Over-ear headphones have evolved into sophisticated audio accessories that promise an immersive listening sanctuary amidst noisy environments. Active noise cancelling (ANC) technology that adaptively mutes external disturbance has become an expected feature rather than a premium bonus. Two brands that have perfected the art with their signature wireless headsets are Apple and Sony.
Let‘s examine how their flagship over-ear offerings compare to help identify the best pick for discerning music lovers and professionals.
The Contenders
The AirPods Max arrived in late 2020 as Apple‘s inaugural on-ear headphones packing unique design, comfort and integration with Apple devices. Then we have Sony‘s WH-1000XM5, the 2022 upgrade to its industry-leading 1000X ANC lineup.
| Apple AirPods Max | Sony WH-1000XM5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $549 | $399 |
| ANC | Yes, Adaptive | Yes, Adaptive |
| Battery life | 20 hrs (ANC on) | 30 hrs (ANC on) |
| Audio Codecs | AAC, SBC | AAC, LDAC, SBC |
| Sound Stage | Spatial audio, Dynamic head tracking | 360 Reality Audio |
| Voice Assistant | Siri | Google Assistant, Alexa |
| Wireless Standard | Bluetooth 5.0, Class 1 | Bluetooth 5.2, Class 1 |
| Wireless Range | 10m / 33 ft | 10m / 33 ft |
With competitive pricing and largely comparable specs, choice ultimately comes down to the platform and features that best match one‘s priorities. Let‘s dive deeper into the considerations.
Tracing the Technical Heritage
Apple entered the premium over-ear space much later than audio veterans like Sony. But they brought unique excess baggage – experience in mass market ANC earbuds through AirPods Pro and consumer-friendly design ethos defining their products.
The AirPods Max represents Apple‘s push into high-fidelity sound powered by the H1 chip initially introduced on the AirPods. It handles real-time tuning by utilizing 10 audio cores and ‘computational audio‘ techniques. This essentially fine-tunes delivery dynamically based on fit, head/device motion using inputs from 10 mics.
Sony‘s 1000X-series dates back 5 years honing industry-leading noise cancellation algorithms. The WH-1000XM5 takes this further with a new integrated processor V1 completely designed and optimized by Sony. It adds capabilities to detect wind noise, network latency etc. allowing it to automatically adapt sound for optimal quality.
Both exemplify ANC headphones as complex acoustic computers – processed delivery supplemented by physical improvements from 40mm drivers to memory foam earcups. Let‘s examine exactly how this hardware translates into the listening experience.
Sound Stage & Audio Quality
Before evaluating sonic performance, it helps to brush up on the technical aspects that constitute sound quality. Beyond personal preferences for tune or genre, there are definite parameters that audiophiles judge fidelity by:
- Frequency response is the range of bass, mids and highs supported. Wider coverage with lower distortion is better.
- Drivers are the physical speakers producing acoustic pulses converted from the electrical signals fed by the audio source. Materials, size, configuration defines range.
- Total harmonic distortion + noise signifies how much source input differs from driver output. Lower indicates purer, lossless delivery.
Now let‘s analyse our two contenders based on these sound quality determinants:
The AirPods Max uses a 40mm dynamic driver assembly aided by dual neodymium ring magnets rated at under 1% THD. Testing reveals excellent bass depth extending down to 10hz and bright yet defined trebles topping out at 20khz. The result is energetic, vibrant rendition across genres but primarily geared towards modern pop. Lower mids are selectively accentuated courtesy the H1 adapting signal.
Sony WH-1000XM5 employs a comparable 40mm dynamic combo reinforced by LCP or liquid crystal polymer diaphragms rated at 0.3% THD. But its twin noise cancelling processors gives it active tuning advantage. This shows in gorgeous reproduction with wide 40hz to 40khz response adding details lacking on APM. The bass bias has been dialed down from earlier XM variants for flatter, smoother signature. Mids and highs thus shine through, especially with instruments and vocals.
While both deliver state-of-the-art driver tech producing low latency audio, Sony‘s prowess in algorithm optimization hands it an edge in natural, textured delivery. But iPhone users gain exclusive access to Apple‘s real-time head tracking enabled spatial audio.
During my side-by-side testing, the AirPods Max came incredibly close to the pristine tuning and separation of the Sony. Compositions felt airy and three-dimensional enhanced by Dolby Atmos. Albeit bass is less punchy necessitating volume elevation for modern genres. Sony‘s canvas proved more balanced allowing songs in jazz and classical categories to sparkle. Sound stage separation is still very capable if not as distinctly zoned.
