Apple AirPods Max vs Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless: Which Headphones Are Better? - RTINGS.com

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Apple AirPods Max

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless

Tested using Methodology v2.1

Updated Mar 09, 2026 05:37 PM

Tested using Methodology v2.1

Updated Mar 09, 2026 06:57 PM

Apple AirPods Max Picture

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Picture

TypeOver-ear

Noise CancellingYes

EnclosureClosed-Back

Bass Amount Slightly Emphasized (1 dB)

WirelessYes

Treble Amount Underemphasized (-4 dB)

MicYes

Sound Signature Warm

TypeOver-ear

Noise CancellingYes

EnclosureClosed-Back

Bass Amount Very Emphasized (5 dB)

WirelessYes

Treble Amount Balanced (0 dB)

MicYes

Sound Signature Warm

Recommended in 1 article:
Apple

Recommended in 6 articles:
Headphones
Noise Cancelling
Over-Ear
3

Our Verdict

Apple AirPods Max

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless

The Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless are better headphones than the Apple AirPods Max if you care about customizability. The Sony have a companion app that offers many customization features, including a graphic EQ and presets. They also come with a 1/8" TRS cable if you want to use them wired, and are more comfortable. Both headphones offer a fantastic ANC performance, though the Sony still edge in front of the pack in this regard, as they can block out a bit more sound than the Apple. That said, the Apple are less plasticky and have the H1 Chip to make seamless swaps between Apple devices, and their tuning is less excited-sounding.

Variants

AirPods Max (USB-C) (Blue)
AirPods Max (Lightning) (Green)

WH-1000XM4 (Black)
WH-1000XM4 (Midnight Blue)

Review

See Apple AirPods Max Review

See Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Review

Check Price

Silver

AirPods Max (Lightning)

Silver

WH-1000XM4

Blue

AirPods Max (USB-C)

Black

WH-1000XM4

Green

AirPods Max (Lightning)

Midnight Blue

WH-1000XM4

Midnight

AirPods Max (USB-C)

Orange

AirPods Max (USB-C)

Pink

AirPods Max (Lightning)

Purple

AirPods Max (USB-C)

Sky Blue

AirPods Max (Lightning)

Space Gray

AirPods Max (Lightning)

Starlight

AirPods Max (USB-C)

Main Differences for

Sports And Fitness

Threshold

0.10

Sports And Fitness

0.0

0.0

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Full Comparison

Sports And Fitness

0.0

0.0

Travel

0.0

0.0

Office Work

0.0

0.0

Wireless Gaming (In Development)

0.0

0.0

Wired Gaming (In Development)

0.0

0.0

Audio Reproduction Accuracy

0.0

0.0

Noise Isolation

0.0

0.0

Microphone (In Development)

0.0

0.0

Frequency Response Consistency

0.0

0.0

Sound

Sound Profile

Sound Profile

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Normalization Frequency

Lock Hz

Lock Hz

Bass Amount

Locked

Locked

Treble Amount

Locked

Locked

Sound Signature

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Frequency Response Consistency

N/A

N/A

Consistency L

Apple AirPods Max Consistency L Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Consistency L Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Consistency R

Apple AirPods Max Consistency R Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Consistency R Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Std. Deviation

Lock dB

Lock dB

Show Text

Raw Frequency Response

Raw FR L

Apple AirPods Max Raw FR L Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Raw FR L Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Raw FR R

Apple AirPods Max Raw FR R Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Raw FR R Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Bass Profile: Target Compliance

N/A

N/A

Bass Profile: Target Compliance

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

RMS Deviation From Target

Lock dB

Lock dB

Low-Frequency Extension

Lock Hz

Lock Hz

Low Bass

Lock dB

Lock dB

Mid Bass

Lock dB

Lock dB

High Bass

Lock dB

Lock dB

Show Text

Mid-Range Profile: Target Compliance

N/A

N/A

Mid-Range Profile: Target Compliance

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

RMS Deviation From Target

Lock dB

Lock dB

Low Mid

Lock dB

Lock dB

Mid-Mid

Lock dB

Lock dB

High Mid

Lock dB

Lock dB

Show Text

Treble Profile: Target Compliance

N/A

N/A

Treble Profile: Target Compliance

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

RMS Deviation From Target

Lock dB

Lock dB

Low Treble

Lock dB

Lock dB

Mid Treble

Lock dB

Lock dB

High Treble

Lock dB

Lock dB

Show Text

Peaks/Dips

N/A

N/A

Peaks/Dips Graph

Apple AirPods Max Peaks/Dips Graph Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Peaks/Dips Graph Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Peaks

Lock dB

Lock dB

Dips

Lock dB

Lock dB

Show Text

Stereo Mismatch

N/A

N/A

Frequency Response Mismatch

Apple AirPods Max Frequency Response Mismatch Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Frequency Response Mismatch Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Phase Response Mismatch

Apple AirPods Max Phase Response Mismatch Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Phase Response Mismatch Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Weighted Amplitude Mismatch

Lock dB

Lock dB

Weighted Frequency Response Mismatch

Lock dB

Lock dB

Weighted Phase Mismatch

Lock°

Lock°

Show Text

Cumulative Spectral Decay

CSD

Apple AirPods Max CSD Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless CSD Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

PRTF

N/A

N/A

PRTF

Apple AirPods Max PRTF Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless PRTF Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

PRTF Accuracy (RMS Deviation)

Lock dB

Lock dB

PRTF Size (Avg.)

