-
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones
Overall winner
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is a solid upgrade from its predecessor, the XM4. It features excellent noise cancellation, an ultra-comfortable fit, great battery life, and more.
Positives- Great microphone
- High quality codec support
- Custom EQ
- comfortable
cons- The design is a bit boring
- The midrange is a bit boring
- The price
-
Apple AirPods Max
Best for iOS users
$480 500 dollars Save $20
AirPods Max feature spatial audio, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and Dolby Atmos support for truly immersive audio on the go. Available in five unique colors, this pair looks And looks good.
Positives- Excellent sound
- Great noise cancellation
- Attractive design
- Comfortable fit
cons- beloved
- Not suitable for Android users
- The chassis design is defective
Sony and Apple both make excellent audio products, and the AirPods Max and Sony WH-1000XM5 prove this point. Sony is known for powerful sound, and Apple’s “Pods” have been topping the earbuds charts for years now. The AirPods Max took the country by storm with their release in 2020, making a name for themselves with their flawless design. But could the recently released WH-1000XM5 be a better option? Both pairs appear on our list of the best over-ear headphones, offering impressive noise cancellation, solid sound quality, and a comfortable fit. With so much in common, it can be hard to spot the differences, so we’ve put together this guide to help you decide which pair of headphones is right for you.
Apple AirPods Max vs Sony WH-1000XM5: Price, Availability, and Specifications
The AirPods Max and WH-1000XM5 are an investment but potentially worthwhile if you’re looking for a quality pair of headphones. AirPods Max retail price is $549. However, it recently sold for $480 at sites like Best Buy and Amazon. Is this a sign that AirPods Max 2 are on their way? Maybe, but you can bet they won’t be any cheaper than the originals, so now might be the perfect time to buy. The WH-1000XM5 is a bit cheaper, retailing for around $400. They don’t usually sell out, but you can sometimes find a refurbished pair for less.
-
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones Apple AirPods Max battery life 30 hours up to 20 hours bluetooth Bluetooth 5.2 Bluetooth 5.0 Noise canceling Yes Yes Weight 0.55 pounds .85 pounds Colors Black, midnight blue, silver Silver, black, sky blue, pink and green Shipping USB-C Lightning Dimensions 10.36 x 8.85 x 3.03 in 6.64 x 7.37 x 3.3 inches Battery charge time 3 hours 2 hours
Design and fitness
When it comes to looks, we can’t deny the looks of the AirPods Max good. The shape of the ear cup is particularly unique, and the combination of metal and mesh provides a satisfying mix of textures. Not to mention the unmatched color selection when it comes to quality over-ear products. It is available in classic black and silver but also comes in two-tone sky blue, green and pink. The WH-1000XM5 looks more like other headphones on the market and is available in three colors: black, midnight blue, and silver (which is closer to creamy white). Both pairs have ear cups that swivel to lie flat, with the inside of the cup facing outward, and neither are collapsible. Both have telescoping headbands for a more custom fit, and both feature comfortable cushions that don’t put pressure on your ears. Sony’s ear cups are made of plush memory foam, which makes them great for long-term wear.
One notable design difference is the weight. The AirPod Max weighs about 0.3 pounds more than the WH-1000XM5s, and some users notice the difference. I’ve tried both pairs and can attest that the Max feels heavier than other headphones, though that’s not necessarily a deterrent.
When it comes to looks, we can’t deny the looks of the AirPods Max good.
Neither pair is rated against water and dust, which means you’ll want to keep them out of the rain and use caution when exercising. You’re not going to damage it right away just because you’re sweating here or there, but if you know you’re up for a lot, go for something with a high IP rating.
The control scheme is where these two headsets really differ in design. The WH-1000XMF5 features familiar swipe/tap controls to adjust volume and playback with a built-in button that controls power, Bluetooth connectivity, and listening modes. AirPods go one step further by integrating the Digital Crown. The Digital Crown is a small dial at the top of the right ear cup that adjusts playback and volume, while a noise control button lets you switch between ANC and Transparency mode. You can also say “Hey Siri” to access hands-free control. Unlike the AirPods earbuds, you can’t customize the Digital Crown’s controls, but you’re unlikely to accidentally skip your favorite song just by touching the outside of the headphones.
Overall, we like the design of the AirPods Max better with one caveat: the case design is… pretty awful, in our opinion. It is not protective and feels vulnerable. The WH-1000XMF5’s case is more traditional, completely surrounding the headphones and protecting them from external damage, so you can feel secure when placing them in a bag, backpack or travel bag.
Voice and call quality
The competition is still stiff when it comes to sound quality. Overall, both pairs sound premium, and you’ll notice the difference compared to other cheaper options. The WH-1000XM5 has a fairly neutral audio profile, but, like many portable listening devices, it places too much emphasis on bass, which can muffle midrange frequencies. However, you can easily correct the course with the adjustable EQ found in the Sony app. The pair supports Sony Reality Audio (which is similar to spatial audio) for both iOS and Android devices, but only works with a few streaming services like Tidal, Amazon Music Unlimited, and Deezer.
