Quick Comparison
| Spec | Sony WH-1000XM5 | Apple AirPods Max |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $350 | $549 |
| Battery | 30hr | 20hr |
| Ecosystem | Universal | Apple |
Where Sony WH-1000XM5 Wins
- $199 cheaper
- 30hr battery
- Better ANC
- Works with everything
Where Apple AirPods Max Wins
- Premium aluminum build
- Spatial audio with head tracking
- Seamless Apple integration
Where They're Equal
- Both excellent sound
- Both premium
Our Verdict: Sony WH-1000XM5
Unless you're deep in Apple's ecosystem and want seamless integration, the Sony is better on every metric for $199 less.