Are AirPods Max 2 better than Sony WH-1000XM6? The answer is not simple, but there is still a helmet that I prefer

After testing countless pairs of ANC headphones, it takes something special to really wow me. But today we’re going to compare two sets of premium cans that did just that: Apple’s AirPods Max 2 and Sony’s WH-1000XM6.

If you’re thinking about which pair of headphones is right for you, I’ve got you covered. I spent hours testing both sets side by side, evaluating each model based on its features, performance, design, and most importantly, value for money.

Both the AirPods Max 2 and Sony WH-1000XM6 are excellent headphones, and each earned a 4.5-star rating and a warm recommendation from us at TechRadar. They’re different in more ways than you might think, offering a pretty unique listening and using experience, but ultimately there’s one set I’d choose over another. Curious about my verdict? Scroll down to see this clash unfold through the ages.

AirPods Max 2 vs Sony WH-1000XM6: Price and specs

AirPods Max 2 vs. Sony WH-1000XM6: Features

The AirPods Max 2 and Sony WH-1000XM6 are packed with features, but there’s one major point of differentiation: Apple’s cans are heavily geared toward iOS users.

That’s right, the AirPods Max 2 have many features that Android users won’t have access to. Things like Spatial Audio, automatic device switching, Siri and Apple Intelligence integrations. That’s understandable, although it’s a shame that Android users have no way to directly change headphone EQ. Apple users have a fantastic range of options to choose from, though, with things like Live Translation and Head-Tracking Spatial Audio really standing out.

Sony’s headphones are undeniably more versatile, with a myriad of features available for iOS and Android users. They have endless options, with 10-band EQ, scene-based listening, cinema upmix mode, talk-to-chat and mic-mute. All of this is controlled by Sony’s Sound Connect app, which is easy to use, although some settings seem a little hidden in the submenus.

But what about the main event: the ANC? In fact, it’s a much closer fight than I expected. You see, the XM6 offers top-notch noise-canceling capabilities, and even when I used them on flights, they dampened the sound of deep jet engines or conversations going on around me. But the AirPods Max 2 are truly very competitive, even against the XM6. In my office, the sounds of keyboards clicking, colleagues talking, and cars passing outside were completely drowned out. Both headphones are top-notch when it comes to noise cancellation, and I’d even say they rival Bose.

Another crucial area to explore is battery life. The Sony WH-1000XM6 remains fairly standard with 30 hours of battery life with ANC enabled. This is the typical figure you’ll see for headphones in this type of price range – nothing special, but enough to get you through a few days of listening. The AirPods Max 2, however, only provide 20 hours with ANC enabled. It’s simply not enough and it falls well short of the competition. If you don’t want to refill your cans too often, then the XM6s are a better choice.

There are a few other areas where the

So if you’re an iOS user, the AirPods Max 2 definitely have some stylish features up their sleeves, including some smart options that the XM6 leaves out. Everyone is excellent at ANC and is relatively on equal footing there. But Sony’s cans offer superior compatibility, battery life, and call quality, making them the clear winner in this category.

AirPods Max 2 vs Sony WH-1000XM6: sound quality

That’s really why you came here, isn’t it? But before I get into my sound comparison, let’s look at some technical differences.

Like their predecessor, the Sony WH-1000XM5, the Sony WH-1000XM6 uses 30mm dynamic drivers, except they’ve been redesigned with high-rigidity carbon fiber for better performance across the entire frequency range. They also feature Sony’s QN3 processor with noise shaping, which anticipates abrupt changes in sound for a more controlled listening experience.

On the other hand, the AirPods Max 2 use custom 40mm drivers, just like the original AirPods Max. However, the sequel added a new amplifier alongside Apple’s H2 processor, intended to provide more detailed and cleaner sound. Unlike the LDAC-equipped XM6, the AirPods Max 2 don’t support the Hi-Res Bluetooth codec, although you can access lossless playback via the headset’s USB-C port.

Now that that’s out of the way, let’s move on to my listening comparison. In Journey According to Ruze, the differences between the two pairs of headphones were clear. With the AirPods Max 2, I was treated to a spacious and immersive performance, with expansive vocals and dreamy synths showing off the earbuds’ nuanced soundstage.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 took a different approach, with a tighter, punchier grip. The bass came in with the kind of impact that immediately demanded my attention. Vocals and synths were also very clear and well separated in the mix, but didn’t have as expansive a quality.

Switch to something gentler with Sakamichi by Yuta Orisaka and it was again a similar story. The vocals were emotive and tonally precise, and were elegantly separated from the strummed guitars. The percussion was also rhythmic and well-defined in the mix, and the wide soundstage exposed the layers of the track with finesse.

