Sony WH-1000XM6 vs. AirPods Max (2025)

The battle between Sony and Apple’s premium over-ear headphones continues into 2025 — and it’s more interesting than ever. Sony’s newest top-of-the-line model, the WH-1000XM6, takes all the great things people loved about the previous version and makes them even better. Meanwhile, Apple’s AirPods Max, even though they came out five years ago, are still a strong competitor because of their cool design and really immersive spatial audio.

So, which one deserves your hard-earned cash in 2025? Let’s dig into every detail — from design to sound to smart features — and see where your money goes further.

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Design and Build Quality

When it comes to how they’re built, the AirPods Max are still the best. The materials just feel expensive—you’ve got smooth metal earcups, a strong steel headband, and a really comfortable mesh fabric on top.

They feel as premium as they cost. Even now, no other headphones feel quite as nice to hold and touch. All the little details, from the clicky dial you use for volume to the way the ear cushions snap on with magnets, show you how well-made they are.

However, there’s a cost to this craftsmanship — literally and physically. At 385g, the Max are heavy, and while Apple has done an admirable job distributing weight, long listening sessions can still fatigue some users. They also don’t fold, which makes them less travel-friendly. The infamous “case” remains almost useless for protection — more of a battery-saver than a carry case.

Sony, on the other hand, continues to prioritize comfort and portability. The WH-1000XM6 are lighter at just 254g, and they actually fold — a feature missing since the XM4 — making them easy to toss into the well-designed hard case that comes in the box. The earcups use softer, more breathable padding and a tighter clamping force for better passive isolation without discomfort.

Sony’s finish may not feel as luxurious as Apple’s aluminum, but the new matte coating resists fingerprints and scratches, and its asymmetrical headband design ensures you’ll never confuse left and right again. The XM6 are also available in three color options, while Apple offers five — but Sony’s shades look subtler and more understated.

Winner (Build): AirPods Max for luxury materials
Winner (Comfort & Portability): Sony WH-1000XM6

Features and Smart Functions

Both of these headphones are packed with premium tech, but Sony pulls ahead in functionality and flexibility.

The WH-1000XM6 are powered by Sony’s latest HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3, a chip that’s seven times faster than the QN1 found in the XM5. That gives you even better noise reduction and lower distortion. Sony continues to refine features like Adaptive Sound Control, Speak-to-Chat, and Quick Attention Mode — features that actually make a real difference in daily use.

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You also get Bluetooth 5.3, LDAC for high-resolution wireless audio, LE Audio and Auracast for ultra-low latency and broadcast streaming, Bluetooth Multipoint (connect two devices at once), Fast Pair for Android, and Swift Pair for Windows.

The XM6 still use the DSEE Extreme engine to upscale compressed tracks, and Sony’s app allows for detailed EQ tuning, personalized 360 Reality Audio profiles, and even head gesture controls (you can answer or decline calls by nodding or shaking your head).

The AirPods Max, while loaded with Apple-exclusive features, remain a bit walled off. Powered by dual Apple H1 chips, they offer seamless pairing, automatic device switching, Spatial Audio, and Adaptive EQ — but only within the Apple ecosystem. Android users lose much of this magic.

The 2024 update finally added USB-C and wired audio playback, but only through Apple’s proprietary cable (the 3.5mm cable still costs extra). They still lack multipoint Bluetooth, and codec support is limited to AAC and SBC — no LDAC or aptX.

When it comes to pure versatility, Sony’s ecosystem-agnostic approach wins easily.

Winner (Features): Sony WH-1000XM6

Noise Cancellation and Transparency

When Apple launched the AirPods Max in 2020, they showed everyone how good noise cancellation could be. Even now, years later, they’re still one of the best at blocking out sound. Their adaptive ANC system, powered by a nine-microphone array, dynamically adjusts to your environment, while Transparency Mode is among the most natural-sounding available.

But Sony didn’t just catch up — it overtook Apple in some areas. The WH-1000XM6 use 12 microphones and the more powerful QN3 chip to deliver cleaner, faster, and more environment-aware noise cancellation. The system continuously adapts in real time to your location and movement.

