On March 16, Apple introduced its latest premium headphones, the Apple AirPods Max 2, with a price tag of Rs 67,900 in India. These headphones come packed with appealing features and enhancements; however, this raises concerns about their value, as leading competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM6 provide excellent performance at a more affordable price.
Both headphones fall within the premium category, but the crucial comparison hinges on their performance, features, and whether Apple justifies its elevated pricing. Below is an in-depth comparison of the Apple AirPods Max 2 and the Sony WH-1000XM6.
Highlights
Apple AirPods Max 2 vs Sony WH-1000XM6: Build and Design
The Apple AirPods Max 2 retains a design similar to its previous version, featuring aluminium ear cups and a stainless steel headband frame with a breathable knit mesh canopy. Conversely, the Sony WH-1000XM6 is constructed from plastic, with metal hinges and a headband made from vegan leather.
Weighing in at 386 grams, the AirPods Max 2 is heavier compared to the significantly lighter Sony headphones, which weigh only 254 grams, making them more comfortable for extended use. Additionally, the Sony model has a foldable design, which increases its portability; its case is equipped with a magnetic latch for easy accessibility.
In contrast, the AirPods Max 2 lacks a foldable design, resulting in more space being occupied in a carry bag during travel, and it can feel cumbersome when worn around the neck due to its weight.
Furthermore, the Sony WH-1000XM6 features a touch sensor control panel on the right ear cup that enables users to manage play/pause and volume controls easily. The AirPods Max 2 is equipped with a Digital Crown and a control button for adjusting volume.
Apple AirPods Max 2 vs Sony WH-1000XM6: Sound and ANC
When it comes to sound quality, the Apple AirPods Max 2 is integrated with custom 40mm dynamic drivers and maintains the same acoustic framework as the earlier model. However, with the incorporation of the H2 chip, the company asserts it delivers an improved acoustic experience.
The AirPods Max 2 offers 24-bit, 48kHz lossless audio via a USB-C connection, but when connected wirelessly using Bluetooth, audio is compressed to AAC format, limiting access to the true high-resolution sound quality.
In terms of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), the AirPods Max 2 claims to provide up to 1.5 times better noise cancellation than its predecessor. It also features “Adaptive Audio,” which automatically adjusts ANC and transparency settings based on the environment.
On the other hand, the Sony WH-1000XM6 is equipped with 30mm dynamic driver units for each ear cup. Moreover, it supports LDAC codec, allowing users to experience high-resolution audio wirelessly. Additionally, it offers a 3.5mm cable for wired connectivity and includes app-based equaliser settings for custom audio tuning.
The Sony model comes with a specialised HD noise-cancelling processor QN3 that delivers deep isolation. It also features an “Auto Ambient Sound Mode,” which automatically switches between ANC and transparency modes.
Apple AirPods Max 2 vs Sony WH-1000XM6: Battery Life
The Apple AirPods Max 2 claims to deliver up to 20 hours of battery life with ANC activated. In contrast, the Sony WH-1000XM6 offers significantly longer playback time, providing up to 30 hours with ANC on and as much as 40 hours when ANC is disabled.
Apple AirPods Max 2 vs Sony WH-1000XM6: Price in India
The retail price for the Apple AirPods Max 2 in India is Rs 67,900. Meanwhile, the Sony WH-1000XM6 has a standard price of Rs 49,990, but it can often be found at a discounted rate on e-commerce sites.