Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Apple AirPods Max

Sony this week came out with an updated version of its popular over-ear noise-canceling headphones, so we picked up a pair to compare them to the AirPods Max to see which headphones are better and whether it's worth buying the $400 WH-1000XM5 from Sony over Apple's $549 ‌AirPods Max‌.
read more - www.macrumors.com/2022/05/20/...
Sony WH-1000XM5 - amzn.to/387L7ZG
Apple AirPods Max - amzn.to/3wzwlV4
Sony WH-1000XM4 (old model) - amzn.to/3G63H0D
This video is sponsored by OWC. For more information about the OWC Envoy Pro Mini visit eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/E...

[@MrWinger1951]

Synopsis: if the listenerr prefers Apple products (with their overall system synergy) then buy the AirPod Max. Everybody else buy the Sony.

[@gaborrab4785]

Nah. The AirPods Max clamping and weight is way too much. The Sony xm3 was perfect, i hope the xm5 will even be better. Comfort wise, they are not in the same league because of these two factors.

[@super_hero2]

I am DEEP into Apple ecosystem, and I tried the APM multiple times, but I just can't justify the price, terrible battery life, and the un-comfortability after a long session. As far as compatibility goes the APM is not that well integrate into Macs, Apple TV, it is good in iPad and iPhone. There are still bugs and auto-switching is not auto. Battery life is average when you use it a lot everyday but it is terrible if you use it like 2 hours/day because it drains a lot of battery on idle and you can't turn it off. On average I have to charge it every 5 days no matter how much I use it. XM4 lasts me 2 weeks.

[@sauravmisraz]

Infact BOSE headphones are miles ahead that sony and apple.

[@gaborrab4785]

@@sauravmisraz they were before the Sony 1000xm3, but they are not a factor since.

[@unichooornchannel8069]

I love my Apple ecosystem, but SONY's headphone is the best!

[@JeanPierreBro]

I got the XM4's and traded them for the AirPods Max, because it was easier to use with my Apple ecosystem. I did prefer the heavier bass and EQ customisation of the XM4's. However, my AirPods Max broke twice in a year and I was tired of getting them replaced. The AirPods Max have a huge problem with condensation building up, since the cups are made of aluminium, which will kill them quickly over time. Once you're out of warranty, it's gonna be a costly replacement. So I'm sending mine back to get a pair of XM5's.

[@oscarramirez5632]

How was the upgrade? Did you notice a difference in max volume between them all?

[@JeanPierreBro]

@@oscarramirez5632 I feel like the AirPods Max were definitely louder between the XM5's, XM4's and AirPods

[@texasthib2029]

In literally what way are they easier to use you just turn both on and they pair tf

[@msjonyba1234]

I sadly have the same issue; I’m on my third pair of Air Pods Max. My warranty expires this year, so I’m lowkey looking at the XM5s and the Senn Momentum 4s.

[@felixruiz1197]

Get the xm5 you going to love them, Just as light they are is so freaking amazing, I just recently purchase and they are so awsome, The customization they provide with different sound quality is awesome, Try tidal, and different movie dialogues, And you going to be surprise on how well and crisp you can listen to the voices hahah like the cinemas, 😂❤

[@FupaTroopa69]

I own a pair of MX5’s and the bass is great and I’m a bass head. Once you adjust the EQ Widgets and turn the clear bass up to 8-10+ and adjust the rest of the frequencies you’ll be set.

[@fiddlix]

I have owned APM, XM4s and now the XM5s. XM5s from a build. comfort and sound profile.

[@terrencebenjamin7241]

Was going back and forth between the Sony xm5 and the AirPods max. I chose the Sony XM5 after this review. AirPods max look beautiful and I like that the ear cushions can be replaced easily and the sound quality blew me away but the ergonomics and similar sound quality and longer battery life made more sense.