Also Read: Sony WH-1000XM6 vs WH-1000XM5

In practical testing — from city streets to subways — the XM6 blocks out low-frequency rumbles and human chatter more effectively than the Max. Transparency Mode is similarly natural and slightly more balanced in tone.

For call quality, Sony again shines: voices sound clearer and background noise is better suppressed, making them excellent for commuting and meetings.

Winner (ANC & Calls): Sony WH-1000XM6

Sound Quality

This is where both headphones prove their pedigree, though the Sony WH-1000XM6 take a noticeable leap forward.

The XM6 features new 30mm carbon fiber dome drivers designed to reduce distortion while improving transient response. The result is a cleaner, more open, and more dynamic sound signature than the XM5 — and yes, even the AirPods Max.

There’s a strong sense of detail and spatial separation; vocals feel natural and centered, bass is deep but never muddy, and the midrange has just enough warmth to make everything feel musical. The rhythmic energy and dynamic range make them engaging for every genre.

The AirPods Max, with their 40mm dynamic drivers and dual-neodymium ring magnets, still sound superb — rich, balanced, and cinematic. Spatial Audio remains one of their biggest strengths, creating an immersive 3D soundstage that’s unmatched when paired with Apple Music or TV+.

However, the Max can feel slightly less open and more processed compared to the XM6, especially outside Apple’s ecosystem. Without lossless or hi-res codec support, the AirPods Max are limited for critical listeners.

Winner (Sound Quality): Sony WH-1000XM6

Connectivity and Compatibility

Here the difference is simple: Apple keeps you locked in, Sony sets you free.

The AirPods Max deliver their best experience only within the Apple universe — seamless pairing, automatic switching, Siri integration, and Spatial Audio all require iOS or macOS. With Android or Windows, they’re just another pair of Bluetooth headphones.

Sony’s WH-1000XM6 are designed to work everywhere — Android, iOS, Windows, PlayStation, or even directly with TVs. The inclusion of 3.5mm analog audio gives them an edge for wired listening, and LE Audio ensures low latency for gaming or video.

Both use USB-C for charging, but only Sony includes a 3.5mm cable in the box.

Winner (Connectivity): Sony WH-1000XM6

Battery Life and Charging

Battery performance is another decisive factor.

The AirPods Max promise 20 hours of playback with ANC on. A 5-minute charge gives about 1.5 hours of listening, which is handy, but their total endurance feels limited compared to modern rivals.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 easily double that: 30 hours with ANC on, and up to 40 hours without. Fast charging gives 5 hours of playback in just 10 minutes. Sony’s efficiency improvements make them more travel-friendly, especially for long-haul flights or extended use.

Winner (Battery): Sony WH-1000XM6

Price and Value

Pricing paints a clear picture.

• Sony WH-1000XM6: $450 (often discounted)
• Apple AirPods Max: $549 (typically around $479 on sale)

The AirPods Max are more expensive. You’re paying for their amazing build quality and how perfectly they work with other Apple devices. But if you’re looking for the better overall deal, the Sony XM6 are it. They simply sound better, block out more noise, and have more up-to-date features.

Winner (Value): Sony WH-1000XM6

Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

Both the Sony WH-1000XM6 and the AirPods Max are excellent headphones, but they’re really made for different kinds of people.

If you’re deep in the Apple world and you care most about great design, top-notch build quality, and how easily everything works together, the AirPods Max are still a fantastic choice. Their Spatial Audio is still the best you can get, and they’re built so well that they’ll easily last you for years.

But if you care more about sound quality, portability, battery life, and platform freedom, the Sony WH-1000XM6 clearly come out ahead. They deliver the most detailed, dynamic, and natural sound Sony has ever produced, with noise cancellation that rivals — and often surpasses — Apple’s best.

The new Sony XM6 aren’t just a small step up; they’re a major leap forward. They’re a smart, well-rounded, and feature-filled upgrade that’s really tough to top right now.

Final Winner: Sony WH-1000XM6