Lock dB

Lock dB

PRTF Distance

Lock dB

Lock dB

Show Text

Harmonic Distortion

N/A

N/A

Harmonics Levels

Apple AirPods Max Harmonics Levels Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Harmonics Levels Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

THD Ratio

Apple AirPods Max THD Ratio Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless THD Ratio Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

WHD @ 94 dB SPL

Lock%

Lock%

WHD @ 104 dB SPL

Lock%

Lock%

Electrical Aspects

Impedance

Apple AirPods Max Impedance Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Impedance Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sensitivity @1kHz-1V

N/A

Lock dB SPL

Bluetooth Max SPL

Lock dB

Lock dB

Show Text

Virtual Soundstage

N/A

N/A

Virtual Soundstage

Apple AirPods Max Virtual Soundstage Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Virtual Soundstage Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Head Modeling

Locked

Locked

Speaker Modeling

Locked

Locked

Room Ambience

Locked

Locked

Head Tracking

Locked

Locked

Virtual Surround

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Test Settings

Firmware

Locked

Locked

Power

Locked

Locked

Connection

Locked

Locked

Codec

Locked

Locked

Test Instrument

Locked

Locked

EQ

Locked

Locked

ANC

Locked

Locked

Tip/Pad

Locked

Locked

Microphone

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Design

Style

Design Picture 2

Apple AirPods Max Design Picture 2 Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Design Picture 2 Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Type

Locked

Locked

Enclosure

Locked

Locked

Wireless

Locked

Locked

Transducer

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Comfort

N/A

N/A

Comfort Picture

Apple AirPods Max Comfort Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Comfort Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Weight

Lock lbs

Lock lbs

Clamping Force

Lock lbs

Lock lbs

Show Text

Controls

N/A

N/A

Controls Picture

Apple AirPods Max Controls Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Controls Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

OS Compatibility

Locked

Locked

Ease Of Use

Locked

Locked

Feedback

Locked

Locked

Call/Music Control

Locked

Locked

Volume Control

Locked

Locked

Microphone Control

Locked

Locked

Channel Mixing

Locked

Locked

Noise Cancelling Control

Locked

Locked

Talk-Through

Locked

Locked

Additional Controls

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Portability

N/A

N/A

Portability Picture

Apple AirPods Max Portability Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Portability Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

L

Lock" (Lock cm)

Lock" (Lock cm)

W

Lock" (Lock cm)

Lock" (Lock cm)

H

Lock" (Lock cm)

Lock" (Lock cm)

Volume

Lock in³ (Lock cm³)

Lock in³ (Lock cm³)

Transmitter Required

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Case

N/A

N/A

Case Picture

Apple AirPods Max Case Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Case Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Type

Locked

Locked

L

Lock" (Lock cm)

Lock" (Lock cm)

W

Lock" (Lock cm)

Lock" (Lock cm)

H

Lock" (Lock cm)

Lock" (Lock cm)

Volume

Lock in³ (Lock cm³)

Lock in³ (Lock cm³)

Show Text

Build Quality

N/A

N/A

Build Quality Picture

Apple AirPods Max Build Quality Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Build Quality Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Show Text

Stability

N/A

N/A

Stability Picture

Apple AirPods Max Stability Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Stability Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Show Text

Headshots 1

Angled Picture

Apple AirPods Max Angled Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Angled Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Side Picture

Apple AirPods Max Side Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Side Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Headshots 2

Front Picture

Apple AirPods Max Front Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Front Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Rear Picture

Apple AirPods Max Rear Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Rear Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Top

Top Picture

Apple AirPods Max Top Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Top Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

In The Box

In The Box Picture

Apple AirPods Max In The Box Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless In The Box Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Show Text

Isolation

Noise Isolation - Full Range

N/A

N/A

Noise Isolation - Full Range Graph

Apple AirPods Max Noise Isolation - Full Range Graph Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Isolation - Full Range Graph Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Noise Cancelling

Locked

Locked

Overall Attenuation

Lock dB

Lock dB

Bass

Lock dB

Lock dB

Mid

Lock dB

Lock dB

Treble

Lock dB

Lock dB

Show Text

Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios

N/A

N/A

Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios Graph

Apple AirPods Max Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios Graph Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios Graph Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Airplane Noise Attenuation

Lock dB

Lock dB

Airplane Noise Isolation Audio

Office Noise Attenuation

Lock dB

Lock dB

Office Noise Isolation Audio

Street Noise Attenuation

Lock dB

Lock dB

Street Noise Isolation Audio

Show Text

Noise Isolation - Voice Handling

Female Voice 1

Male Voice 1

Female Voice 2

Male Voice 2

ANC Wind Handling

ANC Wind Handling Graph

Apple AirPods Max ANC Wind Handling Graph Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless ANC Wind Handling Graph Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

ANC Wind Noise

Show Text

Leakage

N/A

N/A

Leakage

Apple AirPods Max Leakage Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Leakage Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Leakage Audio

Overall Leakage @ 1ft

Lock dB

Lock dB

Show Text

Microphone

Microphone Style

Integrated

Locked

Locked

In-Line

Locked

Locked

Boom

Locked

Locked

Detachable Boom

Locked

Locked

Mic

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Recording Quality

N/A

N/A

Microphone Frequency Response

Apple AirPods Max Microphone Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Microphone Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Recorded Speech

LFE

Lock Hz

Lock Hz

FR Std. Dev.

