Airpods Max vs Sony Xm4: Which Headphones Reign Supreme?
Struggling to choose between the Apple AirPods Max and the Sony WH-1000XM4? You’re not alone. Both headphones have earned their place as top contenders in the premium noise-canceling market, but they cater to different needs and preferences.
This in-depth comparison dives into the core features, performance, and design elements of the AirPods Max and XM4. We’ll explore everything from sound quality and noise cancellation to comfort and battery life.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of which headphone is the better fit for your lifestyle and budget. Get ready to discover which of these audio giants will be your next listening companion.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | AirPods Max | XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Codec Support | AAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Multipoint Pairing | No | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | No |
| Touch Controls | Digital Crown & Button | Yes |
| Wearing Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Charging Port | Lightning | USB-C |
| Weight | 384.8 g | 254 g |
| Case | Smart Case | Folding Case |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design & Build Quality
- Airpod Max: Features a stainless steel frame, telescoping arms, and breathable knit mesh canopy. The earcups have a unique rotating mechanism and are made of anodized aluminum. Pros: Premium materials, comfortable fit. Cons: Heavy, prone to scratches.
- Xm4: Primarily uses plastic with a focus on comfort. The earcups are well-padded with memory foam and a soft-touch finish. Pros: Lightweight, comfortable for long listening sessions. Cons: Plastic build may feel less premium.
- Winner: airpod max
Sound Quality
- Airpod Max: Delivers a balanced sound profile with powerful bass and crisp highs. Features adaptive EQ that adjusts sound based on fit. Pros: Excellent sound quality, immersive experience. Cons: Some users find the sound signature slightly bright.
- Xm4: Offers a warm and balanced sound signature with strong bass and clear vocals. Features DSEE Extreme for upscaling compressed audio. Pros: Excellent sound quality, good bass response. Cons: May lack the same level of detail as the AirPods Max for some.
- Winner: Tie
Noise Cancellation
- Airpod Max: Provides exceptional noise cancellation, effectively blocking out a wide range of ambient sounds. Uses multiple microphones for optimal performance. Pros: Industry-leading noise cancellation. Cons: None significant.
- Xm4: Boasts excellent noise cancellation, effectively reducing external noise, including both low and high frequencies. Pros: Excellent noise cancellation. Cons: Can be slightly less effective than AirPods Max in some situations.
- Winner: airpod max
Transparency Mode
- Airpod Max: Offers a natural-sounding transparency mode, allowing users to hear their surroundings clearly. Pros: Excellent transparency mode. Cons: None significant.
- Xm4: Features a good transparency mode, allowing ambient sound to pass through. Pros: Effective transparency mode. Cons: Not quite as natural-sounding as the AirPods Max.
- Winner: airpod max
Controls & Features
- Airpod Max: Uses a Digital Crown for volume control, playback, and Siri activation, along with a noise cancellation button. Features spatial audio for immersive sound. Pros: Intuitive controls, spatial audio. Cons: Lacks power button.
- Xm4: Features touch controls on the earcups for volume, playback, and call management. Offers speak-to-chat. Pros: Customizable touch controls. Cons: Touch controls can be occasionally finicky.
- Winner: airpod max
Battery Life
- Airpod Max: Offers up to 20 hours of listening time with noise cancellation enabled. Comes with a Smart Case that puts them in ultra-low power mode. Pros: Good battery life. Cons: Smart Case offers limited protection.
- Xm4: Provides up to 30 hours of battery life with noise cancellation enabled. Offers quick charging. Pros: Excellent battery life. Cons: None significant.
- Winner: xm4
Connectivity
- Airpod Max: Uses Bluetooth 5.0 and seamlessly integrates with Apple devices. Features easy pairing and device switching. Pros: Excellent integration with Apple ecosystem. Cons: Limited codec support (AAC).
- Xm4: Uses Bluetooth 5.0 and supports multiple codecs including SBC, AAC, and LDAC. Offers multipoint pairing. Pros: Wide codec support, multipoint pairing. Cons: Can be less seamless with non-Android devices.
- Winner: xm4
Price
- Airpod Max: Significantly more expensive than the XM4. Represents a premium investment. Pros: Premium build and features. Cons: High price point.
- Xm4: Offers excellent value for the features and performance. More affordable. Pros: Great value. Cons: None significant.
- Winner: xm4
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall Sound Quality | AirPods Max |
| Noise Cancellation | Tie |
| Comfort | Tie |
| Portability | XM4 |
| Features | Tie |
| Value | XM4 |
What They Have in Common
- Active Noise Cancellation: Both headphones excel at blocking out unwanted background noise, creating an immersive listening experience. They both use advanced algorithms to analyze and cancel out external sounds.
- Transparency Mode: Both offer a transparency mode, allowing you to hear your surroundings without removing the headphones. This is useful for conversations or staying aware of your environment.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Both headphones utilize Bluetooth 5.0 for a stable and reliable wireless connection to your devices. This ensures a seamless pairing and audio streaming experience.
- Comfort: Both the AirPods Max and XM4 are designed with comfort in mind, featuring plush earcups and adjustable headbands for extended listening sessions. They are designed to be worn for hours.
- Built-in Microphones: Both headphones include built-in microphones for making calls and using voice assistants. The microphones are designed to capture your voice clearly.
