AirPods Max 2
H2 chip · 1.5× ANC · 24-bit USB-C lossless
Sony WH-1000XM5
Over-ear · 2022
Sony WH-1000XM5 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Max 2 lands at 92 and Sony WH-1000XM5 at 93. That puts Sony WH-1000XM5 ahead by 1 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick AirPods Max 2 if…
- ✓Up to 1.5× more effective ANC vs original AirPods Max
- ✓24-bit / 48 kHz lossless audio over included USB-C cable
- ✓H2 enables Adaptive Audio, Voice Isolation, Live Translation
Pick Sony WH-1000XM5 if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
TieTuning, detail, and staging
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Noise cancelling
AirPods Max 2ANC strength for commute and travel
AirPods Max 2 leads on anc (95 vs 91).
Comfort
Sony WH-1000XM5Long-session wearability
Sony WH-1000XM5 leads on comfort (92 vs 90).
Value for money
Sony WH-1000XM5Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
Sony WH-1000XM5 more score per dollar ($399 vs $549).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | AirPods Max 2 | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Apple H2 headphone chip | — |
| ANC | Up to 1.5× more effective vs original | — |
| Audio | 24-bit / 48 kHz lossless (USB-C wired) | — |
| Amplifier | High dynamic range | — |
| Battery | Up to 20 hours with ANC | — |
| Charging port | USB-C | — |
| Spatial audio | Personalized with dynamic head tracking | — |
| Colors | Midnight / Starlight / Orange / Purple / Blue | — |
| Features | Adaptive Audio + Voice Isolation + Live Translation | — |
| Type | — | Over-ear |
| Release year | — | 2022 |
AirPods Max 2
- +Up to 1.5× more effective ANC vs original AirPods Max
- +24-bit / 48 kHz lossless audio over included USB-C cable
- +H2 enables Adaptive Audio, Voice Isolation, Live Translation
- −Same $549 price with no battery-life increase
- −Same exterior design as 2020 original
- −Lossless requires wired USB-C connection
Sony WH-1000XM5
- +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- +Premium build
- +Active noise cancellation (most models)
- −Battery varies by codec
- −Some are Bluetooth-only
- −Price creep vs previous gen
FAQ: AirPods Max 2 vs Sony WH-1000XM5
Which is better, AirPods Max 2 or Sony WH-1000XM5? +
Sony WH-1000XM5 scores 93 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 1. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is AirPods Max 2 worth the price? +
At $549, AirPods Max 2 delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in anc.
Is Sony WH-1000XM5 worth the price? +
At $399, Sony WH-1000XM5 delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in sound.
Does AirPods Max 2 or Sony WH-1000XM5 last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for noise cancelling, AirPods Max 2 or Sony WH-1000XM5? +
AirPods Max 2 — leads on anc (95 vs 91). ANC strength for commute and travel.
Which is better for comfort, AirPods Max 2 or Sony WH-1000XM5? +
Sony WH-1000XM5 — leads on comfort (92 vs 90). Long-session wearability.