Lock dB

Lock dB

HFE

Lock Hz

Lock Hz

Weighted THD

Lock

Lock

Gain

Lock dB

Lock dB

Show Text

Noise Handling

N/A

N/A

SpNR

Apple AirPods Max SpNR Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless SpNR Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

SpNR

Lock dB

Lock dB

Noise Gate

Locked

Locked

Speech + Pink Noise Handling

0.0

0.0

Speech + Pink Noise Audio Sample

Speech + Subway Noise Handling

0.0

0.0

Speech + Subway Noise Audio Sample

Show Text

Active Features

Battery

N/A

N/A

Battery Type

Locked

Locked

Continuous Battery Life

Lock hrs

Lock hrs

Additional Charges

Lock

Lock

Total Battery Life

Lock hrs

Lock hrs

Charge Time

Lock hrs

Lock hrs

Power-Saving Feature

Locked

Locked

Audio While Charging

Locked

Locked

Passive Playback

Locked

Locked

Charging Port

Locked

Locked

Show Text

App Support

N/A

N/A

App Picture

Apple AirPods Max App Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless App Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

App Name

Locked

Locked

iOS

Locked

Locked

Android

Locked

Locked

macOS

Locked

Locked

Windows

Locked

Locked

Equalizer

Locked

Locked

ANC Control

Locked

Locked

Mic Control

Locked

Locked

Room Effects

Locked

Locked

Playback Control

Locked

Locked

Button Mapping

Locked

Locked

Surround Support

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Connectivity

Wired Connection

N/A

N/A

Cable Picture

Apple AirPods Max Cable Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Cable Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Analog Audio

Locked

Locked

USB Audio

Locked

Locked

Detachable

Locked

Locked

Length

N/A

Lock ft (Lock m)

Connector

Locked

Locked

Latency - Analog

Lock ms

Lock ms

Latency - USB

N/A

N/A

Recorded Latency

Recorded Latency Connection

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Bluetooth Connection

N/A

N/A

Bluetooth Version

Locked

Locked

Multi-Device Pairing

Locked

Locked

Quick Pair (Android)

Locked

Locked

Quick Pair (iOS)

Locked

Locked

Line Of Sight Range

Lock ft (Lock m)

Lock ft (Lock m)

Latency - SBC

Lock ms

Lock ms

Latency - aptX

N/A

N/A

Latency - aptX Adaptive (High Quality)

N/A

N/A

Latency - aptX Adaptive (Low Latency)

N/A

N/A

Latency - LDAC

N/A

Lock ms

Recorded Latency

Recorded Latency Codec

Locked

Locked

AAC Support

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Wireless Connection (Dongle)

N/A

N/A

Line Of Sight Range

N/A

N/A

Latency - Dongle

N/A

N/A

Recorded Latency

PC Compatibility

Analog

Locked

Locked

Wired USB

Locked

Locked

Non-BT Wireless

Locked

Locked

Show Text

PlayStation Compatibility

PS4 Analog

Locked

Locked

PS4 Wired USB

Locked

Locked

PS4 Non-BT Wireless

Locked

Locked

PS5 Analog

Locked

Locked

PS5 Wired USB

Locked

Locked

PS5 Non-BT Wireless

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Xbox Compatibility

Xbox One Analog

Locked

Locked

Xbox One Wired USB

Locked

Locked

Xbox One Non-BT Wireless

Locked

Locked

Xbox Series X|S Analog

Locked

Locked

Xbox Series X|S Wired USB

Locked

Locked

Xbox Series X|S Non-BT Wireless

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Base/Dock

N/A

N/A

Type

Locked

Locked

USB Input

Locked

Locked

Line In

Locked

Locked

Line Out

Locked

Locked

Optical Input

Locked

Locked

RCA Input

Locked

Locked

Dock Charging

Locked

Locked

Power Supply

Locked

Locked

Check Price

Silver

AirPods Max (Lightning)

Silver

WH-1000XM4

Blue

AirPods Max (USB-C)

Black

WH-1000XM4

Green

AirPods Max (Lightning)

Midnight Blue

WH-1000XM4

Midnight

AirPods Max (USB-C)

Orange

AirPods Max (USB-C)

Pink

AirPods Max (Lightning)

Purple

AirPods Max (USB-C)

Sky Blue

AirPods Max (Lightning)

Space Gray

AirPods Max (Lightning)

Starlight

AirPods Max (USB-C)

Apple AirPods Max

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless

Comments

Comparison

• Posted 2 years ago

Apple AirPods Max vs Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless: Main Discussion

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