Apple AirPods Max 2 vs Sony WH-1000XM6
Critics score the Apple AirPods Max 2 83 and the Sony WH-1000XM6 87 out of 100, from 11 and 14 professional reviews. 7 outlets reviewed both: 2 scored the Apple AirPods Max 2 higher and 5 scored the Sony WH-1000XM6 higher. On average those critics put the Sony WH-1000XM6 4 points ahead.
Image: AppleApple AirPods Max 2
Praised for: sound quality (11 of 11), noise cancelling (9 of 11), comfort (4 of 11)
Criticised for: price (7 of 11), weight and fit (5 of 11), size and weight (5 of 11)
The catch: Heavy, expensive, and the case still doesn't protect them.
All 11 reviews of the Apple AirPods Max 2 →
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Image: SonySony WH-1000XM6
Praised for: noise cancelling (14 of 14), sound quality (10 of 14), design (5 of 14)
Criticised for: price (9 of 14), controls and app (3 of 14), no water resistance (2 of 14)
The catch: Costs more than the XM5 for modest gains.
All 14 reviews of the Sony WH-1000XM6 →
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Critics who reviewed both
The fairest comparison: the same reviewer, the same standards| Outlet | Apple AirPods Max 2 | Sony WH-1000XM6 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expert Reviews | 80 | 95 | -15 |
| TechGearLab | 70 | 83 | -13 |
| WIRED | 80 | 90 | -10 |
| The Guardian | 83est. | 89est. | -6 |
| CNET | 89 | 93 | -4 |
| TechRadar | 90 | 89est. | +1 |
| Tom's Guide | 90 | 73est. | +17 |
Scores converted to 0–100. Difference is the Apple AirPods Max 2 minus the Sony WH-1000XM6. Outlined tiles are estimated from the verdict. Each score links to the review.
Direct comparisons
Reviewers who put these two side by side. These never change a score.
- Tom's Guide picks the Apple AirPods Max 2.
- SoundGuys picks the Sony WH-1000XM6.
- TechRadar picks the Sony WH-1000XM6.
- BGR picks the Sony WH-1000XM6.
Compare either one with another noise-cancelling headphone → · All noise-cancelling headphones ranked →
Common questions
Which is better, the Apple AirPods Max 2 or the Sony WH-1000XM6?
Critics rate the Sony WH-1000XM6 higher: 87 against 83. 7 outlets reviewed both: 2 scored the Apple AirPods Max 2 higher and 5 scored the Sony WH-1000XM6 higher. On average those critics put the Sony WH-1000XM6 4 points ahead.
Do critics agree about the Apple AirPods Max 2 and the Sony WH-1000XM6?
The Apple AirPods Max 2: broad agreement, scores from 70 to 90. The Sony WH-1000XM6: broad agreement, scores from 73 to 95.