In today’s world, headphones are no longer just a music accessory; they’ve become a part of our lifestyle.
Whether it’s long travel, office work, or simply enjoying music in peace, people want headphones that combine comfort, great sound, and innovative features. Two of the most talked-about models are the Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Apple AirPods Max.
Over the years, Sony has branded itself as having the best noise cancellation and comfortable AZS with its WH-series. At the other end of the spectrum, there is the AirPods Max, luxury headphones produced by Apple, which are aimed at delivering quality audio and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem.
However, when these two giants run against each other, which of the two offers you a better experience?
In this detailed comparison, we’ll explore design, comfort, sound performance, noise cancellation, features, battery life, connectivity, and value for money. So by the end, you’ll know exactly which headphone suits your needs.
Design & Comfort – Sleek vs Premium Feel
When it comes to headphones, looks matter just as much as comfort. Both Sony and Apple have taken very different approaches in design, and each has its strengths.
Sony WH-1000XM4: Lightweight and Minimalist
The WH-1000XM4 continues the minimalist stylistic approach that Sony uses. They are constructed predominantly out of high-quality plastic with soft memory foam ear cups, which makes them very lightweight on the head and ideal to wear during long listening sessions.
The clamping pressure is firm but not tight, so you do not experience pressure even after using it throughout the day. The other practical benefit is its foldable design- something familiar globetrotters adore since it makes it easy to carry in a bag.
AirPods Max: Premium and Luxurious Build
As it is, Apple has taken the luxury path with the AirPods Max. With aluminum ear cups, a stainless-steel frame, and a breathable mesh headband, these on-ear headphones have the feel of high-tech equipment.
They are not as light as the Sony pair, about 385 grams versus 254 grams for Sony, and some users who go on long walks might find them exhausting. The weight is distributed well, and memory foam cushions provide a tight, high-quality feel.
Comfort in Real-World Use
- Sony XM4: Wins in lightweight comfort, especially during long flights or workdays.
- AirPods Max: Feels luxurious and solid, but can feel heavy after extended use.
In short, if you value portability and light comfort, Sony is the winner. But if you want a luxury feel and premium aesthetics, AirPods Max will appeal more to you.
Sound Quality – Bass, Mids, and Highs Explained
Sound is the soul of any headphone, and this is where both Sony and Apple show their strengths in very different ways.
Sony WH-1000XM4: Rich and Punchy Sound
Sony is also renowned for tweaking its headphones to have a warmly-tuned signature. The WH-1000XM4 is bass-heavy with smooth mids and slightly rolled-off treble. This qualifies them to be ideal for individuals who listen to pop, hip-hop, EDM, and bass-heavy music.
Vocals sound clear and natural, while instruments like guitars and pianos feel well-balanced. Another advantage is Sony’s app-based customization—you can fine-tune the EQ to your liking, making them versatile for all music styles.
AirPods Max: Balanced and Studio-Like
Apple took a very different approach. The AirPods Max delivers a more neutral sound profile, with emphasis on clarity and detail rather than just bass. The lows are controlled, the mids are crystal clear, and the highs are airy and open. If you enjoy classical music, jazz, or acoustic tracks, the AirPods Max feels closer to a studio monitoring experience.
The real highlight is Spatial Audio with head tracking, which creates a 3D surround-sound experience when paired with Apple devices. This makes movies and shows feel cinematic, something the Sony headphones don’t replicate at the same level.
Which One Wins?
- Sony WH-1000XM4 → Best for bass lovers and customizable sound.
- AirPods Max → Best for detail, clarity, and immersive spatial audio.
Noise Cancellation – How Well Do They Block the World?
One of the biggest reasons people buy premium headphones is for Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Both Sony and Apple are industry leaders, but they approach noise cancellation differently.
Sony WH-1000XM4: Smart and Adaptive
Sony’s ANC is considered one of the best in the market. It uses multiple microphones and advanced algorithms to adapt to your surroundings. Whether you’re on a plane, in a busy office, or walking on a noisy street, the WH-1000XM4 adjusts automatically to block distractions.
A standout feature is Adaptive Sound Control, which learns your habits and locations. For example, it can automatically reduce noise cancellation when you’re at home but maximize it while traveling. This innovative technology makes it highly convenient for daily use.