[@terrencebenjamin7241]

@@ephemerisone74 true. It’s a concern I have after buying the XM5’s. I may still buy the AirPods max later

[@kerklanhd9798]

Battery life is overrated

[@gamlash95]

@@kerklanhd9798 exactly this. as long as it lasts you your day, its good. You come home and charge all your other devices anyways. And if you dont keep track of your battery and it runs out in the middle of the day 😆

[@kerklanhd9798]

@@gamlash95 that’s exactly what I have been thinking watching these reviews.. 20hours of play time is even more than 2 days of “casually” listening to music imo. Unless you’re travelling and want it on a camping trip or something, but even then there’s still amazing powerbanks that charge those multiple times overnight so I don’t see ANY issues with something that lasts for more than 12hours

[@gamlash95]

@@kerklanhd9798 im still deciding between the two but sony seems more comfortable so ill be going for that XD

[@PurushNahiMahaPurush]

One of my biggest complaints with AirPods Pro is that multipoint doesn’t work with Windows so I tend not to use them during meetings. If you are like me and are not totally invested in the Apple ecosystem, then get the Sony headphones. Because I feel that multipoint is a very crucial feature for high quality headphones and I don’t ever see myself buying a MacBook (software that I use doesn’t exist there). I have an iPhone, AirPods Pro and Apple Watch 7. And among themselves, they all work phenomenally. Windows is the only gap in the ecosystem which I don’t see myself plugging for sometime. I wish I could as I think MacBooks are one of the best laptops out there.

[@saminnippon]

Actually the “multipoint” function in airpods are not real multipoint anyways it’s just on the software side of iOS and MacOS… I honestly wish they did real multipoint that would be so convenient

[@hardikar0jas]

But AirPod Maxs aren’t supposed to be used outside the apple ecosystem, the fact that you can is just an added bonus

[@taffysaint]

@@hardikar0jas This is the most Apple response I have ever seen 🤣

[@hardikar0jas]

@@taffysaint 😁✌🏻

[@yesyes-om1po]

@@hardikar0jas with the premium pricing, and overall size of apple, you'd think they'd be responsible and give their paypigs the functionality, the ability, to use their device's "features" on the most popular operating system in the world, but nah, that is below apple.

[@Brandon-ez6ej]

I have APM biggest downside is moisture build up… I know some people have warmer ears/heads but man I’m like on my third pair. I wished they were more breathable or something to fix that moisture build up.

[@calebolsen5801]

Dude! I had the same issue living on the top floor of a building and hearing the air conditioners on the roof. Every time one started up, it felt like my apartment was vibrating.

[@Figgboii]

One of the best comparison/ vs videos i have ever seen you do. 👏👏Well done.

[@harrythuta4700]

How does Dolby Atmos compare between those two?

[@TheWutangclan1995]

I own a pair of the sonys but the 3rd generation. I’ve tried the AirPod max in store and just wasn’t convinced. What I do like about the Sonys is that they put in a lot of effort and research in making an incredible pair of headphones in terms of ergonomics and sound for listening to music. The Max makes me think Apple just thought, “hey let’s make a shinier over the ear size version of the airpods.”

[@jjoe7078]

Disagreed. The AirPods Max has truly great sound.

[@Rick-tw9ge]

Bro you literally just wrote a whole lotta nothing

[@J1ggu]

People buy Airpod Max is because it is Apple. People being brainwashed, Social Norm. FYI Apple doesn't make it's own products.

[@jjoe7078]

@@J1ggu you're lowk looking wayyy to deep into it pal. I consider myself a basic audiophile and run a pair of Audeze's LCD GX and an Audeze LCD-3 both of which I got for a steal on Adorama. I also owned an HIfiman Arya's which I returned for the LCD GX. And honest to God, I truly just love how easy the Airpods Max is. From my apple tv to my phone, to my iPad in an instant. It truly is convenient. it is just a pair of headset's man :)

[@skadi7654]

@@jjoe7078 you wrote literally nothing. Same like saying "i got bunch of black friend"

[@bringoff]

I have XM4, and a single thing I hate with them is connectivity. If they are connected to anything, half of the times I can't just go to Bluetooth settings on another device and reconnect to the headphones. I should put Sony into pairing mode, and that takes time. Also, when I enable two-devices connection, connect to both iPhone and Mac, and then answer a call on iPhone, sound stop working on Mac until I turn headphones off and back on. This drives me crazy.

