I compared the AirPods Max 2 vs the Sony WH-1000XM6 for hours, and it's a really close contest with some clear differences but theres one winner for me

Date:
Sun, 05 Jul 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Description:
Should you buy the AirPods Max 2 or Sony WH-1000XM6? I tested them against each other to find out.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter AirPods Max 2 434.97 at Laptops Direct 469 at very.co.uk 499 at Amazon 499 at EE Tech & Gaming



Thanks to their new H2 chip, the AirPods Max 2 offer punchier sound, stronger ANC, and a more compelling feature-set than their predecessor, and iOS users will get an especially top-level overall user experience. Yes, we wouldve liked to see some higher-res wireless codecs on board, and the underwhelming 20-hour battery life is still here, but their expansive and emotive sound and beautiful design ensures theyre still a hit. Pros Incredibly expansive soundstage Eye-catching metallic design Vast swathe of iOS-friendly features Cons Less versatile for Android users Way heavier than the XM6 20-hour
battery life is weak Sony WH-1000XM6 299 at Sony UK 299 at Amazon 299 at very.co.uk 299 at Currys



The Sony WH-1000XM6 are a fantastic pair of over-ear headphones that combine the best design elements of their predecessors, while leveling up the sonic and ANC capabilities of what came before. With super-clean touch controls, an ultra-comfy fit and a ton of features at your disposal, theres a lot to love about these headphones. Pros Punchy and tight yet well-balanced sound Foldability makes them ultra-compact Cheaper than the AirPods Max 2 Cons Lack the visual flair of the AirPods Max 2 Earcups are on the bulky side AirPods Max 2 have a more spacious sound signature Having tested countless pairs of ANC headphones, it takes something special to truly wow me. But today, were going to compare two sets of premium cans that did exactly that: Apple s AirPods Max 2, and Sony s WH-1000XM6.

If youre considering which pair of headphones are for you, Ive got you covered. Ive spent hours testing both sets side by side, assessing each model on their feature-sets, performance, design, and most importantly, value for money. The AirPods Max 2 and Sony WH-1000XM6 are both wonderful headphones, and each earned a 4.5 star review and hearty recommendation from us here at TechRadar. Theyre different in more ways than you may expect, offering a pretty unique listening and user experience, but ultimately, theres one set
Id pick over the other. Curious to hear my verdict? The scroll on down to see this clash for the ages to unfurl. Latest Videos From Watch full video here: AirPods Max 2 vs Sony WH-1000XM6: price & specs Swipe to scroll horizontally Header Cell - Column 0

AirPods Max 2

Sony WH-1000XM6

Price

$549 / 499 / AU$999

$449 / 399 / AU$699

Drivers

40mm custom

30mm dynamic

Active noise cancellation

Yes

Yes

Battery life

20 hours

30 hours

Weight

13.6 oz / 386g

8.96 oz / 254g

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C

Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm Today's best Apple AirPods Max 2 and Sony WH-1000XM6 deals Apple AirPods Max 2 499 View Deal See all prices Sony WH-1000XM6 299 View Deal See all prices We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices AirPods Max 2 vs Sony WH-1000XM6: features Both the AirPods Max 2 and Sony WH-1000XM6 are rammed with features, but theres one major point of differentiation Apples cans are heavily tailored towards iOS users.

Thats right, the AirPods Max 2 have a lot of features that Android users wont get access to. Stuff like Spatial Audio, auto-device switching, Siri, and Apple Intelligence integrations. This is understandable, although its a shame that Android users have no way to directly alter the headphones EQ. Apple users get a fantastic range of options to choose from, though, with stuff
like Live Translation and the head-tracked Spatial Audio really standing out. You may like AirPods Max 2 vs B&W's Px8 S2: which is best? AirPods Max 2 review: battery life is the only minor bugbear in an otherwise phenomenal set of headphones for iPhone-owners Sony 1000X The Collexion review: these luxurious headphones are serious AirPods Max 2 rivals

