When it comes to premium over-ear headphones, the Apple AirPods Max and Sony WH-1000XM4 are two of the most talked-about options on the market. Both are packed with impressive features, including industry-leading noise cancellation, exceptional sound quality, and comfortable designs. However, these two headphones offer different strengths and appeal to slightly different user needs. Whether you’re a dedicated Apple fan or someone who values top-notch noise-canceling technology and comfort for extended use, choosing the right pair can be a tough decision. In this comparison, we’ll take a detailed look at both headphones, examining everything from sound quality to battery life, noise cancellation, and special features to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
The Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones offer a premium listening experience, combining high-fidelity sound with advanced features that elevate your audio experience. The dynamic drivers and custom acoustic design, powered by Apple’s H1 chip, deliver clear and powerful sound. The headphones’ pro-level Active Noise Cancellation blocks out up to twice as much ambient noise, allowing for full immersion in music, movies, or podcasts. Additionally, the Transparency Mode ensures that you can still hear your surroundings when needed, creating a balanced listening experience. Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking takes it a step further, offering an immersive 3D audio effect, especially when listening to Dolby Atmos-compatible content.
Comfort is another key highlight, as the AirPods Max are equipped with a knit-mesh canopy and memory foam ear cushions that provide a secure and comfortable fit for extended listening sessions. The headphones also feature intuitive controls, such as the Digital Crown, which allows you to manage volume, music, and calls effortlessly. The USB-C charging capability is a welcome update, aligning with Apple’s newer devices for convenient, universal charging.
Key Features, Pros, and Cons
Key Features:
- High-fidelity audio with dynamic drivers and the H1 chip.
- Active Noise Cancellation with double the noise reduction.
- Transparency Mode for awareness of surroundings.
- Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking and Dolby Atmos support.
- USB-C charging for convenience with other Apple devices.
Pros:
- Exceptional sound quality with rich bass and clear treble.
- Highly effective Active Noise Cancellation for an immersive experience.
- Comfortable over-ear fit with memory foam cushions.
- Seamless integration with Apple devices for easy pairing and switching.
- Durable build quality and a premium design in multiple color options.
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other headphones on the market.
Sony WH-1000XM4 Noise Canceling Headphones
The Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Cancelling Headphones offer an impressive array of features that cater to audiophiles and casual listeners alike. The active noise cancellation, powered by Dual Noise Sensor technology, effectively eliminates ambient sounds, creating an immersive listening experience free from distractions. The headphones also provide exceptional sound quality, enhanced by Sony’s DSEE Extreme technology, which upscales compressed audio for a more dynamic and detailed output. Their long-lasting battery life is another standout feature, providing up to 30 hours of playback on a full charge, and a quick 10-minute charge grants up to 5 hours of listening time. Touch sensor controls offer convenience for skipping tracks, adjusting volume, and activating voice assistants, while Speak-to-Chat automatically lowers the volume when a conversation is detected.
Comfort is prioritized with a soft headband and ear cups designed to relieve pressure during long listening sessions, making them ideal for travel or work. The WH-1000XM4 also supports multipoint connection, allowing you to pair them with two devices simultaneously, enhancing usability for users who frequently switch between devices. However, while the headphones are highly rated for sound and noise cancellation, some users have reported occasional connectivity issues.
Key Features, Pros, and Cons
Key Features:
- Dual Noise Sensor technology for superior active noise cancellation.
- Up to 30-hour battery life with quick charging capabilities.
- Touch sensor controls for easy operation.
- Speak-to-Chat feature that adjusts volume during conversations.
- Multipoint connection for seamless pairing with two devices.
Pros:
- Excellent noise cancellation for an immersive audio experience.
- Superior sound quality, with real-time upscaling of compressed music files.
- Comfortable design suitable for long listening sessions.
- Long battery life, with fast charging for quick top-ups.
- Convenient multipoint connection for use with multiple devices.
Cons:
- Some users report occasional connectivity issues.
Comparison of Apple AirPods Max and Sony WH-1000XM4
When it comes to premium wireless headphones, two of the leading contenders are the Apple AirPods Max and the Sony WH-1000XM4. Both headphones offer high-quality audio, advanced noise cancellation, and excellent battery life, but each comes with unique features that cater to different preferences and needs.