[@Z_3D]

Same i have the 3 version and they always require something extra when I’m on a plane or connecting to start working. The ear pads have also flattened half an inch and press the inner pet of my ear. They still sound great

[@MrVisde]

Love the Sony XM5s. The price tag of the AirMax’s were too rich for me. Is there any loss in quality for the AirMax if it’s paired with a non-Apple device? I thought there was a bit of processing happening on the Apple device to enable features like Dolby Atmos.

[@marmey1028]

yea probably

[@grahamlake9728]

It seems sound quality is similar on both (subjective) with AAC but.APM is fixed to AAC and doesn’t work when switched off/no battery or wired. Aimed at Apple nuts who are happy to just connect to an Apple device and get a reasonable sound without having to do anything. There is life beyond this and it is where the Sony lives!

[@G-Mulaa]

I'm already in the apple eco system but when it comes to headphones I like the way the Sonys look compared to the air max pros plus the comfort level is much nicer. Sony just needs to find a way to partner with apple so it's part of the eco system & update the transparency mode. I honestly would pay a premium for this. For now I enjoy Apples Air Pods Pros & Sonys XM5 Headphones

[@S.L.1211]

To me the Sony’s in that cream white looks way more premium, sleek and minimalist than the apple. Much prefer the aesthetic

[@TheValiantZero]

You can't compare two noise-cancelling headphones and only spend one sentence giving your thoughts on it. This video feels like it could have been more relevant to the product's intended usages.

[@RichieLanderos]

I loved my APM’s until I started paying attention to the condisation issue in the ear cups. I’d come across it. Even with just 40min of use. Did a lot of research and that can damage them eventually which is crazy that they will damage overtime just by using them.

[@thevisualescapade8045]

Beatkicks may be a solution to consider for this! they're like removable protectors for the ear cups

[@JeanPierreBro]

Happened to my pair twice. I had them replaced twice in exactly one year. I'm sending mine back for a refund since I can see the AirPods becoming a very expensive pair of headphones once they run out of warranty.

[@JeanPierreBro]

@@thevisualescapade8045 The condensation happens within the cups. A protective layer over the cushen won't stop the heat from your ears get into the cups

[@RichieLanderos]

@@JeanPierreBro my 2nd pair isn’t lasting that much after 3months. I might go back to my beats fit pros. Since those never gave me any issues. And they’re almost a year old

[@JeanPierreBro]

@@RichieLanderos Same, for now I'll stick to my AirPods Pro which have been over two years old now. I'll either get the XM5 or wait for Apple to fix the condensation issue with the new AirPods Max 2

[@palmgrove77]

Having tried them, as well as others, i went for the new Technics. In terms of comfort they equal the sony, in terms of battery life they are better, they have a better bass response (well controlled and set up - no ‘booms’) so gives better overall frequency for classical music warmth. Agree with the adverse comments on the airpods max.

[@mmoportal.official]

which model precisely?

[@ev0wat]

@@mmoportal.officialI also went with the new technics EAH800 and had nothing but issues, there’s a weird problem where the music keeps pausing itself constantly! In one gym workout I’ll have to keep pushing play around 30-40 times!!! The music just keeps stopping!! It pauses for no reason and I cannot figure out why, they had an app update which fixed maybe 10% of the pausing but it still keeps happening! Fast forward 4 months of this irritants I finally sent them back for a refund. I’ll be looking at another brand now.

[@vhenjoseph]

how’s the microphone quality during audio/video calls?

[@Marco_My_Words]

Concerning the carrying case: Third-party manufacturers offer high-quality alternatives for your AirPods Max that not only protect your headphones but also activate the sleep mode, similar to the original case.

[@RS-py6vm]

Will there be a second gen airpods max coming this year?

[@tedtimmis8135]

I’ve had the WH900, the XM3s and the XM4s. They were all very good but they all failed after a couple years of active use.

