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Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) — H1 · ANC · Spatial Audio · USB-C
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 WH-1000XM6 — LDAC · 30 h · 12-mic ANC with QN3
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
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Winner by scenario

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

Sound quality

Sony WH-1000XM6

Tuning, detail, and staging

Sony WH-1000XM6 leads on sound (96 vs 92).

Noise cancelling

Sony WH-1000XM6

ANC strength for commute and travel

Sony WH-1000XM6 leads on anc (94 vs 92).

Comfort

Sony WH-1000XM6

Long-session wearability

Sony WH-1000XM6 leads on comfort (92 vs 80).

Value for money

Sony WH-1000XM6

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Sony WH-1000XM6 more score per dollar ($449 vs $549).

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

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) versus Sony WH-1000XM6 — full spec comparison
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.

Which is better for sound quality, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) or Sony WH-1000XM6? +

Sony WH-1000XM6 — leads on sound (96 vs 92). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) or Sony WH-1000XM6? +

Sony WH-1000XM6 — leads on anc (94 vs 92). ANC strength for commute and travel.