The Apple AirPods Max is one of the best headphones, but Sony is not sitting still and recently released the new WH-1000XM5. iPhoned compares both top-of-the-line headphones.
Apple AirPods Max vs Sony WH-1000XM5
If you don’t like Apple’s earbuds at all, you’ll soon be dependent on the AirPods Max. That is, if you want Apple headphones. Recently, however, Sony released the WH-1000XM5. Could this be a good alternative to the AirPods Max? We take a look.
AirPods Max: The Ultimate Apple Headphones
The AirPods Max are wireless headphones that you place over your ears. On the side of the AirPods Max is a large button and a Digital Crown. You may know the crown from the Apple Watch.
Turn the Digital Crown to adjust the volume and open Siri by holding the button. But of course you can also yell ‘Hey Siri’. Use the large button to turn the noise suppression on or off.
Also read: AirPods Max review, sings the highest song, but price is out of tune
Sony WH-1000XM5: successor to a popular acquaintance
The latest headphones from Sony are the successor to the popular (and now two years old) WH-1000XM4. The Sony headset has been given a new design and the headband can now be adjusted ‘infinitely’. With previous versions you still heard (and felt) a click.
Like the AirPods Max, Sony also has a number of buttons on the side, but you control the volume (and music control) in a different way. The WH-1000XM5 has a touch-sensitive control in the earcup. Swipe up on the right earcup with your finger to increase the volume. Tapping twice is pausing and swiping forward will skip to the next song.
Noise Canceling and Transparency Mode
The AirPods Max and the Sony WH-1000XM5 both have noise cancellation. In addition, they also both have a transparency mode. As the name suggests, this mode ensures that you do hear what is happening around you, even when you are listening to music.
Easy pairing with multiple devices
The WH-1000XM5 can be connected to two devices at the same time, such as your laptop and smartphone. For example, if you listen to music on your laptop and a phone call comes in, you simply tap the Sony headphones to switch to your smartphone.
Pairing the AirPods Max goes as you are used to from the AirPods 3. When you’re signed in with your Apple ID on several Apple devices, your AirPods Max will automatically connect to the device you’re currently working on. For example, have you just finished a phone call on your iPhone and sit down in front of your Mac to listen to some music? Then the AirPods Max switches automatically.
By the way, you can also connect Sony headphones in the old way. It also has a headphone jack. The AirPods Max doesn’t have that, but you can buy a special adapter plug (Lightning-to-mini-jack audio cable) for 39 euros.
Spatial Audio and 360 Reality Audio
The AirPods Max has support for Dolby Atmos sound. This means that it is possible to watch movies with surround sound, where the sound moves around you. The ‘Spatial Audio’ function also takes into account when you move your head, so that the sound is automatically adjusted. Apple Music also (for some songs) has support for this spatial sound.
Just like the AirPods Max, the Sony WH-1000XM5 also has a kind of Spatial Audio. Only Sony calls this 360 Reality Audio. The music streaming service you want to listen to must have support for this music format. Amazon Music Unlimited and Deezer, among others, have that.
Battery life: more than enough listening pleasure
Apple claims that the AirPods Max has a battery life of 20 hours, even when you have active noise cancellation on. This means you should be able to use the headphones for more than two working days on one full battery. Is it almost empty? Then you put it in the standard Smart Case supplied. As soon as the AirPods Max is in it, it switches to an energy-saving mode.
With the Sony, you can use the headset on a full charge (with Bluetooth and noise canceling turned on) for up to 30 hours. If you turn off the noise reduction, the headphones will last a little longer. It also has a fast charging function: three minutes of charging is enough for three hours of listening time. If you put the headset on the power for ten minutes, you can listen to music again for five hours.
Colours: the eye also wants something
With the AirPods Max you have more choice if you want a cool color. The AirPods Max is available in five cheerful colors: green, sky blue, space gray, pink and silver. The Sony WH-1000XM5 only appears in two colors: black and silver.
Prices of the AirPods Max and Sony WH-1000XM5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 has a suggested retail price of 420 euros. And has recently been for sale at the various web shops.
- View the Sony WH-1000XM5 at Bol.com for 419 euros
- View the Sony WH-1000XM5 at Coolblue for 419 euros
The AirPods Max had a suggested retail price of 629 euros, but is now a lot cheaper. We have already looked up the best prices for you in our price comparator below!
Want to stay up to date with all the Apple news? Please sign up for our daily/weekly newsletter. In addition, download the free iphoned app and keep an eye on our website.
-
Instagram stops iconic square photos – users are angry
-
‘Apple VR glasses will get 14 cameras – here’s the function behind them’
-
iPhone 14: why you should go for the Pro version
-
AirPods Max vs Sony WH-1000XM5: two best headphones compared
-
Dino series Prehistoric Planet is out on Apple TV+: watch one episode for free