Apple AirPods Max vs Sony WH-1000XM5
Which one should you buy?
Who leads where?
- BatterySony WH-1000XM5
- WearingSony WH-1000XM5
Wins are counted from the official values in the table below; the BUY / CONSIDER / WAIT call comes from each product's own decision box. We do not predict prices.
 AppleApple AirPods MaxNo reviews yet |  SonySony WH-1000XM5No reviews yet | |
|---|---|---|
| Audio | ||
| Driver size | No data | 30mm |
| Driver type | Apple-designed dynamic driver | Closed, dynamic |
| Frequency response | No data | 4 Hz - 40000 Hz (JEITA) |
| Impedance | No data | 48 ohm(1kHz) |
| Sensitivity | No data | 102dB(1kHz) / mW |
| Noise cancelling | ||
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| Ambient sound mode | Yes | Yes |
| Spatial Audio | Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking | No data |
| Connectivity | ||
| Bluetooth | No data | 5.2 |
| Wireless range | No data | 10m |
| Plug type | No data | Gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini plug |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life (hours) | 20 | 30 |
| Battery Life Mode | Noise cancelling on | Noise cancelling on |
| Charge time (hours) | No data | 3.5 |
| Fast Charging Claim | 5 minutes of charge gives around 1.5 hours of listening | No data |
| Wearing | ||
| Weight | 386.2 g | 250g |
| Wearing style | No data | Circumaural |
| Cable type | No data | Single-sided (detachable) |
| Cable length | No data | 1.2m |
Sony WH-1000XM5 leads on 2 of 2 compared specs.
This table is based on manufacturers official specifications. Winning on paper does not always mean a difference in everyday use.