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Apple AirPods Max 2 vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones

Buy the Sony WH-1000XM5 if you want the longest battery life, the lightest over-ear fit and the strongest noise cancellation for flights and commutes. Buy the AirPods Max 2 if you live in Apple's ecosystem and want seamless switching, Spatial Audio with head tracking and USB-C lossless audio. Reviewers rate both 4.3 out of 5. The AirPods Max 2 is heavier and has a shorter 20-hour battery, while the Sony folds flat into a case and runs up to 30 hours.

  • Choose the AirPods Max 2 if you use an iPhone, iPad and Mac daily and want Spatial Audio, Siri and one-tap switching across them.
  • Choose the Sony WH-1000XM5 if you want lighter headphones, longer battery life and top-tier noise cancellation that works equally well on Android and iOS.

Prices

  • Apple AirPods Max 2: $21.00 at Impero (last seen Nov 9)
  • Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones: $169.00 at eBay (last seen Nov 9)
  • Difference: the Apple AirPods Max 2 is $148.00 cheaper than the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones at the latest prices (Nov 9)
Apple
Apple AirPods Max 2

Apple AirPods Max 2

4.3(1,263 ratings)
$21.00at ImperoChecked Nov 9
See all prices and details
Visit Impero
Pros
  • Best match for iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV
  • Spatial Audio with head tracking for movies and games
  • USB-C lossless audio
  • Strong ANC and Transparency mode
  • Find My integration
Cons
  • 20-hour battery is short for long trips
  • Heavier than the Sony
  • Little external change from the original
  • Best features need Apple devices
Sony
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones

Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones

Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones

4.3(1,458 ratings)
$169.00at eBayChecked Nov 9
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

Pros
  • Up to 30 hours of battery with quick charging
  • Light at 8.82 oz for long wear
  • Excellent noise cancellation and call quality
  • Multipoint connection across devices
  • Works well on both Android and iOS
Cons
  • No head-tracked spatial audio
  • No lossless over USB-C
  • Touch controls can misfire in cold or wet weather
  • No water resistance

What separates them

Apple AirPods Max 2Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Battery lifeUp to 20 hoursUp to 30 hours, with quick charging
Weight and fitHeavier over-ear design with memory foam cushions8.82 oz, lighter, with soft fit leather
Noise cancellationH2 chip, up to 1.5x more ANC than the original AirPods MaxTwo processors and 8 microphones, widely rated class-leading
Ecosystem featuresSeamless switching, Spatial Audio with tracking, Find My, SiriMultipoint Bluetooth, works with Google Assistant, Alexa and Siri
Wired audioUSB-C lossless audio support3.5 mm cable included
PortabilitySmart Case, does not foldCollapsible case included, does not fold flat either
ControlsDigital Crown and buttonsTouch controls plus volume and play/pause buttons
Water resistanceNone ratedNone rated

Price history

$449.99$29.99
Oct 28Nov 12
  • Apple AirPods Max 2: lowest $29.99 on Nov 8 at Rent-A-Center; $363.00 on Nov 12.
  • Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones: lowest $198.00 on Nov 7 at Best Buy; $198.00 on Nov 12.

Prices at every store

Apple AirPods Max 2

  • Rent-A-CenterNew

    In stock

    $29.99Checked Nov 9
    Visit Rent-A-Center
  • itayafurniture.comNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $134.70Checked Nov 9
    Visit itayafurniture.com
  • DancoooNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $199.00Checked Nov 9
    Visit Dancooo
  • ImperoNew

    Availability unknownShips from Poland · duties may applyReturn policy

    $21.00Checked Nov 9
    Visit Impero

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • BrandsMart USACheck price at BrandsMart USA

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 44 stores and price history →

Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones

  • eBayNew

    In stockSold by billto_99 (98.8% positive, 1,389 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $169.00Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay
  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $198.00Free shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit Best Buy
  • SONYNew

    In stock

    $199.99Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit SONY
  • SonyNew

    Availability unknown

    $199.99Checked Nov 5
    Visit Sony

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • Shiftwave®Check price at Shiftwave®
  • Swiftronics USACheck price at Swiftronics USA

