Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Apple AirPods Max
Head-to-head comparison based on trust scores, features, pricing, and real user feedback.
Our pick: Sony WH-1000XM5 (Trust Score 9.4 vs 8.8)
9.4
Excellent
Best Overall
Pros
- +Best-in-class ANC silences airplane engines and open offices
- +Best-in-class ANC silences airplane engines and open offices
- +Best-in-class noise canceling
- +Multipoint connects to two devices simultaneously
- +Multipoint connects to two devices simultaneously
Cons
- −Does not fold flat — harder to pack than XM4
- −Does not fold flat — harder to pack than XM4
- −No fold-flat design
- −Touch controls have a learning curve
- −Touch controls have a learning curve
Don't buy if
- ⚠ XM5 ear cups are not removable for washing — use a damp cloth only to avoid voiding the warranty
- ⚠ XM5 ear cups are not removable for washing — use a damp cloth only to avoid voiding the warranty
- ⚠ The headband does not fold flat like the XM4—the carrying case is larger and less packable for travel.
8.8
Excellent
Best for Apple Ecosystem
Pros
- +Instant switching between all Apple devices via iCloud pairing
- +Exceptional build quality
- +Premium aluminum and stainless steel build that lasts years
- +Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
- +Transparency mode is the most natural of any ANC headphone
Cons
- −Very expensive — limited value for non-Apple users
- −Very expensive
- −Smart Case barely protects the headphones
- −Heavy at 384g
Don't buy if
- ⚠ Lightning charging model is discontinued — USB-C (2024) version is current; confirm before purchase
- ⚠ These headphones are designed primarily for the Apple ecosystem—Android users lose key features like Spatial Audio.