AirPods Max 2
H2 chip · 1.5× ANC · 24-bit USB-C lossless
Sony WH-1000XM6
LDAC · 30 h · 12-mic ANC with QN3
Sony WH-1000XM6 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Max 2 lands at 92 and Sony WH-1000XM6 at 95. That puts Sony WH-1000XM6 ahead by 3 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-1000XM6 if…
- ✓Best sound quality in ANC class
- ✓LDAC + multipoint + Auracast support
- ✓Excellent EQ app and ANC tuning
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
Sony WH-1000XM6Tuning, detail, and staging
Sony WH-1000XM6 leads on sound (96 vs 93).
Noise cancelling
TieANC strength for commute and travel
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Comfort
Sony WH-1000XM6Long-session wearability
Sony WH-1000XM6 leads on comfort (92 vs 90).
Value for money
Sony WH-1000XM6Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
Sony WH-1000XM6 more score per dollar ($449 vs $549).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | AirPods Max 2 | Sony WH-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Apple H2 headphone chip | — |
| 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) | — |
| Amplifier | High dynamic range | — |
| Battery | Up to 20 hours with ANC | ▲ 30 h (24 with ANC on) |
| Charging port | USB-C | — |
| Spatial audio | Personalized with dynamic head tracking | — |
| Colors | Midnight / Starlight / Orange / Purple / Blue | — |
| Features | Adaptive Audio + Voice Isolation + Live Translation | — |
| Driver | — | 30 mm dynamic |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.3 LE |
| Codecs | — | LDAC + LC3 + AAC + SBC |
| Charging | — | USB-C, 3 min for 3 h |
| Weight | — | 254 g |
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-1000XM6
- +Best sound quality in ANC class
- +LDAC + multipoint + Auracast support
- +Excellent EQ app and ANC tuning
- −ANC marginally trails Bose QC Ultra
- −Plastic build vs premium rivals
- −No higher-res codecs above LDAC
FAQ: AirPods Max 2 vs Sony WH-1000XM6
Which is better, AirPods Max 2 or Sony WH-1000XM6? +
Sony WH-1000XM6 scores 95 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. 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-1000XM6 worth the price? +
At $449, Sony WH-1000XM6 delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in sound.
Does AirPods Max 2 or Sony WH-1000XM6 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 sound quality, AirPods Max 2 or Sony WH-1000XM6? +
Sony WH-1000XM6 — leads on sound (96 vs 93). Tuning, detail, and staging.
Which is better for comfort, AirPods Max 2 or Sony WH-1000XM6? +
Sony WH-1000XM6 — leads on comfort (92 vs 90). Long-session wearability.