Head-to-head · Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

Apple AirPods Max vs Sony WH-1000XM5

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Sony WH-1000XM5 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.4 vs 4.7). The gap is mostly about Travelers prioritizing call quality and top-tier noise cancellation — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #3 in Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

Apple AirPods Max

4.4

$549as of Apr 22

The Apple AirPods Max deliver premium sound quality and industry-leading noise cancellation within a luxurious, durable metal build. However, their high price is compounded by significant drawbacks like a non-protective smart case, the lack of a 3.5mm jack, and limited functionality outside the Apple ecosystem. They are an excellent choice for dedicated Apple users but less ideal for those seeking versatility or better value.

Strengths

— Best-in-class active noise canceling and transparency mode
— Sturdy all-metal build with stainless steel headband and aluminum ear cups
— Extremely comfortable ear pads with soft fabric and even weight distribution

Watch-outs

— Smart case provides virtually no protection and is considered terrible
— No 3.5mm headphone jack, requiring an adapter for wired listening
— Proximity sensors and voice assistant features do not work on Android or Windows

$549 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

Sony WH-1000XM5

4.7

$399as of Apr 22

The Sony WH-1000XM5 delivers top-tier active noise cancellation and significantly improved sound quality with precise bass and clear highs, making it a leader in the flagship ANC category. While the new design offers superior comfort for larger ears and excellent call performance, the headphones lack an IP rating and feature a non-folding build that feels slightly less premium than their predecessors.

Strengths

— Outstanding active noise cancellation performance that excels in travel and office environments
— Sensational sonic clarity with punchy delivery and precise, agile bass
— Deep and wide ear pads accommodate larger ears for extended comfort

Watch-outs

— Build quality feels less premium than previous generations with a non-folding design
— No IP rating makes them vulnerable to moisture and unsuitable for gym use or rain
— High launch price compared to previous models

$399 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Apple AirPods Max

The Apple AirPods Max offer a unique all-metal build and durability that the plastic-heavy Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra cannot match, alongside a superior transparency mode. However, they are significantly heavier than the Bose and Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless, lack a 3.5mm jack unlike the Sennheiser and Bowers & Wilkins Px8, and suffer from a non-protective case that no other competitor in this list shares.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The Sony WH-1000XM5 surpasses the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Apple AirPods Max in microphone clarity and bass precision, offering the most agile sound profile in the group. However, unlike the sturdy metal build of the AirPods Max or the luxurious Nappa leather of the Bowers & Wilkins Px8, the Sony's non-folding design feels less premium and it lacks the 60-hour battery life found in the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Apple AirPods Max	Sony WH-1000XM5
Driver Size	40 mm	30 mm
Driver Type	Dynamic	Dynamic
Bluetooth Version	5.0	5.2
Weight	386 g	250 g
Charging Method	Lightning connector	USB-C
Codecs	AAC, SBC	SBC, AAC, LDAC
ANC	yes	Yes
Battery Life	20 hours	30 hours

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