The XM6 also excelled, and vocals had excellent clarity in the mix, distorted electric guitars sounded brilliantly separated – almost as if they were working in a separate pocket. Meanwhile, the bass warmth of the track came through beautifully and the subtle percussion elements were also well-weighted. Despite this, the sound remained tight: the direct and coherent sound of the XM6 is simply very striking.

So which headphones sound better? I think this is a more difficult question to answer than I expected. On a strictly technical level, I’d say the AirPods Max 2 offer a bit more nuance, thanks to their wider soundstage, which opens up to more revealing and insightful listening. But I definitely think there are good arguments in favor of the XM6. Their punchier, tighter approach sounds spectacular and adds a lot of dynamism and excitement, especially to the more energetic tracks.

Ultimately, this one comes down to personal preference. If you want a more intimate sound with the joys of LDAC, then the Sony WH-1000XM6 are made for you. But if you’re looking for an ultra-spacious, meticulous soundstage with clear, full sound, then the AirPods Max 2 are right up my alley. Let’s call this one a tie.

AirPods Max 2 vs Sony WH-1000XM6: design

The AirPods Max 2 and Sony WH-1000XM6 have so far proven to be very different propositions. And this is also reflected in their design.

In my opinion, the AirPods Max 2 are some of the best-looking wireless earbuds on the market today, with a very striking metallic look, a sleek fabric headband, and a selection of eye-catching colors. Sure, they look pretty much identical to the original AirPods Max, but if they’re not broken…

However, the Sony WH-1000XM6 looks pretty good. They have a sleek, cohesive and textured appearance, which looks quite similar to the XM5. The

I’d say the AirPods Max 2 have a more premium look and feel – as one would hope given the price difference – I just think they’re more striking. Plus, I prefer the flatter earcup look of the Apple Earbuds to the semi-bulky look of the XM6s.

But wait. The XM6 are not yet broken. Because if we’re talking about pure practicality, they have the pace of the AirPods Max 2. The On top of that, the XM6 comes with a fantastic magnetic lock case that’s much better than the weird smart case on the AirPods Max 2, which doesn’t even protect the headband.

Overall, though, I’ll hand this one to Apple. I like the body and foldability of the XM6, but the luxurious, eye-catching look of the AirPods Max 2 is undeniable. Yes, they’re also a bit heavier than the XM6, but I still found Apple’s cans to be very comfortable to use, meaning they’re just about up to the task for me.

AirPods Max 2 vs Sony WH-1000XM6: value

There should be no hiding the fact that the AirPods Max 2 are significantly more expensive than the Sony WH-1000XM6. Apple’s latest headphones typically cost $549 / £499 / AU$999, while Sony’s have a list price of $449 / £399 / AU$699. But which one really offers the best quality/price ratio?

As I noted above, these headphones are very different, so the answer will vary depending on a few factors. The AirPods Max 2 offer more expansive sound than the XM6, coupled with a great feature set for Apple device users and a luxurious look to boot. However, they’re definitely expensive, and while we’ve seen them pop up on sale at a few retailers (even as low as $399 in the US on Amazon Prime Day), they have some notable flaws for the price.

Battery life immediately comes to mind: 20 hours isn’t very competitive. They also lack high-resolution Bluetooth codecs and have limited compatibility with Android devices. Still, these are a great pair of headphones overall, with fantastic sound quality, looks, and iOS features.

At $449 / £399 / AU$699, the Sony WH-1000XM6 appears to be an easier sell. They offer ANC that’s easily comparable to the AirPods Max 2, a more practical design, they sound spectacular, with a punchy but well-balanced signature, and their wide compatibility is a big win, especially if you own a Windows laptop or Android phone.

These also go on sale pretty regularly, and I’ve seen them drop as low as $380/£300 lately in the US and UK respectively. Of course, if you only have Apple devices, those might not offer the same convenience as the AirPods Max 2, and Sony’s earbuds also leave out the USB-C audio pass-through and have a slightly less premium look.

It’s closer than I initially thought, but I think the Sony WH-1000XM6 offers better value in the end. For less money, you get ultra-engaging audio, top-notch ANC, better battery life, and a more versatile software setup.

AirPods Max 2 vs. Sony WH-1000XM6: verdict

So, if I could only choose one pair of these excellent headphones, which one would I recommend? In this case, I’ll give it to the Sony WH-1000XM6. Apple’s headphones are undoubtedly fantastic performers, and if you want the most spacious sound and features suitable for iOS, they will undoubtedly serve you very well. But for less money, the XM6 is only the slightly better value choice for me. Their combination of S-level ANC, balanced yet tight and punchy sound, and more versatile compatibility make them the ideal all-rounders.

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Harry is a senior opinion editor for TechRadar. He reviews everything from party speakers to wall chargers, and has a particular interest in the worlds of audio and gaming. Harry has a background in business technology journalism, particularly in the telecommunications sector.