The AirPods Max also sound great with a neutral profile and generally sound better out of the box without any manual EQ adjustments. The highs and mids are particularly clear, and there’s just enough sonic boost to the sub-bass to produce a rich, full-bodied audio production. However, if you find any frequency that isn’t there, there is no option to boost or trim via an app or other control method. AirPods Max support spatial audio and Dolby Atmos on iOS devices, immersing you in your content, giving the impression that sound is coming from all around you for a 3D experience. If your device is running iOS 16, spatial audio will be customized to the shape of your ear after face scanning for more detailed immersion.
In the end, both pairs of headphones are great options and excel when it comes to sound quality, noise cancellation, and overall design.
The bottom line is that if you have an iOS device and are willing to spend the money, you should reach for the AirPods Max. It looks really cool and offers specialized features. If you’re rocking Android, the WH-1000XM5 is sure to please, producing excellent sound and connectivity.
When it comes to call quality, both models do a solid job when making or receiving calls indoors. Like most headphones (budget, premium, and everything in between), the mic quality drops a bit when you head outside. Both maintain a solid connection, but we find the WH-1000XM5 does a slightly better job of minimizing traffic, wind, etc., due to its eight microphones and highly advanced noise rejection. However, the rumor around the city is that Some units may produce echoSo proceed with some caution.
Programming
When you buy a pair of Sony WH-1000XM5, you also need to download the Sony Headphone Connect app, which allows you to set surround sound control, boost or cut five-band EQ, access audio presets, and update software. You can also enable Speak to Chat, which automatically pauses the music when you speak; A lifesaver for quick coffee orders and brief encounters with neighbors. The app is easy to navigate and connects quickly across devices. AirPods Max are designed to be adjusted via the Settings app that came with your Apple device (such as an iPhone or Mac). There you can customize the click controls, name your pods, and switch between ANC modes. You can pair Apple AirPods of any kind with Android via Bluetooth, but from there, you may need to install a third-party app to make adjustments that can generally be annoying.
When it comes to Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), the Sony WH-1000XM5 barely slips into first place. The combination of excellent ANC and useful passive isolation means the XM5 can block out annoying noise while the AirPods Max will occasionally let in slip. Both pairs admirably cancel out low-frequency noise, dull traffic and passenger chatter, and calm the plane’s atmosphere. The AirPods Max’s Transparency mode is a little more straightforward than the WH-1000XM5’s Ambient Sound mode, but both will keep you connected to the world around you when it matters most. The XM5 will also switch between modes based on your environment when Adaptive Sound Mode is set to On. This feature analyzes your surroundings to determine which mode will provide an overall better listening experience.
battery life
There’s a clear winner when it comes to battery life: the Sony WH-100XMF, which delivers up to 30 hours of listening time with an additional 3 hours after a quick 3-minute charge. By comparison, the AirPods Max can last up to 20 hours of listening time across all audio modes, including talk time and movie playback, with an additional 1.5 hours after a quick 5-minute charge.
However, the most important disparity of the battery is the ability to power off, which the AirPods do not have. Instead, they will go into a very low power state when you take them off and put them back in the case. If you don’t have the case or don’t like using it, your battery will drain faster. Although Sony phones don’t have a smart charging case, you can turn it off when not in use, which ultimately saves more battery in the long run.
The AirPods Max come with a Lightning-to-USB-C charging cable but without a brick. If you’re already an Apple user, the lack of a brick might be a bit annoying, but chances are you already have one from your laptop or mobile phone charge. The WH-1000XM5 charges via USB-C and also comes with a 3.5mm wired connection just in case you don’t have access to a port.
Apple AirPods Max vs. Sony WH-1000XMF: Which is right for you?
In the end, both pairs of headphones are great options and excel when it comes to sound quality, noise cancellation, and overall design. At around $100, we think the Sony WH-1000XM5 will be a better choice for most people. The XM5 comes out on top when it comes to battery, call quality, noise cancellation, and case design plus is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, making it a very solid choice for premium listening that lasts.
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones
winner
The WH-1000XM5 is our recommendation for a great pair of premium noise-canceling over-ear headphones. With excellent customization options, stellar ANC, and a full sound profile, they are the best choice for most users and the individual choice for Android users over Apple products.
While we side with the Sony WH-1000XM5, if you’re an iOS user, go for the AirPods Max. The overall design is excellent, the sound quality is great, and connectivity will be a breeze. Although the price is high, the fit and feel are luxurious, so you won’t regret spending the extra money.
Apple AirPods Max
$480 500 dollars Save $20
AirPods Max is the best choice for iOS users who will not need to switch to Android or PC. The software is integrated into your device, and pairing is a breeze. Spatial sound, ANC, and Transparency mode make for a powerful and versatile listening experience, and the neutral sound profile is suitable for all genres of music. Available in multiple colors, this is the most stylish pair of over-ears on the market.
[ad_2]
