Best Over Ear Headphones · head-to-head
Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
A sourced, side-by-side spec comparison. Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) is cheaper at $549. Every spec and price links to its source.
Side by side
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) | |
|---|---|---|
| US price | — (US MSRP not confirmed from a primary manufacturer fetch; sony.com blocked direct access. Multiple credible sources (SoundGuys, Amazon listing) report a US launch MSRP of $449.99 — left null pending primary confirmation, but note the widely cited figure is $449.99, not $349.99.) | $549 (US MSRP, all color options, as listed on apple.com/shop/buy-airpods/airpods-max at time of access.) |
| Brand | Sony | Apple |
| Released | 2025-05 | 2024-09 |
| anc | true | true |
| driver mm | 30 | 40 |
| battery hr | 30 | 20 |
| bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 | SBC, AAC |
| wired option | true | true |
| 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).