Clear Bass: +3
I found a bunch of EQ settings on Reddit, and out of all of them, this is the one that I preferred the most. I wasn’t able to find the originator of the settings, someone was just passing these on in the comments.
Result: Much more detail, airiness, and dynamics. A very fun, punchy, energetic, “in your face” sound signature that I think most consumers would love.
Comparing Sound Quality AFTER EQ…
The main difference in sound signatures is that the AirPods Max has a warmer, mid-range focused, more natural, versatile, and relatively balanced tone. It is a better all-arounder than the XM5.
The EQ’d Sony WH-1000XM5 is much more energetic, bass and treble-forward, and “in your face“. The XM5 is less versatile in the sense that it excels mostly for modern music genres, and not quite as strong for the more acoustic genres like Classical and Jazz.
I would bet that the average consumer might be more impressed by the (EQ’d) XM5 at first listen, because it basically shoves everything right in your face.
But I think over the long-term, I have a slight preference for the less-fatiguing and more balanced tone of the APM.
If I wanted to choose a pair primarily on FUN and fun alone, without a desire for critical listening, then I’d pick the EQ’d XM5.
I do enjoy the more finer details and nuances though, and the AirPods Max is more “audiophile-friendly” in that regard. It has more depth, slightly bigger soundstage, and a more natural and realistic timbre.
This natural sound translates to vocals and instruments sounding more faithful to the source, whereas the XM5 tends to artificially push things forward with less nuance.
Everything is so punchy from bass kicks to snare drums, and the EQ added a ton of airiness in the ~16k range to also bring the music alive versus stock. This likely gives a slight edge to the XM5 for the more modern genres like Pop, Hip-Hop, EDM, and even Rock/Metal.
Overall, it’s actually too close for comfort when comparing the sound quality of these two, and it really just boils down to preference, and even just mood.
Apple AirPods Max Sound Quality: 8.6 out of 10
Sony WH-1000XM5 Sound Quality: 8.5 out of 10 (after EQ)
Winner: Apple AirPods Max
Value
At over $300, both of these headphones would be considered expensive, but the Apple AirPods Max’s retail pricetag of $549 puts it into another tier of expensive.
Luckily, the market price new for a pair of AirPods Max is usually closer to $480, with “Renewed” pairs going for roughly $380. Still expensive, but much easier to stomach than full retail.
On the other hand, the Sony XM5 retails at just under $400, with market prices hovering between $328 to $350 these days brand new.
When it comes to pure value per dollar and bang-for-the-buck, the Sony WH-1000XM5’s lower pricetag is frankly more appealing than the AirPods Max.
If there’s one saving grace for the AirPods Max, I would like to factor in the off-chance that the poor hinge design and lesser build quality of the XM5 may result in the APM being a more durable investment for the long-term.
You may save some money now, but if that XM5 ever breaks, then you’ll be out $300+. Just saying.
Apple AirPods Max Value: 3.5 out of 5
Sony WH-1000XM5 Value: 4.0 out of 5
Winner: Sony WH-1000XM5
Apple AirPods Max Overall Rating
- Best-in-class sound quality
- Very good noise cancelling
- Switches easily between Apple devices
- Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos support
- Very expensive
- Worse noise cancelling than Sony/Bose
- Heavy, less comfortable than Sony/Bose
Sony WH-1000XM5 Overall Rating
- Fun, excellent sound quality (after EQ)
- All-day comfort and lightweight
- Elite noise cancelling performance
- Stock sound without EQ is mediocre
- Poor build quality on hinges
- Expensive
Overall Winner: Sony WH-1000XM5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is our winner due to its world-class noise cancelling performance, all day comfort, and better overall value for the money.
It’s also very close in sound quality after EQ, and may even be preferred if you listen exclusively to modern music.
Despite the elevated pricetag, I still do recommend the Apple AirPods Max due to its slightly superior sound quality, premium materials, build quality, and especially for those invested in the Apple ecosystem.
Some extremely strong alternatives in this class of noise cancelling headphones and price range are the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, and Sennheiser Momentum 4. I recommend you check those out next!
Lastly, if you’d like to save some money and keep supporting RecordingNOW.com’s 100% independent, unbiased reviews, do consider using some of our affiliate links below to shop and even just compare prices. We purchase all products we review with our own money to maintain the highest level of integrity, and your support goes into that, plus a continuously improving site experience.
Order Here for the LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE (Do NOT pay retail):
Want to save up to an additional $100?
Want to save up to an additional $75?
Disclosure: These affiliate links may provide a discount and in return, give us a commission in order to keep this website 100% independent to ensure honest unfiltered reviews 🙂
Frequently Asked Questions
Are AirPods Max audio quality better than XM5?
Yes, the Apple AirPods Max is superior to the Sony WH-1000XM5 when it comes to music audio quality. However, the Sony XM5 has better audio call quality with its built-in microphones compared to the AirPods Max.
What is the Sony equivalent to AirPods Max?
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is the current flagship wireless noise cancelling headphone, which is equivalent to Apple’s flagship headphone the AirPods Max. Both of these headphones are the most expensive in their respective lineup.
Is the Sony XM5 sound quality good?
The stock Sony WH-1000XM5 sound quality is just average but can be massively improved to sound excellent with a simple EQ setting via Sony’s official companion app.
How We Tested and Our Methodology
RecordingNOW.com is a 100% independent publisher with over 10 years of experience testing and reviewing consumer electronics and headphones.
We currently purchase all of the products we test with our own money, and are not paid by any company or manufacturer to influence our opinions or decisions.
After purchasing the product, we conduct up to hundreds of hours of detailed hands-on testing in a controlled, acoustically-treated environment. Noise cancelling performance is tested in the real-world, primarily on airplane flights, coffee shops, and walking around large metropolitan city environments.
ODi Productions is our resident expert and author of this article, with 10 years of experience as a professional music producer, tech journalist, and audiophile.
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