Can I use AirPods Max with Android devices?

AirPods Max have limited Android support through basic Bluetooth connectivity, but you cannot access Apple's advanced features, spatial audio, or customization through the Settings app. The Sony WH-1000XM5 offer full Android compatibility with complete feature access through the Sony Headphones Connect app, making them the clear choice for Android users.

What about battery life comparison?

AirPods Max deliver 20 hours of battery life versus Sony WH-1000XM5's 12 hours, providing 67% longer usage between charges. For frequent travelers and users who listen all day, AirPods Max's extended battery is significant. However, Sony's battery still covers a full workday, and the headphones charge relatively quickly, minimizing real-world inconvenience for most users.

What's the price difference and is it worth it?

AirPods Max cost $549 versus Sony WH-1000XM5 at $400 ($100-200 less with frequent sales), a $150+ premium for Apple's offering. The price difference is justified only if you're heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem and value spatial audio; otherwise, the Sony provides superior value with better customization, portability, and multi-device support.

Which is more portable for travel?

Sony WH-1000XM5 are significantly more portable at 250g compared to AirPods Max's 384g, plus they feature a foldable design for compact packing. If portability is a priority, Sony is the clear winner. AirPods Max are premium but bulkier, making them less ideal for frequent travelers with limited luggage space.

Who should choose AirPods Max over Sony WH-1000XM5?

Choose AirPods Max if you're deeply invested in Apple's ecosystem (Mac, iPhone, iPad), prioritize spatial audio with Dolby Atmos, value premium design, need 20-hour battery life for extended use, and can justify the $550 investment. They're ideal for Apple professionals, creatives using Final Cut Pro, and users who prefer a cohesive Apple hardware experience despite the higher cost and reduced device flexibility.

Can I customize the sound on both headphones?

Sony WH-1000XM5 offers extensive sound customization through the Sony Headphones Connect app with full EQ adjustment, while AirPods Max rely on Apple's Settings app with minimal customization options. If audio customization and fine-tuning are important, Sony provides vastly superior control over your listening experience.

Which is better for video calls and meetings?

Both excel at call quality with advanced microphone arrays effectively isolating your voice. AirPods Max has a slight edge due to Apple's integration with FaceTime and Siri, making them seamlessly optimized for Apple devices. Sony WH-1000XM5 performs equally well across platforms and is actually more versatile for cross-platform video conferencing on Zoom, Google Meet, and Teams.

AirPods Max vs Sony WH-1000XM5

Updated April 25, 2026

AirPods Max

Apple's premium over-ear headphones with exceptional ANC and spatial audio, optimized for Apple devices.

Apple users who prioritize premium design, ecosystem integration, and are willing to pay a premium for spatial audio and exceptional ANC

Sony WH-1000XM5

Premium noise-canceling headphones with class-leading ANC and audio quality at $398-399.

Budget-conscious buyers, Android users, and anyone seeking versatile multi-device headphones with excellent ANC and audio quality without premium pricing

Short Answer

The Sony WH-1000XM5 offers superior value at $400 with excellent noise cancellation and audio quality, while AirPods Max ($549) excels in premium design and seamless Apple ecosystem integration. Choose Sony for versatility across devices and better price-to-performance; choose AirPods Max if you're deeply invested in Apple's ecosystem and prioritize design.

Our Verdict

The Sony WH-1000XM5 remains the better overall choice for most users, delivering outstanding noise cancellation and audio quality at a significantly lower price point with broader device compatibility. However, AirPods Max justify their premium price for Apple ecosystem users who value seamless integration, superior spatial audio, and longer battery life. Your choice ultimately depends on whether device ecosystem loyalty outweighs the $150+ price premium.