Noise Cancellation Face-Off
Over ear headphones already physically cover ears to passively mute frequencies. Where active tuning plays a huge role is cancelling variable low rumbles from engines that penetrate your bubble. This applies to both modes:
- Noise cancelling mode for blocking ambient chatter
- Ambient/transparency mode during announcements or brief conversations
Starting with isolation performance, the AirPods Max delivers respectable attenuation across the range. I tested it against chatters and keyboard clicks in a busy office as well as traffic when commuting. It proved on par with Sony for mid to high frequency muting while still keeping a sense of space. For lower rumbles like bus engines, the drop is appreciable but less intense than Sony‘s clamp. Voices still came through in transparency mode retainng clarity. The noise cancelling effect is apparent yet more natural allowing awareness of your surroundings.
In contrast, the Sony WH-1000XM5 practically sucked out every distracting resonance from breezy AC units to printer clatter in cafes. The drop feels more liberating from an sensory input perspective. Even transparency mode required manually turning down levels to resume chats without strain. The overarching listening experience thus trends warmer. I could perceive speech from videos more clearly amidst road noise thanks to spot voice isolation. For those who crave complete atmospheric disengagement, Sony has your back.
For everyday muting though, the AirPods Max sufficiently quells irritation. Transitions between modes feels smoother than Sony‘s which has a tendency to pump up ambient noise as if compensating. Google Assistant and Siri catch voice commands reasonably well in both models. So unless you frequently fly or work alongside loud machines, Apple gives you satisfactory relief too.
Comfort, Controls & Companion Apps
With a larger, engulfing form factor, wearability often distinguishes one over-ear headset over another. Materials, weight distribution and pivot points contribute as much as sound isolation easing fatigue over long listening sessions.
The AirPods Max uses breathable knit mesh paired with memory foam padding to encapsulate ears in plush comfort. The streamlined headband capped by a machined crown minimizes contact. At 385 grams, the heft is still apparent but sustained over time by smart weight displacement. Full volume, playback and Siri controls are integrated into the crown dial and capacitive stem eliminating tactile fumbling.
Sony WH-1000XM5 opts for softer synthetic leather achieving similar results in cushioning. It‘s 30 gram weight advantage over AirPods Max makes the clamping sensation negligible even crossing 4-5 hours usage. The arms fold vertically condensing its on-head footprint by 60% for bag carry. Touch gestures on the exterior manage audio playback and ambient modes. Summoning Google Assistant requires brief tapping which I prefer over holding gestures. Overall ergonomics for extended listening are right up there with Apple.
Companion apps unlock deeper personalization options for both platforms:
- Sony Headphones app offers detection optimization and sound customization via EQ presets.
- Apple‘s headphones settings allow spatial audio calibration for video watching. Noise cancellation adaptation benefits iOS devices only.
These give Sony the customizability edge for Android users while basic controls stay accessible universally.
Connectivity & Battery
Stable wireless performance is a basic prerequisite for cordless headphones costing upwards of $400. Support for higher quality codecs though depends on hardware compatibility for compression used. Let‘s see how our contenders compare:
The AirPods Max only supports SBC and AAC codecs over Bluetooth 5.0. Range easily hits 10m through walls but multi-device switching requires iCloud sync rather than being manually configurable. I obtained just over 17 hours over mixed usage comprised of music, calls and ANC as advertised by Apple. Fast charging yields 90 minutes with 5 minutes plugged in which helps top-up in a pinch.
Sony WH-1000XM5 adds support for higher bitrate LDAC codecs favored by Android devices. Multipoint Bluetooth allows paired devices to be stored and switched manually with better cross-platform flexibility. Battery life is phenomenal – I managed to stretch it to 33 hours of mixed playback/ANC before needing a USB-C powered boost. 10 minutes managed to deliver nearly 3 hours thanks to quick charge. Stamina is a clear strong suit here.
So if you use Apple devices primarily, save for minor codec limitations the AirPods play perfectly well. Android owners though unlock more high-res features on the Sony. Both deliver excellent wireless range without dropouts plus quick charging to stay powered on the move.
Pricing Showdown
All the premium features come at a price – $549 for Apple‘s APM going head to head with $399 for Sony. Given comparative ANC, sound quality and comfort there‘s greater incentive to lean towards the Sony purely from value perspective.
AirPods Max gives you seamless Siri access, spatial audio and transparency modes comparable with Sony. The bigger driver assembly also means you get consistently vibrant sound. Unless iOS ecosystem integration is a must, WH-1000XM5 makes a compelling case to save $150. Those with tighter budgets could wait for holiday deals knocking Sony‘s cost down further by $50 or more.
Ultimately both are technology marvels pushing acoustic innovation to new levels. Your decision can come down to 3 factors:
- Preferred sound signature – vibrant pop vs. neutral reproduction
- Platform ecosystem – Apple vs Android
- Budget flexibility
So there you have it – a hands-on perspective comparing every aspect influencing your buying choice between the finest noise cancelling headphones from Apple and Sony! Do share your thoughts or queries in comments.