Sonys headphones are undeniably more versatile, with myriad features
available to both iOS and Android users. They have no end of options, with a 10-band EQ, scene-based listening, a Cinema upmix mode, speak to chat, and mic-mute. This is all controlled by Sonys Sound Connect app, which is easy to use, although some settings do feel a little hidden in sub-menus. (Image credit: Future) But how about the main event: ANC? This is a much closer
fight than I expected, actually. See, the XM6 offer class-leading noise canceling capabilities, and even when Ive used them on flights theyve
silenced the sound of the deep jet engines firing or conversations happening around me. But the AirPods Max 2 are genuinely very competitive, even against the XM6. In my office, the sounds of keyboards clacking, colleagues talking, and cars passing by outside were totally crushed. Both headphones are
top-tier when it comes to noise cancelling, and Id argue they even rival
Bose. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Another crucial area to explore is battery life. The Sony WH-1000XM6 keep things pretty standard with 30 hours of battery life with ANC on. This is the typical figure youll see for headphones in this kind of price range nothing special, but enough to get you through a fair few days of listening. The AirPods Max 2, however, only supply 20 hours with ANC on. Thats just not good enough, and falls well short of the competition. If you dont want to charge your cans all too often, then the XM6 are a better pick.

There are a few other areas where the XM6 prevail over the AirPods Max 2 as well, such as their superior call quality and background noise supression, inclusion of intuitive and precise touch controls over Apples digital crown, and use of DSEE Extreme for upscaling lower-quality audio files.

So, if youre an iOS user, the AirPods Max 2 definitely have some snazzy features up their sleeves including some smart options that the XM6 leave out. Each are great when it comes to ANC, and are on relatively even footing there. But Sonys cans offer superior compatibility, battery life, and call quality, making them the overall winner in this category. What to read next I've used Sony's WH-1000XM6 headphones every day since they came out a year ago here's why they're my favorite headphones, even over Bose, AirPods and Sonys fancier Collexion I use the Sony WH-1000XM6 every day and now they're
at a record-low price What are the best AirPods to buy today? I've used every model, and here are my recommendations (Image credit: Future) AirPods Max 2
vs Sony WH-1000XM6: sound quality This is what you really came here for, right? But before I get into my sound comparison, lets take a look at a few technical differences.

Like their predecessor, the Sony WH-1000XM5 , the Sony WH-1000XM6 use 30mm dynamic drivers, except theyve been redesigned with high-rigidity carbon
fiber for better performance across the frequency range. They also feature Sonys QN3 processor featuring a noise-shaper, which pre-empts sudden sound changes for a more controlled listening experience.

On the other hand, the AirPods Max 2 use custom 40mm drivers just as the original AirPods Max did. However, the sequel added a new amplifier alongside Apples H2 processor, which is intended to supply more detailed, cleaner
sound. Unlike the LDAC-equipped XM6, the AirPods Max 2 have no higher-res Bluetooth codec support, although you can access lossless playback via the headphones USB-C port.

Now that weve got that out of the way, lets get into my listening comparison. In Journey by Ruze, the differences between the two pairs of headphones were clear. With the AirPods Max 2, I was treated to a spacious, immersive interpretation, with expansive vocals and dreamy synths showing off the headphones nuanced soundstage.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 went for a different approach, with a tighter and
punchier take. Bass came through with the kind of impact that instantly demanded my attention. Vocals and synths were also really clear and well separated in the mix, but didnt have quite as much of an expansive quality. (Image credit: Future) Moving over to something softer with Sakamichi by Yuta Orisaka and it was a similar story again. Vocals were emotive and tonally accurate, and were elegantly separated from strumming guitars. Percussion was also rhythmic and well-defined in the mix, and the broad soundstage exposed the tracks layers with finesse.

The XM6 excelled too, and vocals had excellent clarity in the mix, warped electric guitars sounded brilliantly separated almost as if they were operating in a separate pocket. Meanwhile, the warmth of the tracks bass came through beautifully, and subtle percussive elements were weighted nicely too. Despite this, there was still a tightness to the sound the direct and cohesive sound of the XM6 is simply very striking.

So, which headphones sound better? I think its a question thats harder to answer than you may expect. On a strictly technical level, Id argue that the AirPods Max 2 offer a bit more nuance, thanks to their wider soundstage,
which opens up a more revealing and insightful listen. But I really do think theres a case to be made for the XM6. Their punchier, tighter approach sounds spectacular, and adds a lot of vim and excitement especially to more energetic tracks.

Ultimately, this ones down to personal preference. If you want a more
intimate sound with the joys of LDAC, then the Sony WH-1000XM6 are for you. But if youre looking for an ultra-spacious, meticulous soundstage with clean all-round sound, then the AirPods Max 2 get the nod for me. Lets call this
one a tie. (Image credit: Future) AirPods Max 2 vs Sony WH-1000XM6: design
The AirPods Max 2 and Sony WH-1000XM6 have shown themselves to be very different propositions so far. And thats reflected in their design as well.