Choose AirPods Max if

Apple users who prioritize premium design, ecosystem integration, and are willing to pay a premium for spatial audio and exceptional ANC

Choose Sony WH-1000XM5 if

Budget-conscious buyers, Android users, and anyone seeking versatile multi-device headphones with excellent ANC and audio quality without premium pricing

Key Differences at a Glance

💰

Price: Sony WH-1000XM5 wins ($400 (often discounted to $300) vs $549)

🔹

Noise Cancellation: Exceptional performance, industry-leading ANC vs Top-tier ANC with excellent transparency mode

🔊

Sound Quality: AirPods Max wins (Premium spatial audio, optimized for Apple Music vs Class-leading audio, slight high-frequency rolloff)

See all 8 differences

Key Differences

AirPods Max

Attribute

Sony WH-1000XM5

$549

Price

$400 (often discounted to $300)🏆

Exceptional performance, industry-leading ANC

Noise Cancellation

Top-tier ANC with excellent transparency mode

Premium spatial audio, optimized for Apple Music🏆

Sound Quality

Class-leading audio, slight high-frequency rolloff

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Last updated: April 25, 2026AI generated

Premium build, distinctive design, heavier (384g)

Design & Comfort

Lightweight (250g), more portable, foldable🏆

iOS/iPadOS only, limited Android support

Device Compatibility

Full iOS and Android support via Sony Headphones app🏆

Settings app control, limited customization

Customization

Comprehensive Sony Headphones Connect app with EQ adjustment🏆

Excellent microphone performance

Call Quality

Very good call quality with solid microphone

Price

AirPods Max

$549

Sony WH-1000XM5

$400 (often discounted to $300)🏆

Noise Cancellation

AirPods Max

Exceptional performance, industry-leading ANC

Sony WH-1000XM5

Top-tier ANC with excellent transparency mode

Sound Quality

AirPods Max

Premium spatial audio, optimized for Apple Music🏆

Sony WH-1000XM5

Class-leading audio, slight high-frequency rolloff

Battery Life

AirPods Max

20 hours🏆

Sony WH-1000XM5

12 hours

Design & Comfort

AirPods Max

Premium build, distinctive design, heavier (384g)

Sony WH-1000XM5

Lightweight (250g), more portable, foldable🏆

Device Compatibility

AirPods Max

iOS/iPadOS only, limited Android support

Sony WH-1000XM5

Full iOS and Android support via Sony Headphones app🏆

Customization

AirPods Max

Settings app control, limited customization

Sony WH-1000XM5

Comprehensive Sony Headphones Connect app with EQ adjustment🏆

Call Quality

AirPods Max

Excellent microphone performance

Sony WH-1000XM5

Very good call quality with solid microphone

Pros & Cons

AirPods Max

6 pros5 cons

Pros

Industry-leading noise cancellation performance
Exceptional spatial audio and immersive sound quality
20-hour battery life
Premium build quality and distinctive design
Seamless integration with Apple ecosystem
Excellent call quality with advanced microphone array

Cons

High price at $549
Limited to iOS/iPadOS ecosystem
Heavier weight (384g) reduces portability
Minimal customization options through Settings app
No foldable design

Sony WH-1000XM5

6 pros4 cons

Pros

Excellent price-to-performance ratio ($400, often $300 on sale)
Top-tier active noise cancellation
Superior portability with lightweight design (250g) and foldable form
Full iOS and Android compatibility
Comprehensive Sony Headphones Connect app with EQ customization
Class-leading audio quality across genres

Frequently Asked Questions

Both deliver exceptional noise cancellation that's difficult to distinguish in real-world usage. AirPods Max offers slightly more refined ANC tuning with industry-leading performance, while Sony WH-1000XM5 provides top-tier ANC with excellent transparency mode. The difference is minimal, and both excel at isolating external noise in commuting and office environments.

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Cons

12-hour battery life is shorter than AirPods Max
Slight high-frequency rolloff in sound signature
Less premium design aesthetics than AirPods Max
Limited spatial audio features compared to Apple offering

AirPods Max vs Sony WH-1000XM5

AirPods Max

Sony WH-1000XM5

Short Answer

Our Verdict

Key Differences at a Glance

Key Differences

Related Comparisons

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More Products

People Also Compare

Pros & Cons

AirPods Max

Pros

Cons

Sony WH-1000XM5

Pros

Frequently Asked Questions

Resources & Learn More

Wikipedia

Videos

Cons