Sound Quality
Both the Apple AirPods Max and Sony WH-1000XM4 deliver top-tier sound quality, though their audio profiles differ slightly.
- Apple AirPods Max: These headphones use a custom Apple-designed dynamic driver, which ensures high-fidelity audio with clear mids, deep bass, and crisp treble. The integration of the H1 chip in each ear cup enhances the sound, delivering a rich, detailed listening experience. Additionally, the AirPods Max supports personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, providing a 3D surround sound experience, especially for Dolby Atmos content.
- Sony WH-1000XM4: The WH-1000XM4 also boasts exceptional sound quality, enhanced by Sony’s proprietary DSEE Extreme technology. This feature upscales compressed digital audio in real-time, improving the sound of lower-quality tracks. The headphones offer a balanced sound profile, with deep bass and clear high frequencies, making them suitable for a wide range of music genres.
| Feature | Apple AirPods Max | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Technology | Custom dynamic driver, H1 chip | DSEE Extreme upscaling, 40mm drivers |
| Sound Quality | Rich, clear, and immersive | Balanced with deep bass and clarity |
Noise Cancellation
Active noise cancellation (ANC) is a crucial feature for both of these headphones, and both the AirPods Max and WH-1000XM4 are equipped with industry-leading technology to block out unwanted noise. However, there are some differences in how they achieve this.
- Apple AirPods Max: The AirPods Max use advanced computational audio powered by the H1 chips and a dynamic driver to eliminate ambient noise effectively. With dual beamforming microphones in each ear cup, they can block out external sounds, providing a serene listening experience. Users often praise the effectiveness of the noise cancellation, especially in environments like airplanes or crowded spaces.
- Sony WH-1000XM4: Sony’s WH-1000XM4 features Dual Noise Sensor technology, which uses two microphones on each ear cup to detect and cancel out noise. The result is extremely effective noise isolation, especially when traveling or in noisy offices. Additionally, the WH-1000XM4 has a unique Adaptive Sound Control feature that adjusts the level of noise cancellation based on your environment.
| Feature | Apple AirPods Max | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation | Dual beamforming mics, H1 chip | Dual Noise Sensor technology, Adaptive Sound Control |
| Effectiveness | Exceptional in most environments | Excellent, adaptive to surroundings |
Comfort and Design
Comfort is a key consideration for long-term wear, and both headphones offer ergonomic designs, though with some differences.
- Apple AirPods Max: The AirPods Max features a high-quality build with a stainless steel frame, aluminum ear cups, and a breathable knit mesh canopy. While they are stylish and solidly built, the AirPods Max are heavier than most other over-ear headphones, which can cause discomfort during extended listening sessions.
- Sony WH-1000XM4: The WH-1000XM4 are lighter and more comfortable due to their plush ear cups and soft, pressure-relieving headband. Sony’s design is focused on comfort, and users often report being able to wear them for hours without discomfort. The materials are premium, but the headphones are still lightweight, making them easier to wear for long periods.
| Feature | Apple AirPods Max | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Build and Comfort | Stainless steel, breathable mesh | Lighter design, soft ear cups |
| Weight | Heavier than most competitors | Lighter and more comfortable for long wear |
Battery Life
When it comes to battery life, both the AirPods Max and the WH-1000XM4 offer impressive durations, but the charging experience differs.
- Apple AirPods Max: The AirPods Max provide up to 20 hours of playback with noise cancellation and spatial audio active. They also feature a quick 5-minute charge for around 1.5 hours of listening time. The inclusion of USB-C charging is a welcome update, but it is still relatively less battery efficient compared to its competition.
- Sony WH-1000XM4: Sony’s WH-1000XM4 outshines the AirPods Max in battery life, offering up to 30 hours of playback with noise cancellation on. A quick 10-minute charge provides up to 5 hours of playback. Additionally, the WH-1000XM4 uses USB-C for charging, aligning with modern standards and providing convenience for users who own other USB-C devices.
| Feature | Apple AirPods Max | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Life | 20 hours with ANC, USB-C charging | 30 hours with ANC, USB-C charging |
| Quick Charge | 5 minutes for 1.5 hours | 10 minutes for 5 hours |
Special Features and Connectivity
Both headphones come with unique features designed to enhance user experience and connectivity.
