Noise-Cancelling Headphones Head to head
AirPods Max 2 vs Sony WH-1000XM5
The AirPods Max 2 leads on bluetooth. The Sony WH-1000XM5 leads on battery, noise cancelling on and weight. They are level on listens wired and case in the box.
Apple AirPods Max 2
$549
Maker's list price, checked Sep 17, 2026
Model AirPods Max 2
Leads on 1 of 5 specs
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
$300-$600
Price range
Model WH-1000XM5/B
Leads on 2 of 5 specs
Who leads on specs?
Counted on the 5 specs both makers publish.
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Spec by spec
Every spec side by side. A tick and a green cell mark the better figure.
| Spec | AirPods Max 2 | Sony WH-1000XM5 | Who leads |
|---|---|---|---|
| List price | $549 | $300-$600 | Level |
| Battery, noise cancelling on | 20 hr | 30 hr | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
| Weight | 386.2 g | 250 g | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
| Holds two devices at once | Not listed | Yes | Can’t compare: not listed |
| Listens wired | Yes | Yes | Level |
| Case in the box | Yes | Yes | Level |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 | AirPods Max 2 |
| Driver | Not listed | Not listed | Can’t compare: not listed |
