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AirPods Max (USB-C) — H1 · Spatial Audio · Dynamic Head Tracking
Apple

AirPods Max (USB-C)

H1 · Spatial Audio · Dynamic Head Tracking

88
/ 100
From $549
VS
Sony WH-1000XM5 wins by 5
Sony WH-1000XM5 — Over-ear · 2022
Sony

Sony WH-1000XM5

Over-ear · 2022

93
/ 100
From $399
Specdex verdict

Sony WH-1000XM5 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Max (USB-C) lands at 88 and Sony WH-1000XM5 at 93. That puts Sony WH-1000XM5 ahead by 5 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick AirPods Max (USB-C) if…

  • ✓Premium aluminum build
  • ✓Seamless Apple integration
  • ✓Head-tracked spatial audio

Pick Sony WH-1000XM5 if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Tie

Tuning, detail, and staging

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Noise cancelling

Tie

ANC strength for commute and travel

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Comfort

Sony WH-1000XM5

Long-session wearability

Sony WH-1000XM5 leads on comfort (92 vs 82).

Value for money

Sony WH-1000XM5

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Sony WH-1000XM5 more score per dollar ($399 vs $549).

AirPods Max (USB-C) 88
vs
93 Sony WH-1000XM5

Score breakdown

AirPods Max (USB-C)
88
anc 92
sound 92
comfort 82
battery 82
features 86
Sony WH-1000XM5
93
anc 91
sound 93
comfort 92
battery 82
features 89

Specs side-by-side

AirPods Max (USB-C) versus Sony WH-1000XM5 — full spec comparison
Spec AirPods Max (USB-C) Sony WH-1000XM5
Driver
40 mm dynamic
—
Codecs
AAC, SBC
—
Battery
20 h
—
Weight
384 g
—
Connectivity
BT 5.0, USB-C lossless
—
Type
—
Over-ear
Release year
—
2022

AirPods Max (USB-C)

Pros
  • +Premium aluminum build
  • +Seamless Apple integration
  • +Head-tracked spatial audio
Cons
  • −Still uses H1 (not H2)
  • −Heavy at 384 g
  • −No power button / auto-pause

Sony WH-1000XM5

Pros
  • +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • +Premium build
  • +Active noise cancellation (most models)
Cons
  • −Battery varies by codec
  • −Some are Bluetooth-only
  • −Price creep vs previous gen

FAQ: AirPods Max (USB-C) vs Sony WH-1000XM5

Which is better, AirPods Max (USB-C) or Sony WH-1000XM5? +

Sony WH-1000XM5 scores 93 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 5. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is AirPods Max (USB-C) worth the price? +

At $549, AirPods Max (USB-C) delivers a Specdex score of 88 — 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 (USB-C) 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 comfort, AirPods Max (USB-C) or Sony WH-1000XM5? +

Sony WH-1000XM5 — leads on comfort (92 vs 82). Long-session wearability.

Which is the better value, AirPods Max (USB-C) or Sony WH-1000XM5? +

Sony WH-1000XM5 — more score per dollar ($399 vs $549). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.