Airpods max vs Sony xm5: The Ultimate Headphone Showdown
For years, Sony has consistently produced some of the best noise-cancelling headphones we've tested. The company's latest model in the premium wireless over-ear market, the Sony WH-1000XM5, has impressed with its sensational sonic clarity and has now won the What Hi-Fi? Award in its category two years in a row.
But Sony has always faced plenty of competition: Sennheiser and Bose have long been contenders, and in recent years, Apple has entered the fray.In 2020, the manufacturer of iPhones daringly introduced the AirPods Max, a pair of over-ear headphones with a significantly higher price tag.. If you appreciate exquisite design and cinematic spatial audio, the AirPods Max won’t disappoint.
So, how do the Sony WH-1000XM5 and AirPods Max stack up against each other? Let’s dive into the details to help you decide which one is the better choice for you.
Sony WH-1000XM5 vs AirPods Max: Price:
The AirPods Max are – and likely always will be – the pricier pair. They launched in 2020 at $549 / £549 / AU$899, and despite their age, that price has remained relatively stable. Discounts during sales events such as Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day have brought the price down by as much as $100, but typically, they sell for around 10% less than their original retail price.
Rumors suggest that the AirPods Max 2 might be released this year or early next, which could lead to price drops for the original model.
On the other hand, the Sony WH-1000XM5 are more affordable, launching in 2022 at $399 / £380 / AU$550. They are now often available for around $320 / £280 / AU$500.
Sony WH-1000XM5 vs AirPods Max: Design:
The Sony WH-1000XM5 feature a significant design overhaul from their predecessors, the WH-1000XM4. The new "noiseless design" removes old joints and hinges for a seamless look, incorporating eco-friendly plastic made from recycled car parts. While they maintain precision and comfort, they may appear less premium than the older model.
In contrast, the AirPods Max boast premium materials with machined, single-piece anodized aluminum ear cups connected by a stainless-steel headband. The memory foam cushions provide an effective seal and enhance comfort.
While Apple’s extroverted styling may not appeal to everyone, the AirPods Max exude a sense of luxury that surpasses the Sony WH-1000XM5.
However, the Sony WH-1000XM5 have a practical edge with their supplied carrying case, which is more functional than the somewhat impractical "slip" case that comes with the AirPods Max.
Sony WH-1000XM5 vs AirPods Max: Battery Life:
Battery life is another crucial factor when choosing between these two models. The Sony WH-1000XM5 offer an impressive 30 hours of use with noise-cancelling enabled, and up to 40 hours with noise-cancelling off. These figures are quite standard in the wireless headphones market.
In comparison, the AirPods Max offer up to 20 hours of use with both noise-cancelling and spatial audio enabled. This is somewhat lacking compared to the Sony WH-1000XM5.
For those in a hurry, the Sony WH-1000XM5 also charge faster, providing three hours of playback from a three-minute charge, whereas the AirPods Max offer 1.5 hours of playback from a five-minute charge.
Sony WH-1000XM5 vs AirPods Max: Features:
Both the Sony WH-1000XM5 and AirPods Max are packed with advanced features. The Sony WH-1000XM5 feature Sony’s DSEE Extreme processing engine, which upscales compressed music tracks to near hi-res quality. The AirPods Max feature an Apple H1 chip in each ear cup, which enables 200 adjustments per second to optimize noise-cancelling effectiveness.
The AirPods Max also support spatial audio, providing a virtual surround sound experience with 5.1, 7.1, and Dolby Atmos content. However, this feature is only available with Apple devices. The Sony WH-1000XM5 support Sony’s 360 Reality Audio, but it is not as compelling as Apple’s spatial audio.
Another advantage of the Sony WH-1000XM5 is their Adaptive Sound Control technology, which automatically adjusts noise-cancelling levels based on your location. They also support Bluetooth Multipoint, allowing connection to two devices simultaneously. The AirPods Max do not support Bluetooth Multipoint but can switch between multiple Apple devices.
Sony WH-1000XM5 vs AirPods Max: Noise-Cancelling:
Both the Sony WH-1000XM5 and AirPods Max offer active noise cancellation, but the Sony WH-1000XM5 seem to be marginally better at blocking consistent noise, such as engine sounds. The AirPods Max perform slightly better in reducing loud conversations.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 also feature an AI-powered Adaptive Sound Control, which learns your behavior and adjusts the noise-cancelling levels based on your surroundings. This is a smart feature that adds to the Sony WH-1000XM5’s appeal.
Sony WH-1000XM5 vs AirPods Max: Sound Quality:
When it comes to sound quality, both the Sony WH-1000XM5 and AirPods Max deliver excellent performance. The Sony WH-1000XM5 feature 30mm carbon fiber drivers that are lightweight yet rigid, while the AirPods Max have 40mm drivers with minimal harmonic distortion.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 offer a musical and dynamic sound with precise bass and excellent detail. However, the AirPods Max take it a step further with superior clarity, energy, and a more engaging sound. The AirPods Max also excel in movie performance, particularly with their spatial audio feature.
Sony WH-1000XM5 vs AirPods Max: Verdict:
In conclusion, the AirPods Max look and sound spectacular, providing a stunning spatial audio experience when paired with Apple devices. They are an excellent choice for iOS users who are willing to invest in premium sound quality. However, for those looking for better value, the Sony WH-1000XM5 are the clear winner. They offer advanced features, longer battery life, and impressive sound quality at a more affordable price, making them the best choice for most users.