Apple AirPods Max (1st Gen) vs Sony ULT Wear
The Verdict
Apple AirPods Max deliver premium sound with computational audio and seamless ecosystem integration, featuring dual H1 chips, spatial audio with head tracking, and a luxurious aluminum design. Sony ULT Wear counters with superior battery life (30-50 hours vs 20 hours), multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, LDAC hi-res audio support, and a significantly lighter 255g frame. Sound quality favors Apple's tuning and spatial capabilities, while Sony excels in practical longevity and connectivity flexibility. ULT Wear's USB-C quick charging (10 min for 5 hrs) beats Lightning, and the ULT button offers customizable bass enhancement. At $199 versus $549, Sony provides exceptional value for everyday listening without Apple's ecosystem lock-in. Choose AirPods Max if you're invested in Apple devices and prioritize immersive spatial audio; select ULT Wear for versatility, endurance, and budget-conscious performance.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple AirPods Max (1st Gen) if…
- →Exceptional sound quality with rich, detailed, balanced audio
- →Best-in-class ANC that rivals top over-ear headphones
- →Spatial Audio with head tracking is immersive and seamless
Buy the Sony ULT Wear if…
- →ULT bass button adds two levels of genuinely impactful bass boost
- →50-hour battery without ANC is industry-leading endurance
- →LDAC hi-res audio and multipoint at just $199 is outstanding value
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods Max (1st Gen)
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality with rich, detailed, balanced audio
- Best-in-class ANC that rivals top over-ear headphones
- Spatial Audio with head tracking is immersive and seamless
- Premium aluminium and steel build quality feels genuinely luxurious
- Seamless and instant switching within the Apple ecosystem
Cons
- Very heavy at 385 g — can cause fatigue during long listening sessions
- Lightning charging is outdated (1st gen)
- No Bluetooth multipoint and limited functionality outside Apple ecosystem
- No hard case included — soft Smart Case does not protect well
- Premium price is hard to justify over cheaper alternatives
Sony ULT Wear
Pros
- ULT bass button adds two levels of genuinely impactful bass boost
- 50-hour battery without ANC is industry-leading endurance
- LDAC hi-res audio and multipoint at just $199 is outstanding value
- Effective ANC that rivals headphones at twice the price
- Sony's proven comfort and lightweight design
Cons
- ULT bass mode can overwhelm mids and treble at max setting
- No IP rating — not suitable for gym or outdoor use
- Bluetooth 5.2 instead of newer 5.3
- Plastic build feels less premium than XM5
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple AirPods Max (1st Gen) | Sony ULT Wear |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 385 g | 255 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 20 hrs (ANC and Spatial Audio on) | 30 hrs (ANC on), 50 hrs (ANC off) |
| Charging | Lightning | USB-C, 10-min quick charge for 5 hrs |
| Drivers | 40 mm Apple-designed dynamic driver | 40 mm |
| Features | Apple H1 chip per earcup (two chips total), Computational audio for dynamic EQ and ANC, Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Seamless Apple device switching, Aluminum earcups and stainless steel headband, Smart Case | ULT button for extra bass — two bass boost levels, Adaptive Sound Control, LDAC hi-res audio, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Speak-to-Chat auto-pause, 360 Reality Audio |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | None |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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