The Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones are all the trend proper now. A reasonably upgraded design with adaptive noise cancellation and proprietary audio applied sciences have earned them the title of greatest sound-first headphones right here at Mashable. Moreover, they carry out effectively with all Android and iOS/macOS units.
Nonetheless, when you’re solely an Apple consumer, Sony’s all-new flagship cans aren’t the one noise cancellers to contemplate. The AirPods Max stay a best choice primarily based on their impeccable integration with Apple merchandise, to not point out their stable noise discount, placing spatial audio, and ultramodern look.
These are two of the greatest noise-cancelling headphones cash can purchase. However which is the smarter funding? When Mashable’s former tech editor in contrast the previous-gen Sony XM5 headphones to the AirPods Max, she gave Apple the sting. However in the case of the AirPods Max vs. Sony XM6 headphones, Sony has pulled forward.
We’ve got a choice, however this can be a true win-win scenario.
Credit score: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
Earlier than diving into the outcomes, we should always notice that we’re hoping to see each of those headphones on sale throughout Amazon’s upcoming Prime Day sale. The very best Prime Day offers all the time embody tempting gives on headphones, and reductions on the AirPods Max are all the time a spotlight of the sale. The XM6 headphones simply got here out on Might 15, however we’re crossing our fingers that they’re going to get their first-ever low cost for Prime Day, which kicks off on July 8 this yr.
Early Prime Day offers are rolling in — store wi-fi earbuds now
Apple has the superior design and ecosystem
The AirPods Max have a smooth {and professional} look that enhances the iPhone’s premium development. Distinctive particulars just like the aluminum unibody, mesh headband, and plush padding give these headphones loads of swagger. There is a cause individuals put on them as trend equipment. Our solely grievance is the purse-inspired Sensible Case that gives little or no safety.
Credit score: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
Including to the AirPods Max’s enchantment is seamless integration with the iPad, iPhone, Macs, and AppleTV. Pairing is instantaneous. On prime of that, any carried out adjustments (e.g., controls, EQ, software program updates) to the headphones will probably be saved in your iCloud account and carry over to most popular Apple units.
Credit score: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
The WH-1000xM6 look nearly precisely just like the WH-1000XM5s, which isn’t a constructive. Each units of headphones are composed of recycled supplies and have a minimalist, plastic-heavy design that lacks the business-class aesthetic of previous entries. Consolation and match are enough on the WH-1000XM6, and it’s good that they fold inward for handy storage with the redesigned carrying case.
Sony’s headphones are suitable with Android and iOS/macOS by way of the Sound Join app. In addition they include Google Quick Pair and Discover My Gadget assist. Whereas we get pleasure from these extras, together with the flexibility to customise the headphones on both platform, the extent at which the AirPods Max function on iOS is transcendent.
Winner: AirPods Max | Learn our full overview of the AirPods Max headphones
Sony dominates all different key factors, together with ANC and sound
We’re not sugarcoating something right here — the WH-1000XM6 headphones trounce the AirPods Max in practically each different class. There is a cause the AirPods Max have been absent from Mashable’s information to one of the best headphones for over a yr.
Let’s begin with the 2 largest benefits within the AirPods Max vs. Sony XM6 battle: lively noise cancellation and sound. Sony’s ANC expertise does an exceptional job of eliminating undesirable sounds throughout the frequency spectrum. The brand new Adaptive NC Optimizer works properly for auto-adjusting noise neutralization to your environment. Over 20 ranges of ambient sound ranges can be found to listen to your environment clearly and with precision at excessive quantity.
Credit score: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
Refined 30mm drivers give Sony’s headphones terrific steadiness, bass, and definition. Audio is elevated by way of DSEE Excessive expertise, which will increase constancy on poorly engineered tracks. LDAC codec assist streams hi-res audio at CD-like high quality on Android units. There’s additionally a customizable EQ with well-engineered presets within the companion app for personalizing sound. Lastly, you’ve gotten 360 Actuality Audio for full of life 3D sound, although the function is proscribed to some streaming platforms.
Quite a few sensible controls are programmed into the WH-1000XM6. The bodily buttons and contact sensors work properly, and the brand new Mute button turns out to be useful to silence music on demand. Cool options like Converse-to-Chat do the identical when detecting your voice. Digital help is simply as rewarding for hands-free performance. Sony’s 12-mic array delivers very good speech recognition for Google Assistant and Siri use, in addition to voice calling. A full cost equates to 40 hours of listening time, relying on how you utilize them. ANC drops it right down to 30 hours.
The AirPods Max solely have one degree of ANC, and it’s… enough. We’ve examined these headphones in varied environments through the years and located them efficient towards low- and mid-frequency sounds. Excessive-frequency sounds may be distracting when in proximity (my son’s cries typically break my focus). Apple’s 40mm drivers dish out correct mids, deep bass, and sharp highs. The adaptive EQ notably adjusts sound on the fly. Personalised Spatial Audio creates immersive 360-degree sound when indulging in Dolby Atmos content material (for cinephiles, the AirPods Max do take the sting). Lossless audio is now achievable by way of the USB-C connector, and it sounds surprisingly good. The trade-off is being tethered to a media participant.
Credit score: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
Credit score: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
The good function on Apple’s headphones is the digital crown, which is a multifunctional dial to handle the controls (playback, quantity, digital assistant). “Hey Siri” voice activation works flawlessly. Voice calling is top-notch, however not higher than Sony’s. There are not any contact controls. Battery life nonetheless disappoints at 20 hours per cost. A 5-minute cost will internet you 1.5 hours of playtime, nonetheless. Inserting these headphones within the Sensible Case permits an ultra-low energy mode for battery preservation.
Winner: Sony WH-1000XM6 | Learn our full overview of the Sony XM6 headphones
Two costly investments — one clear winner
The AirPods Max are pricier at $529.99, however they typically go on sale for $479 or much less at Amazon and Walmart. You’ll be able to even discover the previous Lightning model for as little as $449. In the meantime, the newer WH-1000XM6 have a $449 MSRP, which is a $50 improve from their predecessor. Our tech editor, Timothy Beck Werth, additionally believes the WH-1000XM6’s steep value is justified by their strong spec sheet. The Mashable workforce (and this author) agrees. We are able to’t say the identical for the AirPods Max.
Finally, in the case of the Sony XM6 vs. AirPods Max query, now we have a transparent choice. Nonetheless, Apple’s uber-stylish headphones have their followers, and for good cause.
Winner: Sony WH-1000XM6