[@y.siddiqui1686]

All right! This is one wonderfully explained vlog on the topic. And the precise info without verbosity is exactly what I wanted. I have an 'enormous' Apple ecosystem, forcing me to choose Airpod Max over Sony XM5! But to be honest, this review reasons the listener to go for Sony! Thanks for some good insight. 👍

[@felixruiz1197]

Xm5 are much betters, Really light and well design, Quality sound and really crisp voice dialogue, I just wish they make them on different color like pink and purple ❤😂 I just purchased today and they beeeeen freaking awesome, Now i can see so many people with this headphones on the street, Really well made so comfortable for long time use,

[@usmanisi]

What about call quality?

[@SoulReaper599xx]

As of March 2024, XM5s are $329 and apple airpods are still around $479. its a no brainer for me, even though i use other apple products

[@omranhaddadin5262]

The xm5s are NOT 329$ where are you getting these numbers from lol

[@jaidyn2802]

@@omranhaddadin5262Amazon has them for 328 rn

[@tetzet3254]

For most average users xm4 or xm5 is the best pick. Price, comfort and of course audio. But if you ask me personally. I'd pick xm5 if I don't have xm4. My only con with xm5 is the new design.

[@notme6753]

But I prefer the design of the XM4 compared to the XM5. But XM5 has better features overall so I'm still quite torn on which one to get... Design and looks(XM4) or better features (XM5)?

[@tetzet3254]

@@notme6753 if u can afford xm5 then go for xm5.

[@tonyhawk123]

Surprises me. I much prefer the XM5 design over the XM4. Clean and modern. Design wise, the XM4 looks old compared with XM5, APM, Bose. Was long overdue for a refresh.

[@CrunchyTire]

@@tonyhawk123 Design can be more than looks, like the lack of folding points for example. These are way less portable and also have thinner components that look like weak points. The old designed was tested and durable. You could fold them and drop in a coat pocket. These are pretty big and if you dont want them scratched up will need to carry the case around. I think they made a big mistake

[@pttthhh]

@@tonyhawk123 They're too pretty. I prefer my tech to look cool and techy, not pretty and/or fancy like the Apple stuff. Sony went pretty kind of like the new Bose.

[@masked.valour]

Bro when will airpod max 2 will launch?

[@mihir550]

Which one is good airpods max or xm5 by sound quality

[@BookClubDisaster]

Really depends on how much a person needs noise cancelling. For sound quality, wired, open back headphones still beat wireless, closed back headphones. Maybe when wireless headphones develop lossless audio capabilities the gap may become nonexistent but we're not there yet. Wireless headphones are still not a fully matured technology.

[@dievas_]

LDAC is loseless enough.

[@lujorom9172]

Where would you say closed back wired headphones fall? Because I’m looking for an almost audiophile pair of headphones that I can use on my daily commute on the train, so they should be able to block out some noise, but i want the best sound experience I can get.

[@dievas_]

@@lujorom9172 Sennheiser True Wireless 3

[@lujorom9172]

@@dievas_ I’ve tried those, but they didn’t do it for me. The noise cancelling was really bad actually, and I always heard a hissing from the Bluetooth signal. I tried two different pairs, as I thought one was faulty, but both had these problems.

[@BookClubDisaster]

@@lujorom9172 For the train, you're best off with one of these headphones. Open back audiophile headphones would be terrible because they don't block any sound and the they leak a ton of sound. And the gap in sound quality has narrowed between wired audiophile headphones and premium wireless noise cancelling headphones.

[@a_d_s5361]

Do the Sony’s have a hissing sound when just in ANC mode without any audio playing? The XM4’s definitely did.

[@alvarohernandez2764]

I got big ears. Which one has the bigger ear cup space inside?

[@Naljuhani]

Is the Sony xm5 water or sweat resistant?

[@elgindrful]

Works for work out?

[@henri6595]

I have the XM5s. They are light weight and pair perfectly to my Andriod products. I like the Apple AirPod Max but it works best on Apple and they are too heavy!

[@Figgboii]

👏👏👏DAMN that placement of the XM4 was GOLDENNN

[@nicajeon]

In terms of NC which is better for you guys?

[@dinuguan510]

What's up with the rain gutter on the Airpods Max headband? Looks ridiculous.