AirPods Max: Powerful but Natural
Apple’s AirPods Max also excels in ANC. The difference here is that Apple’s approach feels more natural and less pressured. Some ANC systems can make your ears feel “plugged,” but with AirPods Max, you get silence without that heavy sensation.
Additionally, Transparency Mode is outstanding. With a quick switch, you can hear your surroundings clearly, almost as if you’re not wearing headphones at all. This is extremely useful when walking outdoors or having a quick conversation.
Side-by-Side Comparison
- Sony WH-1000XM4 → Slightly stronger in blocking out consistent low noises like airplane engines.
- AirPods Max → Feels more natural and better at handling environmental awareness with Transparency Mode.
Features & Smart Controls – Touch, Apps, and Ecosystem
When it comes to features, both Sony and Apple have packed their headphones with innovative technology. However, the experience feels very different depending on which brand you go with.
Sony WH-1000XM4: Customization at Your Fingertips
Sony integrated the WH-1000XM4 headphones to be convenient and personalisable. Touch-sensitive earcups will enable you to play or pause music and adjust volume, and receive or reject calls with a simple swipe or tap.
As an example, a swipe forward skips a song, a swipe back plays the previous song, and putting a hand on the right earcup will reduce the volume instantly so you can hear a person speaking.
Another highlight is the Sony Headphones Connect app. This app allows you to tweak the sound with a graphic EQ, adjust noise cancellation strength, and even enable 360 Reality Audio—a feature designed to create a more immersive soundstage when listening to supported music platforms.
Additional innovative features include Speak-to-Chat, which automatically pauses your music when you start talking, and Adaptive Sound Control, which learns your daily routine and adjusts ANC accordingly.
AirPods Max: Seamless Apple Integration
Apple has taken a different approach: where there is much customization, the AirPods Max aims to become as integrated with Apple gadgets as possible.
When paired with an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV, the AirPods Max are magic. Connection is almost instant, and you can automatically hop between them, and features, such as Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, are a highlight in the Apple ecosystem.
Physical controls are minimal but effective. The Digital Crown—inspired by the Apple Watch—lets you adjust volume, play or pause, skip tracks, and even answer calls with precision. It may not be as futuristic as Sony’s touch gestures, but it feels tactile and reliable.
Verdict on Features
- Sony WH-1000XM4 → Perfect if you want flexibility, customization, and advanced innovative functions.
- AirPods Max → Best choice for Apple users who want effortless integration and unique features like Spatial Audio.
Battery Life & Charging – Which Lasts Longer?
Battery life is crucial, especially if you travel or work long hours. This is one area where Sony has a clear advantage.
Sony WH-1000XM4: Long-Lasting Performance
The WH-1000XM4 offers up to 30 hours of playback with noise cancellation turned on, and around 38 hours without ANC. This makes them ideal for long flights, extended workdays, or heavy music listeners.
Even better, Sony supports fast charging—just 10 minutes of charging gives you around 5 hours of playback—the headphones charge via USB-C, which is convenient since most modern devices use the same port.
AirPods Max: Shorter but Efficient
The AirPods Max provide about 20 hours of playback with ANC and Spatial Audio enabled. While that’s less than Sony’s offering, it’s still enough to get most people through a whole day.
Apple’s charging system is slightly different. They use a Lightning connector (not USB-C, at least until recently), which may feel outdated for some users. However, a quick 5-minute charge can give around 1.5 hours of playback, which is handy in emergencies.
Smart Case and Battery Management
One unique aspect of AirPods Max is the Smart Case. Instead of a power button, the headphones enter an ultra-low power mode when placed inside the case, helping conserve battery. While the case design has been criticized for its odd look, it does play a role in energy efficiency.
Verdict on Battery
- Sony WH-1000XM4 → wins with longer battery life and universal USB-C charging.
- AirPods Max → Sufficient for most users but less competitive in raw endurance.
Connectivity & Compatibility – Android vs Apple Experience
In today’s wireless world, smooth connectivity is essential. Both Sony and Apple deliver excellent performance here, but they shine in different ways depending on which devices you own.