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 16 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecApple AirPods Max 2Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
WirelessYYes
ColorBlueBlack
Actual ColorStarlightBlack
Noise CancelingYesYes
With MicrophoneYesYes
StyleOn-earOn-ear
Wireless TypeBluetoothBluetooth
Over-EarYesYes
Assistant SupportSiriGoogle Assistant, Amazon Alexa
Height7.4″ tall10.36″ tall
Width6.6″ wide8.9″ wide
Bluetooth Version5.05.2
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple AirPods Max 2Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Wireless TechnologyBluetoothBluetooth
NFCYesNo
MicrophoneYesYes
BluetoothYesYes
Manufacturer ColorMidnightBlack
Noise CancellingActive Noise CancellingActive Noise Cancelling
Construction & ElementsDynamicDynamic
Acoustic SealClosedClosed
Type of HeadphoneOver-EarOver-Ear
Model name

What reviewers say

Apple AirPods Max 2

  • 4.3 / 51,263 ratings

Reviewers rate the AirPods Max 2 highly, calling them the best over-ear headphones for iPhone users and praising their deep integration with Apple devices. The main criticism is that the exterior design has barely changed from the original.

What people mention
  • Apple ecosystemPraisedReviewers say the headphones fit seamlessly into the Apple ecosystem, with easy switching across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
  • DesignCriticisedOne reviewer notes that the exterior design has barely changed from the original AirPods Max.
  • Noise cancellationPraisedThe adaptive Active Noise Cancellation is often highlighted as a key strength.
  • Battery lifePraisedUp to 20 hours of battery life is frequently mentioned as a plus.

Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones

  • 4.3 / 51,458 ratings

Owners rate it 4.3 out of 5 across 1,458 ratings and mostly praise the noise cancellation, comfort and battery life. Complaints center on the non-folding design, touch controls and occasional connection hiccups.

What people mention
  • Noise cancellationPraisedOwners call it the best ANC they have used, especially against engine and HVAC noise.
  • Battery lifePraisedReviewers report close to the rated 30 hours and like the quick top-up charge.
  • ComfortPraisedMost find the soft cushions and light weight fine for hours, though a few want more clamp.
  • Folding designCriticised
Reviews
  • Best Headphones to Buy in 2026, Tested and Reviewed
  • The best headphones in 2026: Lab-tested by experts - All products featured are independently chosen by us
  • Best Wireless Headphones
  • The Best Wireless Headphones for 2026 - PCMag editors select and review products independently
  • Best Wireless Headphones 2026: Go wire-free with these top performers
  • Best wireless headphones for 2026 - Engadget - Best wireless headphones for 2026

Questions and answers

Which is better for flights and commuting?
The Sony WH-1000XM5. Its noise cancellation is class-leading and its 30-hour battery covers long trips. The AirPods Max 2 cancels well too but runs about 20 hours.
Which is better for iPhone owners?
The AirPods Max 2. Seamless switching, Spatial Audio with tracking, Siri and Find My all work natively. The Sony works on iPhone but loses those ecosystem features.
Which is more comfortable for long wear?
The Sony is lighter at 8.82 oz with soft fit leather, so most people find it easier over hours. The AirPods Max 2 is heavier but has memory foam cushions.
Is the AirPods Max 2 worth stepping up to over the Sony?
Only if you are deep in Apple's ecosystem and want Spatial Audio and lossless USB-C audio. Otherwise the Sony gives longer battery and lighter weight.
Do either have water resistance?
No. Neither is rated water resistant, so avoid rain and sweat-heavy workouts with both.
Can both connect to two devices at once?
The Sony has multipoint Bluetooth for two devices. The AirPods Max 2 switches automatically between Apple devices on the same account but does not offer multipoint to non-Apple gear.

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AirPods Max 2
—
BrandApple—
Noise control technologyActive Noise Cancellation—
Battery life20 h—
Headphone styleOver-Ear—
Works withiPhone—
AccessoriesUSB-C Charging Cable—
Battery consumption typeIntegrated Rechargeable Battery—
MaterialMemory Foam—
Assembled product weight3.4 lb—
UseSports—
With Adaptive EQYes—
Depth3.3″ deep—
Apple H2 ChipIntegrated Firmware Storage Immersive Audio Exp…—
Active Noise CancellationAdaptive EQ Processing Custom Dynamic Drivers B…—
Transparency ModeSeamless Device Switching High-Fidelity Audio "…—
Spatial Audio with TrackingMagSafe Smart Case—
Audio TypeOver-ear headphones—
Driver TypeDynamic (Apple-designed)—
The headband no longer folds, so the included case is larger for travel.
Best AirPods wireless earbuds
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