Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)
H1 · ANC · Spatial Audio · USB-C
Sony WH-1000XM5
Over-ear · 2022
Sony WH-1000XM5 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) lands at 89 and Sony WH-1000XM5 at 93. That puts Sony WH-1000XM5 ahead by 4 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) if…
- ✓Best-in-class build quality
- ✓Apple ecosystem integration
- ✓USB-C with lossless support (Vision Pro)
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
TieANC strength for commute and travel
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Comfort
Sony WH-1000XM5Long-session wearability
Sony WH-1000XM5 leads on comfort (92 vs 80).
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 | Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Driver | 40 mm dynamic | — |
| ANC | Hybrid 9-mic | — |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | — |
| Codecs | AAC + Lossless USB-C | — |
| Battery | 20 hr (with ANC) | — |
| Charging | USB-C | — |
| Weight | 384 g | — |
| Type | — | Over-ear |
| Release year | — | 2022 |
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)
- +Best-in-class build quality
- +Apple ecosystem integration
- +USB-C with lossless support (Vision Pro)
- −No new chip vs original
- −Heavy at 384g
- −No fold-flat design
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: Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) vs Sony WH-1000XM5
Which is better, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) or Sony WH-1000XM5? +
Sony WH-1000XM5 scores 93 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 4. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) worth the price? +
At $549, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) delivers a Specdex score of 89 — 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 Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) 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, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) or Sony WH-1000XM5? +
Sony WH-1000XM5 — leads on comfort (92 vs 80). Long-session wearability.
Which is the better value, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) or Sony WH-1000XM5? +
Sony WH-1000XM5 — more score per dollar ($399 vs $549). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.