Sony
Sony WH-1000XM6
—
Released 2025-05
Best Over Ear Headphones · head-to-head
Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) is cheaper at $549. Every spec and price links to its source.
Apple
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
$549
Released 2024-09
Which is better: the Sony WH-1000XM6 or Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)?
The Sony WH-1000XM6 wins 1 of the 1 specs we compare head to head; the other wins 0.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Sony WH-1000XM6 | Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) |
|---|---|---|
| US price | — | $549 |
| Brand | Sony | Apple |
| Released | 2025-05 | 2024-09 |
| ANC | Yes | Yes |
| Driver (mm) | 30 | 40 |
| Battery hr | 30 | 20 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 | SBC, AAC |
| Wired option | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (g) | 254 | 386 |
| Release | 2025-05 | 2024-09 |
Sources — Sony WH-1000XM6: headphonecheck.com (verified 2026-06-15). Apple AirPods Max (USB-C): apple.com (verified 2026-06-15).
What's the difference between the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (4 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
- Driver (mm): Sony WH-1000XM6 30 vs Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) 40
- Battery hr: Sony WH-1000XM6 30 vs Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) 20
- Codecs: Sony WH-1000XM6 SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 vs Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) SBC, AAC
- Weight (g): Sony WH-1000XM6 254 vs Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) 386
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
Sony WH-1000XM6
Three whitelisted testers (SoundGuys, What Hi-Fi, Tom's Guide) rate the WH-1000XM6 a strong flagship. SoundGuys (5-day test) logged 37 hours 14 minutes of battery with ANC and a 4.8/5 MDAQS score, praising excellent ANC, sound and microphone but flagging thin pads and no USB-C audio. What Hi-Fi (Awards 2025 winner, five stars) calls it the best-sounding Sony flagship with class-leading calls and rates comfort a full 5/5. Tom's Guide's 3-months-later follow-up is the outlier, judging the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 better-sounding and the Bose QC Ultra better at blocking noise, and calling the build cheap-feeling for $449. Reviewers split on comfort, value and how much the XM6 improves on the XM5. (3 sourced reviews, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Excellent, refined active noise cancellation; Best-sounding Sony WH-1000X flagship to date; Class-leading call/microphone quality.
Flagged: Comfort compromises: thin pads, ANC mic can rub the ear, headband pressure point; No USB-C audio / lack of cutting-edge connectivity; ANC gains over the XM5 feel marginal; Bose still blocks more noise (Tom's Guide).
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
SoundGuys' measured review of the USB-C AirPods Max verifies fantastic active noise canceling and very solid wireless sound quality, with tested battery life reaching roughly 21 hours (ANC on or off). Their verdict: a great-sounding, well-built pair that is nonetheless overpriced. The USB-C model measures slightly more high-end than the Lightning version. (1 sourced review, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Active noise canceling is fantastic; Sound quality is very solid for wireless headphones; Tested battery life ~21 hours, beating Apple's claim.
Flagged: Overpriced for what it offers.