AirPods Max vs Sony WH-1000XM5: which is better?

It depends on your ecosystem. The AirPods Max offer superb build quality and effortless integration with Apple devices, while Sony's WH-1000XM5 are lighter, fold up, and often undercut on price. Both deliver excellent noise cancellation. iPhone owners tend to prefer AirPods Max; if portability or Android matters more, Sony is compelling. Compare current prices for both on shopfox.

Do AirPods Max work with Android phones?

Yes, but with limits. The AirPods Max connect to any Android phone as a standard Bluetooth headset, so audio and calls work fine. However, you lose Apple-only extras like automatic device switching, Siri, and easy firmware updates. If you are mostly on Android, weigh that against alternatives, and check both New and Refurbished AirPods Max prices on shopfox.

How long does the AirPods Max battery last?

Apple rates the AirPods Max at up to about 20 hours of listening with active noise cancellation or spatial audio turned on. A short charge gives you several hours of playback, and they enter a low-power state in the Smart Case. Real-world battery life varies with volume and ANC use, but a full day of listening is realistic.

Apple AirPods Max Headphones & Earbuds Reviews & Ratings

Name: Apple AirPods Max Headphones & Earbuds
Brand: Apple
Rating: 4.3 (10 reviews)

Apple AirPods Max Headphones & Earbuds

$49.00$549.00(91.07% off)

Apple4.34.3

(10 reviews)

$49.00$549.00(91.07% off)

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Specifications

AirPods Max

Apple

Adult

DJ, Live Monitoring

2024-09-20

AirPods Max

Apple

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DJ, Live Monitoring

2024-09-20

Side-by-Side Comparison

6 similar products · scroll horizontally to browse

This Product

Apple AirPods Max Headphones & Earbuds

4.3(37.7K+)

$49.00 - $603.90

Avg 4.6

1.Seamless integration with Apple devices and powerful Active Noise Cancellation deliver an immersive listening experience.

Apple loyalists

Noise cancellationImmersive audio

Headphones

Dynamic Driver

20 Hz - 20 kHz

Active Noise Cancellation

16 ohm

5.0

20 hours

Noise Cancellation

24.35 x 23.99 x 8.1 inches

0.07 Pounds

Bluetooth

Not Water Resistant

2024-09-20

AirPods Max

Quiet Travel

Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones & Earbuds

4.7(67.2K+)

$219.95 - $383.90

Best Noise Cancelling

Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones & Earbuds

4.6(48.7K+)

$179.99 - $438.90

Fast Charge

Sony WH-CH520 Headphones & Earbuds

4.8(132.9K+)

$29.99 - $45.66

Travel Ready

Sony MDRZX110 Headphones & Earbuds

4.6(25.8K+)

$20.00 - $24.99

Pro Audio

Sony WH-CH720N Headphones & Earbuds

4.4(128.2K+)

$49.23 - $89.99

Avg 4.6

Avg 4.3

Avg 3.1

Avg 4.1

1.Built around industry-leading active noise cancellation and a lightweight, comfortable design, this headset delivers 30-hour battery life and a travel-ready case, perfect for uninterrupted focus on long journeys.

2.A practical choice for anyone who values silence and comfort while commuting or flying.

1.Industry-leading active noise cancellation and a comfortable, lightweight design make these ideal for blocking out distractions during travel or deep focus.

2.With 30-hour battery life and quick 3-minute charge for 8 hours of playback, they keep up with long commutes and workdays.

1.With 50-hour battery life and a 5-minute quick charge that provides 4 hours of playback, these lightweight headphones minimize downtime.

2.A practical choice for users who need reliable wireless listening with voice assistant support and fast recharging.

1.With active noise cancellation, a comfortable foldable design, and up to 80 hours of noise-canceling battery, this Sony headphone is built for travelers who value quiet and comfort.

2.Its lightweight on-ear build and reliable sound quality make it a practical choice for daily commutes and long journeys.