- Apple AirPods Max: The AirPods Max excels in integration with the Apple ecosystem. Features like Automatic Switching, which lets users effortlessly switch between Apple devices, and the Digital Crown for volume control and playback management are highlights. They also support personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking for a more immersive experience, particularly for movie and music enthusiasts who use Apple devices.
- Sony WH-1000XM4: Sony’s WH-1000XM4 also boasts impressive features, including multipoint connection, which allows users to connect to two devices simultaneously, and Speak-to-Chat, which automatically pauses playback when you start talking. Additionally, they support voice assistants like Google Assistant and Alexa, allowing for hands-free control.
| Feature | Apple AirPods Max | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Special Features | Automatic Switching, Digital Crown | Multipoint connection, Speak-to-Chat |
| Voice Assistants | Siri | Alexa, Google Assistant |
FAQ
Which headphone offers better noise cancellation?
Both the Apple AirPods Max and the Sony WH-1000XM4 provide excellent active noise cancellation (ANC), but they achieve it through different technologies. The AirPods Max uses advanced computational audio and dual beamforming microphones to effectively block out ambient noise, making them particularly effective in environments like airplanes or busy public spaces. The Sony WH-1000XM4, on the other hand, features Dual Noise Sensor technology and Adaptive Sound Control, which adjusts the noise cancellation depending on your surroundings. In terms of pure effectiveness, the WH-1000XM4’s adaptive feature provides a more customizable experience, while the AirPods Max excels in overall clarity.
Are the AirPods Max or the Sony WH-1000XM4 better for long listening sessions?
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is generally regarded as more comfortable for long listening sessions. With its lighter build and plush ear cups, the WH-1000XM4 is designed with long-term wear in mind, making it ideal for travel or extended use. The AirPods Max, while premium in terms of build quality, is heavier, which may lead to discomfort after prolonged use. However, its design still ensures a secure and comfortable fit for many users, especially for those who appreciate the high-end materials.
How long do the AirPods Max and Sony WH-1000XM4 last on a single charge?
The battery life is one area where the Sony WH-1000XM4 outperforms the AirPods Max. The WH-1000XM4 offers up to 30 hours of playback with noise cancellation activated, and a quick 10-minute charge gives you up to 5 hours of listening time. In comparison, the AirPods Max provides around 20 hours of playback with noise cancellation and spatial audio, and a 5-minute charge grants about 1.5 hours of usage. So, if battery longevity is a priority, the WH-1000XM4 is the better option.
Can I use both headphones with multiple devices at once?
Yes, both headphones offer multi-device connectivity, but they implement it differently. The Sony WH-1000XM4 supports a multipoint connection, allowing you to connect two devices simultaneously, such as a smartphone and a laptop, so you can easily switch between them without disconnecting. The AirPods Max also offers seamless device switching, particularly within the Apple ecosystem, but it does not officially support connecting to two devices at the same time in the way the Sony WH-1000XM4 does.
Are the AirPods Max and Sony WH-1000XM4 compatible with all devices?
Both the AirPods Max and Sony WH-1000XM4 are compatible with most Bluetooth-enabled devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. However, the AirPods Max offers optimal performance when paired with Apple devices, thanks to features like Automatic Switching, which lets the headphones easily switch between your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other Apple devices. While the Sony WH-1000XM4 does not have this specific integration, it is compatible with a wide range of devices and offers excellent connectivity, especially with the addition of Google Assistant and Alexa compatibility.
Conclusion
Both the Apple AirPods Max and Sony WH-1000XM4 are excellent premium headphones, each offering a range of features that appeal to different users. The AirPods Max is perfect for Apple enthusiasts who want seamless integration within the ecosystem, premium build quality, and spatial audio features. On the other hand, the Sony WH-1000XM4 offers superior battery life, more effective noise cancellation, and a more comfortable design for long listening sessions.