[@samikokkonen7218]

If you think about the the sound - that is the most important - there are 2 heavy weight competitors - Philips Fidelio L3 and really cheap Philips TAH9505 headphones... L3 - sophisticated sound - check all kind of music - you will find new sounds with these; and TAH9505 - perfect allaround sound (check dance, pop etc. first); and I have many other BT headphones but I love these 2; :)

[@surajsidar6143]

Suggest over the ear headphones with dolby atmos under 4k

[@whoeverwhoever400]

why is Sennheiser HD 800 S 4-5x more expensive? i wonder what it sounds like compared to these.

[@mcbohdo]

One thing I haven't heard mentioning anywhere: I have rather large ears and they just fit (kinda fold) into the Max ear cups. Although the Sony ear cups have a similar size, they would sit on my ears, which I hate.

[@lazie445]

I’ve read and watched several reviews looking for this comment earcup depth. Sony claims the XM5 cups are larger, do you know of that pertains to depth as well? I really dislike that the previous gen Sonys are great at NC and I want them but sit on my ears which is a deal breaker

[@mcbohdo]

@@lazie445 I don't know. You really should try personally, this will be hard to measure. The AirPods have a rather large cavity behind the pads where I can wriggle my ears into. On the other hand, they are indeed heavy and need a good amount of pressure to fit properly. Lighter earphones don't have this problem.

[@theymstudio1387]

it'll be exciting to see the comparison between Xm5's and the refreshed AirPods Max

[@michaelb9940]

Apple - at least for now - can’t beat the best player in the game. Apple focuses all on design and they really heavily on BRAND! XM5 is the way to go

[@jeremy7926]

Should I buy the xm5 or the xm4 model? They both cost the same here and I want an overall good headphone for music/studying/gaming/general use. I also want something that is more durable, something that lasts longer. I also don't really travel much. But I do really like ANC/Transparency.

[@OngWeeKiat]

Hey man, which combo sounds better: 1. Sony Wh1000XM5(equaliser set to 'bright') + Android 2. Airpods Max + iPhone I tried both but never had the chance to compare them side by side. Although the default equaliser on XM5 out of the box is bad...

[@aayaan1935]

APM

[@bakarihaizer4645]

I found bright to be very good to my ear's

[@BassetCase]

Although the XM5's are light, they gave me a headache. The band had this weird pressure I felt on the crown of my head. It left me with pain on the top of my head. I am not the only one that has reported this issue. For me the AirPod Max are more comfortable since the weight is distributed differently. Both sound great though.

[@gregturkington6194]

I had to return them due to this. Bummer. I really did enjoy them otherwise.

[@MNHS16]

That's some weird mental gymnastic to not regret your APM 😂

[@mewtwo8000]

@@MNHS16 if they regretted their APMs they would've returned them.... too delusional lmfao

[@LG-nx7we]

You just have a big head 😂

[@venkateshyr8844]

Just stretch the band little u will feel much more comfortable

[@Figgboii]

Bonus features and battery life...nice i like the name and sound of that title.

[@copyrightlivia]

I used my XM3's everyday every second and while they have sick sound, now the on/off button doesn't work and I have some tape to hold one of the sides because a tiny plastic piece broke. Lasted me like a year and a half. I have friends that got the same as me at the same time, and theirs are perfect. But none wore it as much as me. So I don't know if the new design on the XM5's is gonna last long, but the alluminium on the airpod max's might make me take the big jump. I just wish for this price either of them were perfect

[@Kevin-fj5oe]

Someone send their airpods max twice in a year already.

[@tonyhewett]

How about trying the EQ?

[@kevinsieder9190]

I have the xm5s and they are amazing the ANC and sound quality is so good the best headphones ive ever bought but what i don't really like is that you can see the fingerprints everywhere but these are still alot better than my beats solo pro If there will be new headphones from sony i might buy the xm7s 👍

[@jjaarr4]

Amazing video! You really explained everything clear! With my experiance of the AirPods Max, I do think they are a bit heavy and I would like the ear cups to be a leather like material then the material they are using right now. Now AirPods max do have an adjustable eq in the settings app but the changes you make in the eq will only be used when you listen to Apple Music. (Just a little thing to keep note)

[@danielcooke9974]

The build quality and design of the apple ones is ridiculously good and I'm very anti apple

[@whyme3772]

Yeah Apple really thought these headphones would be the next big thing, like beats were in the early '10s. If only the price was at least $150 lower lol...