1.With a 40mm dynamic driver delivering crisp sound and 35-hour battery life, the Sony WH-CH720N offers great audio for long listening sessions.

2.Its lightweight 192g design and comfortable faux leather earpads make it easy to wear for extended periods.

Frequent travelersNoise-sensitive listeners

Travel and commutingFocus in noisy environments

Frequent travelersRemote workers

Noise-free travelDeep focus

Frequent travelersBusy commuters

Quick chargingLong listening sessions

Frequent travelersCommuters

TravelDaily commute

Music enthusiastsFrequent travelers

Long listening sessionsNoise isolation

Ear-Cup (Over the Ear)

Dynamic Driver

Not specified

20 Hz-20,000 Hz

12 - 22,000 Hz

Not specified

Active Noise Cancellation

None

Active Noise Cancellation

16 ohm

48 ohm

24 ohm

325 ohm

5.2

—

5.2

30 Hours

30 hours

50 hour

—

35 hours

1000

520

110

720

Fast Charging, Microphone Included, Noise Cancellation

Fast Charging, Lightweight, Microphone Included, Noise Cancellation

Wireless

Adjustable Headband, Closed Back, Foldable, Leather Cushions, L-Shape Plug, Replaceable Earpads, Rotating Ear Cups, Stereo

Adaptive Sound control, Adjustable Ambient Sound mode, Dual Noise Sensor technology, Long battery with quick charging, Microphone Included, Multipoint connection

7.27 x 9.94 x 3.03 in

12.00 x 10.00 x 4.00 in

22.8 x 17.2 x 4.4 cm; 147 g

‎20 x 15 x 3.5 cm; 120 g

26 x 20.8 x 5.5 cm; 192 g

0.76 g

8.82 ounces

0.42 g

0.263 lbs

0.1 kg

Bluetooth

Wired

Bluetooth

Not Water Resistant

2020

2025

2023

—

2023

WH-1000XM4

WH-1000XM5

WH-CH520

MDRZX110

WH-CH720N

Reviews & Ratings

(10)

5.0

10 reviews

👍 Pros

👎 Cons

Sound Quality

5.0

100%

Rich, deep bass with crystal-clear highs; no distortion at high volume. Excellent balance and immersion for music, calls, and media.

Sound Quality

5.0

100%

Rich, deep bass with crystal-clear highs; no distortion at high volume. Excellent balance and immersion for music, calls, and media.

Comfort & Fit

4.5

90%

Firm cushioned ear cups feel like pillows; slight initial tightness loosens over time. Mesh headband remains like new. Some weight but manageable.

Comfort & Fit

4.5

90%

Firm cushioned ear cups feel like pillows; slight initial tightness loosens over time. Mesh headband remains like new. Some weight but manageable.

Battery Life

4.8

96%

Exceptional longevity; lasts days without charging even with heavy use. Consistent performance across daily and travel scenarios.

Battery Life

4.8

96%

Exceptional longevity; lasts days without charging even with heavy use. Consistent performance across daily and travel scenarios.

Noise Cancellation

5.0

100%

Outstanding, near-silence even with loud background noise. Completely blocks AC, TV, conversations. Slightly overpowering but effective.

Noise Cancellation

5.0

100%

Outstanding, near-silence even with loud background noise. Completely blocks AC, TV, conversations. Slightly overpowering but effective.

Build Quality & Design

3.5

70%

Premium materials with sleek, stylish colors. However, case offers minimal protection and finish may chip or dent easily. No power button.

Build Quality & Design

3.5

70%

Premium materials with sleek, stylish colors. However, case offers minimal protection and finish may chip or dent easily. No power button.

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Apple AirPods Max Headphones & Earbuds Reviews

Apple AirPods Max Headphones & Earbuds

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Wearing & Design9

Audio11

Mic & Controls5

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Durability3

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Warranty2

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Specifications

General6

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Audio11

Mic & Controls5

Connectivity9

Battery10

Durability3

Compatibility3

Dimensions3

Warranty2

Others1

Reviews & Ratings