In my view, the AirPods Max 2 are some of the best-looking wireless
headphones on the market today, with a super-striking metallic look, an elegant fabric headband, and a selection of eye-catching colors. Sure, they look just about identical to the original AirPods Max, but if it aint broke

The Sony WH-1000XM6 look pretty good themselves, though. They have a sleek, cohesive, and textured appearance, which resembles the XM5 pretty closely.
The XM6 have more of an understated selection of colors than the AirPods Max
2 personally I prefer what Apples headphones have to offer, but its totally down to personal preference. (Image credit: Future) Id argue that the AirPods Max 2 have a more premium look and feel as youd hope considering the price difference I just think theyre more striking. In addition, I prefer the flatter appearance of the earcups on Apples headphones to the semi-bulky look of the XM6s.

But hang on. The XM6 arent down and out just yet. Because if were talking about pure practicality, they have the AirPods Max 2 beat. The XM6 are
totally foldable, making them phenomenally compact if you want to toss them into a small bag, whereas Apples headphones are a bit more rigid. On top of that, the XM6 come with a fantastic magnet-lock case that's far better than the bizarre smart case of the AirPods Max 2, which doesnt even protect the headband.

Overall, though, Im gonna hand this one to Apple. I do like the case and foldability of the XM6 for sure, but the attention-grabbing, luxurious look
of the AirPods Max 2 is undeniable. Yes, theyre also a fair bit heavier than the XM6 too, but I still found Apples cans very comfortable in use, meaning they just about edge it for me. (Image credit: Future) AirPods Max 2 vs Sony WH-1000XM6: value Theres no hiding the fact that the AirPods Max 2 are significantly pricier than the Sony WH-1000XM6. Apples latest headphones typically come in at $549 / 499 / AU$999, while Sonys have a list price of $449 / 399 / AU$699. But which one actually offers better value for money?

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, paired with an excellent set of features for Apple device users and a luxurious look to boot. They are definitely on the expensive side, though, and although weve seen them pop up on sale with a few retailers (even as low as $399 in the US over Amazon Prime Day), they do have some notable flaws for the price.

The battery life instantly comes to mind 20 hours isnt very competitive.
They also lack higher-res Bluetooth codecs, and their compatibility with Android devices is limited. Still, theyre a great pair of headphones overall, with fantastic sound quality, looks, and iOS functionality. (Image credit: Future) At $449 / 399 / AU$699, the Sony WH-1000XM6 feel like an easier sell. They offer ANC thats easily on par with the AirPods Max 2, a more practical design, they sound spectacular, with a punchy yet well-balanced signature,
and their broad compatibility is a big win especially if you own a Windows laptop or Android phone.

These are also on sale fairly regularly, and Ive seen them drop as low as
$380 / 300 in recent times in the US and UK respectively. Sure, if you only have Apple devices, these may not offer the same convenience as the AirPods Max 2, and Sonys headphones also leave out USB-C audio passthrough and have a slightly less premium look.

Its closer than I initially thought, but I do think the Sony WH-1000XM6 are better value when alls said and done. For less money, you get super-engaging sound, top-tier ANC, better battery life, and a more versatile software
setup. (Image credit: Future) AirPods Max 2 vs Sony WH-1000XM6: verdict So,
if I could only choose one pair of these excellent headphones, which would I recommend? In this instance, Im going to hand it to the Sony WH-1000XM6. Apples headphones are undoubtedly fantastic performers, and if you want the most spacious sound and features tailored for iOS, theyll undoubtedly serve you very well. But for less money, the XM6 are just the slightly better value pick for me. Their combination of S-tier ANC, balanced, yet tight and punchy sound, and more versatile compatibility make them the ideal all-rounders. Today's best Apple AirPods Max 2 and Sony WH-1000XM6 deals Apple AirPods Max 2 499 View Deal See all prices Sony WH-1000XM6 299 View Deal See all prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. The best noise cancelling
headphones for all budgets Our top picks, based on real-world testing and comparisons

Read our full guide to the best noise cancelling headphones 1. Best overall: Sony WH-1000XM6 2. Best mid-range: Bose QuietComfort Headphones 3. Best under $100/100: 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 4. Best under $60/50: Soundcore Q30



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/audio/wireless-headphones/airpods-max-2-vs-sony-wh-1 000xm6


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