AirPods Max 2
92/100 editorial
US launch / reference: $549
Manufacturer source ↗AirPods Max 2 vs Sony WH-1000XM6
Sony WH-1000XM6 leads by 3 editorial points. Your priorities and current prices can change the better choice.
Sony WH-1000XM6
95/100 editorial
US launch / reference: $449
Manufacturer source ↗Start with the tradeoffs
Consider AirPods Max 2 for
- 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
Tradeoff: Same $549 price with no battery-life increase
Consider Sony WH-1000XM6 for
- Best sound quality in ANC class
- LDAC + multipoint + Auracast support
- Excellent EQ app and ANC tuning
Tradeoff: ANC marginally trails Bose QC Ultra
Scores and judgments are editorial. Specdex does not run an in-house benchmark lab. Manufacturer claims and independent measurements may use different test conditions.
Editorial fit by scenario
Sound quality
Sony WH-1000XM6
leads on sound (96 vs 93)
Based on available shared editorial ratings.
Noise cancelling
Effectively tied
neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead
Based on available shared editorial ratings.
Comfort
Sony WH-1000XM6
leads on comfort (92 vs 90)
Based on available shared editorial ratings.
Specifications side by side
Arrows indicate a higher capacity, higher power rating, or lower weight/time for comparable simple quantities. They do not establish overall product quality. Unknown values remain unavailable.
| Specification | AirPods Max 2 | Sony WH-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Apple H2 headphone chip | Not documented |
| ANC | Up to 1.5× more effective vs original | Hybrid · 12-mic with QN3 HD Noise Cancelling Processor |
| Audio | 24-bit / 48 kHz lossless (USB-C wired) | Not documented |
| Amplifier | High dynamic range | Not documented |
| Battery | Up to 20 hours with ANC | 30 h (24 with ANC on) |
| Charging port | USB-C | Not documented |
| Spatial audio | Personalized with dynamic head tracking | Not documented |
| Colors | Midnight / Starlight / Orange / Purple / Blue | Not documented |
| Features | Adaptive Audio + Voice Isolation + Live Translation | Not documented |
| Driver | Not documented | 30 mm dynamic |
| Bluetooth | Not documented | 5.3 LE |
| Codecs | Not documented | LDAC + LC3 + AAC + SBC |
| Charging | Not documented | USB-C, 3 min for 3 h |
| Weight | Not documented | 254 g |
Inspect the shared editorial ratings
Missing criteria are excluded from pairwise scenarios. A difference below two points is treated as a tie. These are not raw benchmarks.
- anc
- 95 / 94
- sound
- 93 / 96
- comfort
- 90 / 92
- battery
- 84 / 88
- features
- 94 / 96
AirPods Max 2
Prices & availability
US launch / reference: $549. This is not a current retailer offer.
Checking current offers…
Price history
History appears when an approved retailer provides observations.
Prices apply to the listed configuration and condition. Tax and shipping are not included unless the retailer states otherwise.
Sony WH-1000XM6
Prices & availability
US launch / reference: $449. This is not a current retailer offer.
Checking current offers…
Price history
History appears when an approved retailer provides observations.
Prices apply to the listed configuration and condition. Tax and shipping are not included unless the retailer states otherwise.