AirPods Max vs. XM4 Buying Guide
Comfort and Design
The AirPods Max boast a luxurious design with a stainless steel frame and breathable knit-mesh canopy. They offer a premium feel and are available in a variety of stylish colors. However, their weight can be a concern for some users, potentially leading to discomfort during extended listening sessions. The XM4s, on the other hand, prioritize lightweight comfort with their plush earcups and ergonomic design. The XM4s are made of plastic. While they may not feel as premium as the AirPods Max, they are generally more comfortable for long periods of use. The choice here depends heavily on personal preference and head size.
Sound Quality
Both headphones deliver exceptional sound quality, but they cater to slightly different preferences. The AirPods Max offer a balanced and detailed sound profile with excellent clarity across the frequency spectrum. Their spatial audio feature provides an immersive listening experience, especially when watching movies. The XM4s also excel in sound quality, with a slightly warmer sound signature and powerful bass. They are well-suited for a variety of music genres. The XM4s offer a great audio experience at a lower price point.
Noise Cancellation
Both headphones are leaders in noise cancellation. The AirPods Max boast industry-leading noise cancellation, effectively blocking out a wide range of ambient sounds, making them ideal for noisy environments. Their transparency mode allows you to hear your surroundings without removing the headphones. The XM4s also deliver excellent noise cancellation, effectively reducing external noise. The XM4s are also very good at blocking out noise and are great for travel. While the AirPods Max may have a slight edge in overall effectiveness, the XM4s still provide a superb noise-canceling experience.
Features and Controls
The AirPods Max integrate seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem, offering features like automatic device switching and easy pairing. They feature a Digital Crown for volume control and playback. The XM4s, while not offering the same level of ecosystem integration, provide a comprehensive feature set. They include touch controls for playback, call management, and voice assistant activation. The Sony Headphones Connect app offers extensive customization options, including EQ settings and noise cancellation adjustments. The XM4s are also very easy to use.
Battery Life and Charging
The AirPods Max offer up to 20 hours of listening time with noise cancellation enabled. They charge via a Lightning cable. The included Smart Case offers some protection but doesn’t put the headphones into a low-power mode when stored. The XM4s provide an impressive battery life of up to 30 hours with noise cancellation on. They charge via USB-C, a more modern and widely adopted standard. The XM4s offer a better battery life. The XM4s also fold up for easier storage.
Price and Value
The AirPods Max are significantly more expensive than the XM4s, reflecting their premium build and features. They represent a significant investment. The XM4s offer exceptional value for their price, providing a high-quality listening experience and a comprehensive feature set at a more accessible cost. The XM4s are a better value option for most people. The choice depends on your budget and priorities. If budget is a concern, the XM4s are the clear winner. However, if money is not a concern, the AirPods Max offer a more premium experience.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy AirPods Max If…
- You’re deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem and appreciate seamless device switching.
- You prioritize a premium build quality and luxurious design.
- You value the intuitive controls provided by the Digital Crown.
- You want superior spatial audio with dynamic head tracking.
Buy XM4 If…
- You’re looking for a more portable and foldable design.
- You value multi-device pairing for easy switching between devices.
- You prefer a wider range of codec support, including LDAC.
- You prefer a lighter weight design for extended wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary difference in build quality?
The AirPods Max features a premium build with a stainless steel frame and aluminum earcups, offering a luxurious feel. The XM4s use more plastic in their construction, making them lighter but less premium in feel. This results in the AirPods Max feeling more durable and substantial, while the XM4s prioritize comfort and portability.
Which headphone offers better noise cancellation?
Both headphones excel in noise cancellation. The AirPods Max generally has the slight edge in blocking out a wider range of ambient sounds. However, the XM4s also provide excellent noise cancellation, effectively reducing external noise. The difference in effectiveness may not be noticeable for all users, making both suitable for noisy environments.
How do the controls differ between the two?
The AirPods Max uses a Digital Crown for volume and playback control, offering a tactile and intuitive experience. The XM4s utilize touch controls on the earcups for volume, playback, and call management. These touch controls are also customizable via the Sony Headphones Connect app, offering greater control options.
Which headphone is best for integration with Apple devices?
The AirPods Max seamlessly integrates with the Apple ecosystem, offering easy pairing, automatic device switching, and spatial audio features. The XM4s, designed primarily for use with any Bluetooth device, lack the deep integration features of the AirPods Max. While the XM4s work with Apple devices, they don’t offer the same level of convenience.
What is the battery life like for both?
The AirPods Max offers up to 20 hours of listening time with noise cancellation enabled. The XM4s provide a longer battery life, up to 30 hours with noise cancellation on. This makes the XM4s better for long trips or extended use without frequent charging. Both headphones offer fast charging capabilities.
How do the sound profiles compare?
The AirPods Max delivers a balanced and detailed sound profile with excellent clarity and spatial audio. The XM4s feature a warmer sound signature with enhanced bass, which is more well-suited for various music genres. The choice depends on personal preference. Both deliver exceptional sound quality, but the preference will vary.
Which headphone is a better value?
The XM4s are a better value due to their significantly lower price compared to the AirPods Max. They offer exceptional sound quality, noise cancellation, and features at a more accessible cost. The AirPods Max, while premium, are a much more expensive purchase. The XM4s provide excellent performance for the price.
Final Verdict
Both the AirPods Max and the XM4s are excellent noise-canceling headphones, each with its strengths. The AirPods Max excels in build quality, sound clarity, and ecosystem integration, but comes at a higher price. The XM4s offer a great balance of sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, and value. For most users, the XM4s provide a compelling package.
Winner: XM4