Apple AirPods Max vs Sony WH-1000XM5: Which One is the Best and Why in 2024?

July 02, 2024

thomas

When it comes to premium wireless noise-cancelling headphones, two options stand out in the market: the Apple Airpods Max and the Sony WH-1000XM5! Both deliver exceptional audio quality, advanced features, and cutting-edge technology. But, as a casual or professional user, which one should you choose? This guide breaks down all the aspects and factors into more understandable chunks that will give you better insight into both products. Let’s compare both of the products!

Design and Build Quality: Luxury, Functionality, and Comfort Guaranteed

What makes these two tech titans different from each other in terms of build and design? Let’s explore the perks of both:

Apple AirPods Max

The Apple AirPods Max are designed distinctly to scream premium. The sleek, stainless steel headband and aluminium earcups make these headphones scream opulence. Due to the meshed canopy, each weight is evenly distributed for comfortable extended listening sessions. The AirPods Max comes in five stylish colours and are fashionable as much as a tech marvel.

Sony WH-1000XM5

In contrast, the Sony WH-1000XM5 goes for something a little low-key. Their new body design is much sleeker than that of their predecessors. Built mainly from good-quality plastic, these headphones are way light at 250g compared with the Apple AirPods Max‘s 386 grams. At this exact point, the weight variation can tell, in fact, over an extended period.

Sound Quality: Crisp, Clear, and Captivating Sound

Every user wants to have the best experience of low and high notes while listening to music. While conducting a meeting, avoiding external distractions such as the sound of fans, traffic in the neighbourhood, or people around you is what you want. Let’s find out more about it!

Apple AirPods Max

AirPods Max have a reasonably balanced and detailed sound signature. They reproduce clear highs and mids with some bias towards the bass, but they are always manageable. Apple’s computational audio and adaptive EQ combine in real time to create the best possible sound, and the results are outstanding.

Sony WH-1000XM5

Out-of-box, the sound quality of the Sony WH-1000XM5 is impressive, with only a slight bass-heavy default tuning. However, where these headphones truly shine regarding audio quality is in their customisation. Detailed equalisation is available through the companion app Sony Headphones Connect, where users can adjust the audio to suit their taste. For Android users, LDAC codec support enables higher-quality wireless audio transmission.

Noise Cancellation

Cars making sounds around you? People talking and you cannot listen to your favourite music? Noise cancellation is the best feature that makes it possible for you to remove any distractions that can interrupt the sound/music you are listening to. Below are some of the differences between the products:

Apple AirPods Max: Silence in Style

The AirPods Max ANC truly shines in this respect. Outward-facing and inward-facing microphones function together to adjust seamlessly with the surroundings. Almost crawling up to the line of a completely silent background for your audio deserves comparison to the best in-ear noise-cancelling earbuds.

Sony WH-1000XM5 Adaptive Noise Control

Sony’s WH-1000XM5 takes noise cancellation to the next level with its Adaptive Sound Control feature. This intelligent feature does things automatically depending on where you are and what you’re doing—for example, in a very noisy café or at a quiet library—therefore attributing to the optimal option for you without manual intervention.

Battery Life and Charging

A long-lasting gadget is a reliable gadget. Do you agree? Having a larger battery capacity is one thing you need to have an eye on while buying a product. Let’s find out which one suits your routine:

Apple AirPods Max

The AirPods Max can provide up to 20 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation. While that’s respectable, it trails a bit behind several rivals. They charge via Lightning cable, which could be more helpful for non-Apple users.

Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony, however, reigns supreme on battery life: up to 30 hours with ANC on. A fast 3-minute charge gives up to 3 hours. The WH-1000XM5 also charges via USB-C, which is broader in compatibility than scores of Bose and Beats products still using micro-USB.

Smart Features and Connectivity

What other features do these products offer? Let’s skim through the different smart features that set each other apart. Read on:

Apple AirPods Max

To Apple users, the AirPods Max offers unparalleled integration: seamless switching across Apple devices, spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, and “Hey Siri” for voice assistance, all of which combine to make it a current extension of the Apple ecosystem.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 works very well with versatility, supporting multipoint connectivity so users can connect to two devices simultaneously. Speak-to-Chat will auto-pause the music as you start talking, while the Quick Attention mode allows users to hear their surroundings by covering their right earcups.

Case and Portability Design

How portable are these headsets? Travelling to another location or going on a tour makes it possible to carry your trusty audio gadget with you. The Apple Airpods Max and the Sony WH-1000XM5 are both excellent products. But which one is best for you? Let’s find out!

Apple AirPods Max

This AirPods Max comes with a slim Smart Case — an item of much controversy. While it plunges the headphones into an ultra-low power state, it offers very minimal protection.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The Sony WH-1000XM5 has the more reasonable carrying case; it folds down, seems pretty protective, and has a little pouch inside for cables and adapters.

Price and Value Apple AirPods Max

Premium Price Tag At $549, the AirPods Max are a hundred bucks more than most of their competitors. High-quality presentation and fluid integration with Apple devices do much to reinforce this premium price tag.

Price and Value Sony WH-1000XM5

Pricing At $399, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is a far more digestible entrée to high-end wireless headphones. Their versatility and feature set make them an excellent value proposition.

Who Should Buy the Apple AirPods Max?

The Apple AirPods Max are ideal for:

Apple ecosystem users who value seamless integration.
Audiophiles who appreciate balanced, detailed sound.
Those who prioritise build quality and design.
Users who frequently switch between Apple devices.

Who Should Buy the Sony WH-1000XM5?

The Sony WH-1000XM5 is perfect for:

Users who want excellent sound quality with customisation options.
Those who prioritise battery life and quick charging.
People who use multiple devices across different platforms.
Travelers who need adaptive noise cancellation.

Concluding Thoughts

Both the Apple AirPods Max and Sony WH-1000XM5 are exceptional headphones that cater to different needs. The AirPods Max excels in build quality, Apple ecosystem integration, and out-of-the-box sound quality. They’re the go-to choice for Apple users who want a premium audio experience without any tweaking.

On the other hand, the Sony WH-1000XM5 offers more versatility, longer battery life, and advanced features like adaptive noise cancellation and speak-to-chat. Their sound customisation options and competitive pricing make them attractive to a wider range of users.

Ultimately, your choice between the Apple AirPods Max and Sony WH-1000XM5 will depend on your personal preferences, ecosystem, and budget. Both headphones represent the pinnacle of wireless audio technology, ensuring that whichever you choose, you’ll be treated to an exceptional listening experience.