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Sony WH-1000XM3 — Over-ear · 2018
Sony

Sony WH-1000XM3

Over-ear · 2018

86
/ 100
From $349
VS
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) wins by 3
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
Specdex verdict

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Sony WH-1000XM3 lands at 86 and Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) at 89. That puts Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) ahead by 3 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Sony WH-1000XM3 if…

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

Pick Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) if…

  • ✓Best-in-class build quality
  • ✓Apple ecosystem integration
  • ✓USB-C with lossless support (Vision Pro)
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Winner by scenario

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

Sound quality

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)

Tuning, detail, and staging

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) leads on sound (92 vs 86).

Noise cancelling

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)

ANC strength for commute and travel

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) leads on anc (92 vs 84).

Comfort

Sony WH-1000XM3

Long-session wearability

Sony WH-1000XM3 leads on comfort (85 vs 80).

Value for money

Sony WH-1000XM3

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Sony WH-1000XM3 more score per dollar ($349 vs $549).

Sony WH-1000XM3 86
vs
89 Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)

Score breakdown

Sony WH-1000XM3
86
anc 84
sound 86
comfort 85
battery 82
features 82
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)
89
anc 92
sound 92
comfort 80
battery 84
features 90

Specs side-by-side

Sony WH-1000XM3 versus Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) — full spec comparison
Spec Sony WH-1000XM3 Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)
Type
Over-ear
—
Release year
2018
—
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

Sony WH-1000XM3

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

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

FAQ: Sony WH-1000XM3 vs Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)

Which is better, Sony WH-1000XM3 or Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)? +

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) scores 89 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Sony WH-1000XM3 worth the price? +

At $349, Sony WH-1000XM3 delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in sound.

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.

Does Sony WH-1000XM3 or Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) 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, Sony WH-1000XM3 or Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)? +

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) — leads on sound (92 vs 86). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Sony WH-1000XM3 or Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)? +

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) — leads on anc (92 vs 84). ANC strength for commute and travel.