[@kenichinishikawa7007]

I have been using Sennheiser PXC-550 and very happy with it. Do you have any comparison with this one?

[@faraharibah4554]

Wich one the best for gym???

[@ymor8249]

Personally bought the apple maxs because I’m just sick of the touch controls messing with my music. I have owned a pair of xm3s for a couple of months now and the side already broke and when I put it down or anything like that. It has also been calling people when I put it down so yeah definitely buying the apple maxs

[@causingdesert5409]

I ordered some AirPods Max on Amazon, but now I'm going with the XM5 here's why. I had to return them because the grip strength was hurting my head so bad I would get head and tooth aches. When I tried them in the Apple store they were nowhere near as tight as the pair I bought. I even spent time stretching them on various surfaces such as putting books between the ear cups. Still just too tight. This will not be the case for everyone.

[@Dr.Hiccup]

that's so funny because I'm thinking of returning my XM5s because the grip strength isn't tight enough. they keep sliding and falling off my head when I look down

[@causingdesert5409]

@@Dr.Hiccup that’s why it’s so amazing to have options! I hope everything works out. Let me know if they work out for you.

[@Dr.Hiccup]

@@causingdesert5409 thank you!

[@delamain1559]

DEAD BY DAYLIGHT !!!

[@causingdesert5409]

@@delamain1559 You are correct that is my channel icon. It’s one of my favorite perks.

[@grandslam2405]

I have an iPhone and iPad, I can get these headphones for the same price what should I do?

[@aaronmoreno4545]

Thank you for the battle.

[@dalurinzinia829]

i just bought XM5 and i use it only at home(for gaming and watching movies and listening to music while surfing internet), while i now use my XM4 whenever i happen to go out :D i love XM5's slick design and the sound quality(can feel the difference that XM5 is better)

[@mariojara5177]

I love my APM 🤩 XM4 were too hot when wearing them Could not stand more than 5 minutes wearing them Hoping XM5 are fresh when wearing them

[@Slick-Simmons]

yes mine broke after having them for year, all i did was pick up them up from the my desk and boom the swivel piece just fell and i've been deciding on buying the airpod pro max or just get mine repaired but the repair thru a sony verified is minimum 100 dollars but i have to cover shipping and etc and for my problem they aren't covered by warranty

[@JOHNLEXXX]

Tried out the APMs at the store and found it too heavy, uncomfortable and not as loud as my very old XM1. I like the loud and bass heavy sound signature and APMs does not offer it.

[@ramsfan709]

Sorry your wrong

[@JOHNLEXXX]

@@ramsfan709 that was my experience, and my own opinion. If you like APM then buy it. I am not going to spend my money on uncomfortable headphone.

[@thomasvo3061]

K so instead of ''sorry you're wrong'' ill try to explain why the your point might not be entirely true. I previously owned the XM3's and loved them. with the equalizer in the app i cranked the bass up very high as i am a true basshead. However I figured it was time for an upgrade not so long ago. I had swapped from a samsung to an iphone by that point, so i figured, why not try the APM's? I agree with you that initially, i hated the bass. it felt so underwhelming coming from my XM3's. Considering apple does not exactly have an equalizer app, i was ready to return them and try the XM5's, however i preferred the design of the APM's. So instead i googled around to maybe find someone else that had experienced this problem and to my relief i found one. Someone had experienced the same thing on their pair or airpods pro. He had uploaded his equalizer settings from Spotify (which is what i use for music) and claimed that these settings were the best if you wanted high base but still clear vocals and such. I literally just copied them even though i realised that earbuds are far from the same as over-ear headphones. And my god my opinion did a solid 180 degree turn. suddenly i had beautiful deep bass, paired with clear vocals that were not too shrill and solid mids. I think the main problem a lot of people have is that they buy headphones and leave them on their standard settings. I am aware that you probably didnt mess around with the settings while in a store, but it makes a lot of difference. The APM's can definitly crank out good bass, you just need to change the equalizer up a bit. To the few people that might read this: before returning a pair of headphones, try mess around with the equalizer of the app that you use. you might not like the sound initially but your pair might just have the ability to sound exactly how you want them. Everyone has a different taste. What I think differentiates a good pair from a bad pair is not what they sound like out of the box, but what they CAN become if you customise their sound profile. Cheaper headphones sound too ''forced'' when you try to increase base. The APM'S definitly don't.

