Apple AirPods Max vs Sony WH-1000XM5
When it comes to high-end over-ear headphones, the Apple AirPods Max and the Sony WH-1000XM5 are two of the top contenders in the market. Both offer a host of advanced features and exceptional sound quality, but there are key differences that potential buyers should consider. This detailed comparison explores the critical parameters such as design, sound quality, power, connectivity, and additional features, providing insights to help you make an informed decision.
Also see: Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs Sony WH-1000XM5
Also see: Sony WH-1000XM4 vs WH-1000XM5
Comparison Table – Apple AirPods Max vs Sony WH-1000XM5
| Feature | Apple AirPods Max | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Fit | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Weight | 384.8 g | 250 g |
| Has a detachable cable | ✖ | ✔ |
| Can be folded | ✖ | ✖ |
| Has a tangle free cable | ✖ | ✔ |
| Travel bag is included | ✔ | ✔ |
| Has an open-back design | ✖ | ✖ |
| Is dustproof and water-resistant | ✖ | ✖ |
| Sweat resistance | ✖ | ✖ |
| Cable length | n.a. | 1.2 m |
| Has stereo speakers | ✔ | ✔ |
| Sound quality | ||
| Has active noise cancellation (ANC) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Lowest frequency | Â n.a. | 4 Hz |
| Highest frequency | Â n.a. | 40000 Hz |
| Driver unit size | 40 mm | 30 mm |
| Impedance | Â n.a. | 48 Ohms |
| Sound pressure level | Â n.a. | 102 dB/mW |
| Has a neodymium magnet | ✔ | ✔ |
| Has passive noise reduction | ✔ | ✔ |
| Power | ||
| Battery life | Â n.a. | 40 hours |
| Battery life (ANC) | 20 hours | 30 hours |
| Charge time | 2 hours | 3.5 hours |
| Has USB Type-C | ✖ | ✔ |
| Has a battery level indicator | ✔ | ✔ |
| Has wireless charging | ✖ | ✖ |
| Battery power | Â n.a. | 1200 mAh |
| Has a solar power battery | ✖ | ✖ |
| Has a rechargeable battery | ✔ | ✔ |
| Has a removable battery | ✖ | ✖ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless & wired |
| Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.2 |
| Has aptX Adaptive | ✖ | ✖ |
| Has aptX | ✖ | ✖ |
| Has LDAC | ✖ | ✔ |
| Has aptX Low Latency | ✖ | ✖ |
| Has aptX HD | ✖ | ✖ |
| Has aptX Lossless | ✖ | ✖ |
| Has AAC | ✔ | ✔ |
| Maximum Bluetooth range | 10 m | 10 m |
| Supports Bluetooth pairing using NFC | ✖ | ✖ |
| Features | ||
| Has a noise-canceling microphone | ✔ | ✔ |
| Has ambient sound mode | ✔ | ✔ |
| Has in/on-ear detection | ✔ | ✔ |
| Number of microphones | 9 | 8 |
| Has a mute function | ✔ | ✖ |
| Multipoint count | Â n.a. | 2 |
| Control panel placed on a device | ✔ | ✔ |
| Can be used as a headset | ✔ | ✔ |
| Has an in-line control panel | ✖ | ✖ |
| Warranty period | 1 years | 1 years |
| Miscellaneous | ||
| Has a 3.5mm male connector | ✖ | ✔ |
| Has Dolby Atmos | ✔ | ✔ |
This table provides a detailed comparison of each feature for the Apple AirPods Max vs Sony WH-1000XM5, helping you to make an informed decision based on specific criteria important to your needs.
Design and Comfort
The fit of both the Apple AirPods Max and Sony WH-1000XM5 is over-ear, providing a comfortable experience for extended listening sessions. However, the weight difference is significant; the AirPods Max are notably heavier at 384.8 grams compared to the WH-1000XM5’s 250 grams. This weight discrepancy could influence long-term comfort, with the Sony model being more suitable for prolonged use due to its lighter build. Additionally, the Sony WH-1000XM5 features a detachable cable, offering greater flexibility and ease of replacement, while the AirPods Max does not have this feature.
Portability and Build Quality
Neither model can be folded into a more compact form, which is a drawback for travelers seeking maximum portability. However, both come with a travel bag, enhancing their protection during transport. The Sony WH-1000XM5 has an edge with a tangle-free cable design, reducing the hassle of untangling wires. In contrast, the AirPods Max does not offer this feature. Furthermore, both models lack IP ratings for dust and water resistance, meaning they require careful handling to avoid damage from environmental factors.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is a crucial aspect where both models excel but in different ways. Both headphones support active noise cancellation (ANC), which allows for an immersive listening experience by reducing background noise. The Sony WH-1000XM5 stands out with a frequency response range starting as low as 4 Hz and going up to 40,000 Hz, providing a broader range and potentially richer sound experience, especially in the low and high-frequency ranges. The driver unit size also differs, with the AirPods Max featuring larger 40 mm drivers compared to Sony’s 30 mm drivers, which might translate to better bass response on the Apple model.
Battery Life and Charging
In terms of battery life, the Sony WH-1000XM5 offers up to 40 hours of usage, which significantly surpasses the 20 hours of ANC use provided by the AirPods Max. The charging time for the AirPods Max is faster at 2 hours, compared to the 3.5 hours required for the Sony WH-1000XM5. Both models feature a battery level indicator, ensuring you are always aware of how much charge is left. However, neither model supports wireless charging or has a removable battery, which could have added to the convenience.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Both headphones offer Bluetooth connectivity, with the Sony WH-1000XM5 using the more advanced Bluetooth 5.2 compared to the AirPods Max’s Bluetooth 5. This difference could result in better connection stability and range for the Sony model. Additionally, the WH-1000XM5 includes support for LDAC, a high-resolution audio codec, which is absent in the AirPods Max. This codec can provide superior audio quality over Bluetooth, making the Sony model a better choice for audiophiles. The AirPods Max, however, does support the AAC codec, ensuring good sound quality on Apple devices.
Additional Features
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is equipped with eight microphones, enhancing its noise-canceling and call quality capabilities, whereas the AirPods Max has nine microphones. Both models feature ambient sound mode and in/on-ear detection, which pauses playback when the headphones are removed. A unique feature of the AirPods Max is its mute function, which is not available on the Sony model. Moreover, both headphones support multipoint connections, allowing you to connect to multiple devices simultaneously, although the AirPods Max does not specify the number of supported connections.
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