Apple
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)
H1 · ANC · Spatial Audio · USB-C
89
/ 100
From $549
VS
Sony WH-1000XM6 wins by 6
Sony
Sony WH-1000XM6
LDAC · 30 h · 12-mic ANC with QN3
95
/ 100
From $449
Specdex verdict
Sony WH-1000XM6 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) lands at 89 and Sony WH-1000XM6 at 95. That puts Sony WH-1000XM6 ahead by 6 points — a decisive 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-1000XM6 if…
- ✓Best sound quality in ANC class
- ✓LDAC + multipoint + Auracast support
- ✓Excellent EQ app and ANC tuning
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) 89
vs 95 Sony WH-1000XM6
Score breakdown
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)
89 anc 92
sound 92
comfort 80
battery 84
features 90
Sony WH-1000XM6
95 anc 94
sound 96
comfort 92
battery 88
features 96
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) | Sony WH-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Driver | 40 mm dynamic | 30 mm dynamic |
| ANC | Hybrid 9-mic | Hybrid · 12-mic with QN3 HD Noise Cancelling Processor |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 LE |
| Codecs | AAC + Lossless USB-C | LDAC + LC3 + AAC + SBC |
| Battery | 20 hr (with ANC) | ▲ 30 h (24 with ANC on) |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C, 3 min for 3 h |
| Weight | 384 g | ▲ 254 g |
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)
Pros
- +Best-in-class build quality
- +Apple ecosystem integration
- +USB-C with lossless support (Vision Pro)
Cons
- −No new chip vs original
- −Heavy at 384g
- −No fold-flat design
Sony WH-1000XM6
Pros
- +Best sound quality in ANC class
- +LDAC + multipoint + Auracast support
- +Excellent EQ app and ANC tuning
Cons
- −ANC marginally trails Bose QC Ultra
- −Plastic build vs premium rivals
- −No higher-res codecs above LDAC
FAQ: Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) vs Sony WH-1000XM6
Which is better, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) or Sony WH-1000XM6? +
Sony WH-1000XM6 scores 95 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 6. 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-1000XM6 worth the price? +
At $449, Sony WH-1000XM6 delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in sound.
Does Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) 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.