Sony WH-1000XM4: Wide Compatibility
Sony made the WH-1000XM4 for everyone, not just a specific ecosystem. These headphones support Bluetooth 5.0 and multiple high-quality audio codecs, including SBC, AAC, and LDAC. The inclusion of LDAC allows for high-resolution audio streaming over Bluetooth, which is a big win for audiophiles.
Another handy feature is multipoint connectivity, which lets you connect to two devices simultaneously. For example, you can listen to music on your laptop and instantly switch to answer a call on your phone without re-pairing. This flexibility makes them perfect for Android, Windows, and even iOS users.
AirPods Max: Optimized for Apple Devices
Apple designed the AirPods Max primarily for people deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem. They use the H1 chip, enabling seamless pairing, instant switching between Apple devices, and integration with Siri for voice commands.
However, for non-Apple users, the experience isn’t as smooth. While they do work with Android and Windows via standard Bluetooth, you lose access to Spatial Audio, automatic switching, and deep customization. That makes them less attractive if you’re not already using Apple devices.
Verdict on Connectivity
- Sony WH-1000XM4 → The universal choice, supporting multiple devices and codecs.
- AirPods Max → Outstanding for Apple users but limited for others.
Price & Value for Money – Premium vs Practical Choice
When choosing between these headphones, price becomes a critical factor. Both are premium products, but they sit in different price ranges and offer various types of value.
Sony WH-1000XM4: High-End but Accessible
Sony positioned the WH-1000XM4 as a high-end headphone without breaking into ultra-premium territory. At launch, they were priced around $349, but since newer models like the XM5 have been released, prices have dropped further—making them an excellent deal for what they offer.
Considering the 30-hour battery life, class-leading ANC, customizable sound, and broad compatibility, the XM4 delivers tremendous value for money. They remain one of the best options for those who want a balance of performance, features, and price.
AirPods Max: Luxury at a Cost
Apple’s AirPods Max entered the market with a $549 price tag, making them significantly more expensive than Sony’s XM4. What you’re paying for is not just the sound, but also the luxury build quality, seamless Apple integration, and Spatial Audio features.
For Apple enthusiasts, this premium may feel justified, but for the average buyer, the price can be hard to swallow—especially considering the shorter battery life and lack of foldability.
Value Comparison
- Sony WH-1000XM4 → Offers a well-rounded package at a more accessible price.
- AirPods Max → Premium headphones with luxury appeal but a steep cost.
Final Verdict – Which Headphone is Right for You?
Having compared the design, sound, sound cancellation, features, battery life, connectivity, and overall value, it remains evident that both the Sony WH-1000XM4 and the AirPods Max are high-end solutions; the difference being that they will suit markedly different audiences.
Choose the Sony WH-1000XM4 if:
- You want lightweight comfort for long hours.
- Long battery life is a priority.
- You love bass-rich sound with EQ customization.
- You need multipoint connectivity across devices.
- You want top-tier ANC at a more affordable price.
Choose the AirPods Max if:
- You’re already invested in the Apple ecosystem.
- You value luxury design and premium materials.
- You want Spatial Audio and cinematic sound.
- You don’t mind paying extra for Apple’s seamless experience.
The Bottom Line
- If you want practicality, longer battery life, and versatility across devices, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is the more intelligent choice.
- If you’re an Apple user who loves premium design and advanced features, the AirPods Max is worth the investment.
As it sits, both headphones are the best of the best, but which you choose is going to depend on what you prefer: purpose and price (in the case of one Sony, as an example) or glamor and an ecosystem (in the case of a single Apple example).
FAQ’s
Is the Sony XM4 better than the AirPods Max?
The Sony WH-1000XM4 offers longer battery life, lighter comfort, and better value. AirPods Max, however, wins in build quality and Apple ecosystem features.
What headphones are better than AirPods Pro Max?
Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, and Sennheiser Momentum 4 often compete strongly, offering excellent ANC, comfort, and balanced sound.What is the lifespan of AirPods Max?
With proper care, AirPods Max can last around 4–5 years. Battery performance may decline over time, but replacements can extend their lifespan.
What is the lifespan of AirPods Max?
With proper care, AirPods Max can last around 4–5 years. Battery performance may decline over time, but replacements can extend their lifespan.