Sony WH-1000XM5 Vs AirPods MAX
If you’re in the market for a pair of noise-canceling headphones, you’re probably considering the Sony WH-1000XM5 Vs AirPods Max. Both are highly rated and offer impressive noise-canceling capabilities, but which one should you buy? In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into both headphones to help you make an informed decision.
In this article, we will talk about the following:
- What are Sony WH-1000XM5 and AirPods MAX?
- How is the Design of Sony WH-1000XM5 and AirPods MAX?
- How is the Noise Canceling Performance of Sony WH-1000XM5 and AirPods MAX?
- How is the Sound Quality of Sony WH-1000XM5 and AirPods MAX?
- How is the Battery Life of Sony WH-1000XM5 and AirPods MAX?
- How is the Connectivity of Sony WH-1000XM5 and AirPods MAX?
- How is the Price of Sony WH-1000XM5 and AirPods MAX?
- Which Noise Canceling Headphones to Buy?
Sony WH-1000XM5 | AirPods MAX | |
---|---|---|
Product Dimensions | 8.85 x 3.03 x 10.36 inches | 9.43 x 9.57 x 3.15 inches |
Shipping Weight | 8.8 ounces | 13.6 ounces |
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About Sony WH-1000XM5 and AirPods MAX
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are wireless over-ear headphones that employ cutting-edge noise-cancellation technology. They come equipped with multiple microphones to effectively eliminate external noise and have an in-built equalizer that allows for personalized sound tuning. Moreover, the headphones feature touch controls that make it easy to manage music playback and take calls, and can deliver up to 30 hours of battery life on a single charge. Read also: Sony WH-1000XM5 Vs Sennheiser Momentum 4.
On the other hand, the AirPods MAX are also over-ear wireless headphones that feature active noise-cancellation technology. They use a total of nine microphones to detect and cancel out external noise, and also have a transparency mode that allows you to hear your surroundings when needed. The AirPods MAX have a unique design with a stainless steel frame and breathable knit mesh canopy, and also feature a digital crown that can be used to control volume and playback. The headphones come with a Smart Case that puts them into an ultra-low power state to preserve battery life when not in use.
Design and Comfort
When it comes to design, the AirPods MAX have a distinctive look that sets them apart from other headphones. They feature a stainless steel frame, mesh canopy, and a knit-mesh headband that distributes weight evenly. They are available in five colors: space gray, silver, green, sky blue, and pink. However, some users find the AirPods Max to be heavy and uncomfortable after prolonged use.
On the other hand, the Sony WH-1000XM5 has a more traditional design, with a plastic frame and ear cups. They are available in black and silver. The ear cups are padded and covered in soft, synthetic leather, which provides excellent comfort, even during long listening sessions. They are also lightweight, making them a better option for prolonged use.
Noise Canceling Performance
Both the AirPods MAX and Sony WH-1000XM5 offer exceptional noise-canceling capabilities. However, the AirPods MAX uses computational audio to provide a more immersive sound experience. They use two H1 chips, one for each ear cup, to cancel out background noise. The result is a quiet and clear audio experience.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 also uses advanced noise-canceling technology, including an Atmospheric Pressure Optimizing feature that adjusts the sound based on your altitude. The headphones have a Speak-to-Chat feature that pauses playback and activates the ambient sound when you start speaking. This feature is especially useful if you need to hear an announcement or speak with someone briefly.
Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality, both headphones offer exceptional performance. The AirPods MAX have a rich, immersive sound that is well balanced across the frequency spectrum. They use Apple’s H1 chip and custom acoustic design to deliver high-fidelity audio with deep bass and clear vocals.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 also offers excellent sound quality, with a focus on high-resolution audio. They support LDAC, an advanced codec that delivers three times the data of conventional Bluetooth audio. They also have a Digital Sound Enhancement Engine that upscales compressed digital music files in real-time, so they sound better.
Battery Life
Battery life is an essential consideration when choosing noise-canceling headphones. The AirPods MAX has a battery life of up to 20 hours, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 offers up to 30 hours. Both headphones feature fast charging capabilities, so you can get up to 5 hours of playback with just 5 minutes of charging.
Connectivity
Both the AirPods Max and Sony WH-1000XM5 offer seamless connectivity with your devices. The AirPods Max uses Apple’s W1 chip, which makes pairing with Apple devices effortless. They also support Bluetooth 5.0, which provides stable connectivity with non-Apple devices. Read also: Sony Inzone H3 Vs H7.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 uses Bluetooth 5.0 and supports NFC pairing for compatible devices. They also have a companion app that allows you to adjust the sound settings and customize the touch controls.
Price
The AirPods Max is more expensive than the Sony WH-1000XM5, but they do offer some unique features, such as computational audio and spatial audio. The Sony WH-1000XM5, on the other hand, provides excellent value for money with their exceptional noise-canceling technology, high-resolution audio, and longer battery life. The Sony WH-1000XM5 offers a more affordable option that doesn’t compromise on features or performance.
Conclusion
So, which one should you buy? It depends on your priorities. If you value unique features, such as computational audio and spatial audio, and are willing to pay a premium price, the AirPods MAX might be the better choice for you. However, if you prioritize exceptional noise-canceling technology, high-resolution audio, and longer battery life, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is a more affordable option that offers excellent performance.