Comparison
Compare Apple AirPods Max vs Sony WH-1000XM5
Design
| Spec | Apple AirPods Max | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Fit i | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Weight i | 384.8 g | 250 g Best ⬆ 35% better |
| Has a detachable cable i | ✖ | ✔ |
| Ingress Protection (IP) rating i | IPX4 | — |
| Water resistance i | None | None |
| Can be folded i | ✖ | ✖ |
| Is designed for kids i | ✖ | ✖ |
| Has a tangle free cable i | ✖ | ✔ |
| Travel bag is included i | ✔ | ✔ |
| Has an open-back design i | — | ✖ |
Sound quality
| Spec | Apple AirPods Max | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Has active noise cancellation (ANC) i | ✔ | ✔ |
| Lowest frequency i | 48 Hz Best ⬆ 1,100% better | 4 Hz |
| Highest frequency i | 20000 Hz | 40000 Hz Best ⬆ 100% better |
| Driver unit size i | 40 mm Best ⬆ 33% better | 30 mm |
| Impedance i | — | 48 Ohms |
| Supports spatial audio i | ✔ | ✔ |
| Sound pressure level i | — | 102 dB/mW |
| Has a neodymium magnet i | ✔ | ✔ |
| Has passive noise reduction i | ✔ | ✔ |
Power
| Spec | Apple AirPods Max | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life i | 20 hours | 40 hours Best ⬆ 100% better |
| Battery life (ANC) i | 20 hours | 30 hours Best ⬆ 50% better |
| Charge time i | 2 hours Best ⬆ 43% better | 3.5 hours |
| Has USB Type-C i | ✔ | ✔ |
| Has a battery level indicator i | ✔ | ✔ |
| Has wireless charging i | ✖ | ✖ |
| Battery power i | 1328 mAh Best ⬆ 11% better | 1200 mAh |
| Has a solar power battery i | ✖ | — |
| Has a rechargeable battery i | ✔ | ✔ |
Connectivity
| Spec | Apple AirPods Max | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Connectivity i | Wireless | Wireless & wired |
| Bluetooth version i | 5 | 5.2 Best |
| Has aptX Adaptive i | ✖ | ✖ |
| Has aptX i | ✖ | ✖ |
| Has LDAC i | ✖ | ✔ |
| Has LDHC i | ✖ | — |
| Has Bluetooth LE Audio i | ✖ | — |
| Has aptX Low Latency i | ✖ | ✖ |
| Has aptX HD i | ✖ | ✖ |
Miscellaneous
| Spec | Apple AirPods Max | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Has a 3.5mm male connector i | ✖ | ✔ |
| Has Dolby Atmos i | ✔ | ✖ |
| Can read notifications i | ✔ | ✔ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which one has better lowest frequency?
Apple AirPods Max leads with 48 Hz vs Sony WH-1000XM5's 4 Hz — a 92% difference.
Which one has better highest frequency?
Sony WH-1000XM5 leads with 40000 Hz vs Apple AirPods Max's 20000 Hz — a 50% difference.
Which one has better battery life?
Sony WH-1000XM5 leads with 40 hours vs Apple AirPods Max's 20 hours — a 50% difference.
Which one has better charge time?
Apple AirPods Max leads with 2 hours vs Sony WH-1000XM5's 3.5 hours — a 43% difference.
Which one has better weight?
Sony WH-1000XM5 leads with 250 g vs Apple AirPods Max's 384.8 g — a 35% difference.
Which one has better battery life?
Sony WH-1000XM5 leads with 30 hours vs Apple AirPods Max's 20 hours — a 33% difference.
Which one has better driver unit size?
Apple AirPods Max leads with 40 mm vs Sony WH-1000XM5's 30 mm — a 25% difference.