Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) vs Sony WH-1000XM6
The Verdict
The Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) and Sony WH-1000XM6 sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the cheaper of the two at $450 versus $549, a difference of about $99. The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) stands out for outstanding sound quality with rich, detailed audio across all frequencies, while Sony WH-1000XM6 is praised for qn3 processor delivers industry-leading anc. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) if…
- →Outstanding sound quality with rich, detailed audio across all frequencies
- →Best-in-class ANC with 9-microphone array blocks virtually all noise
- →Premium build with stainless steel, aluminum, and mesh canopy
Buy the Sony WH-1000XM6 if…
- →QN3 processor delivers industry-leading ANC
- →40-hour battery life with ANC
- →Foldable design returns (compact case)
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods Max (Lightning)
Pros
- Outstanding sound quality with rich, detailed audio across all frequencies
- Best-in-class ANC with 9-microphone array blocks virtually all noise
- Premium build with stainless steel, aluminum, and mesh canopy
- Digital Crown provides precise, tactile volume and playback control
- 20-hour battery life easily lasts multiple days of use
Cons
- Extremely expensive at $549 — most costly consumer headphones
- 384.8 g is noticeably heavy for long listening sessions
- Lightning port instead of USB-C is frustrating
- Smart Case doesn't fully protect the headphones and looks odd
- No power button — relies on Smart Case for low power mode
Sony WH-1000XM6
Pros
- QN3 processor delivers industry-leading ANC
- 40-hour battery life with ANC
- Foldable design returns (compact case)
- LDAC + LC3 codec support for hi-res audio
- Charge while listening via USB-C
Cons
- $450 is $50 more than XM5
- 230g is still heavier than some competitors
- No aptX Lossless support
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) | Sony WH-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 384.8 g | 230 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 20 hrs with ANC | Up to 40 hours (ANC on) |
| Charging | Lightning, 5 min = 1.5 hrs playback | USB-C, 3 min = 3 hours, charge while listening |
| Drivers | 40mm Apple-designed dynamic driver | 30mm carbon fiber composite |
| Features | Active Noise Cancellation with 9 microphones, Transparency mode, Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Adaptive EQ, Digital Crown for volume control, Stainless steel frame with aluminum ear cups, Mesh knit canopy headband | QN3 HD processor (7x faster than QN1), 12 microphones for ANC, Foldable design, 360 Reality Audio, DSEE Extreme upscaling, Cinema upmix mode, Speak-to-chat |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.4 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | — |
Want to compare a third product?
Add another product for a 3-way comparison.
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.
Explore more in headphones, see all Apple products or all Sony products. View full details for the Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) or the Sony WH-1000XM6.