[@JOHNLEXXX]

@@thomasvo3061 there are several problems with your answer. First, I don't listen to Spotify. I listen to my country music and Spotify does not have some of the rare, hard to find albums. There is no way I can equalize the sound to my liking. Second, APMs is heavy. I only tried it out in the store for 15 minutes, my head and neck got sore. Third, I like my music LOUD, like Dance Club LOUD. I maxed out the APMs and it was no where near the loudness that I craved. I can even make my Sony XM1 louder by plugging it to my USB-C DAC. Fourth, I am thinking of switching back to Samsung or Sony phone. Sony phone have better DAC, headphone jack, and micro SD card slot. I have nothing against peoples buying APMs. It's just Apple does not offer me what I want even though I am in the Apple garden now.

[@thomasvo3061]

@@JOHNLEXXX the weight and comfort issue is entirely up to the person, hence why I didn’t comment on that. My head has the perfect shape for the APM but I don’t find it hard to believe that doesn’t go for everyone considering the weight when I’m holding them in my hands. I obviously didn’t know your music is not on any app that has an equalizer. In that case then you make a valid point. I do however think you are a minority on that front, so consider my reply more as a help towards people who do use the more common music streaming services in that case. In my experience the APM goes way louder than I’ll ever need, but again, that’s subjective. I hope you find the right pair of headphones for your music taste!

[@vanessacheung7781]

I prefer my headphone to be non-foldable bcoz it is less work and less messy when i store them in the Sony bag

[@svt_1796]

Hi if i want to use them for going to the gym which one do u think will feel more comfortable + do u think if im taking the sony one to the gym it will fall of my head since u said it was light weighted?

[@kyledavidmacaraeg7002]

Use earphones

[@setomotobobo]

I have Apple everything, but I had to let my AirPods Max go within a few months, because it’s just too heavy and I had a bad skin rash from the ear pad mesh material.

[@Ghost-jy9hk]

I had the same allergy to the AirPods Pro! There’s a giant thread on macrumors for a lot of people that experienced this like us. Total deal breaker for me

[@sadnanz1]

Indeed Very good and remarkable feedback

[@tigerfure9]

Are xm5 good with iphone?

[@lsfreitas26]

I bought a Sony last week and just today had the opportunity to test it on a call, and the mic is just terrible, don’t matter what app you use. I’m returning the Sony and getting a AirPods Max cuz I need it right to go as full functions for calls.

[@Daisyhatingugolyee]

what features do the airpods max offer with the apple ecosystem??

[@Dino-yq8jo]

Geese the M5 in white that is clean as hell

[@oLiVe98N]

How about background noise cancellation? ie if someone behind you in the office is talking while you are on the phone. I know the Sony XM5s do have that feature but it’s unclear if the AirPods Pro Max have that. Thanks for the video!

[@visibletoallusersonyt]

I’m almost certain they do since even my standard AirPods do

[@kpopu5862]

These versus BOSE 700?

[@BlueElwood]

I still use the mx3s and they are amazing

[@jimmysmack123]

Over the past couple weeks I was trying to decide between Airpod Max or the Sony XM5s.. or even the XM4s since they can be had for so much less now. I was leaning really hard towards the XM5s.. they checked all the boxes for me and are $100 less than the Max. But the thing that stopped me from deciding on them was the fact that the earpads are not replaceable. Every single pair of overear headphones I've owned in the past have gotten absolutely shredded by the stubble on my head and face. Let alone the fact that the humidity where I live tends to rapidly degrade pleathers. The last thing I wanted to do was drop $400+ on some headphones and have the earpads turn into a flakey disaster after a year or so and have no option to replace them. With that, I purchased the Max and I'm honestly loving them. I'm sure I'd be just as happy with the XM5' or 4 as well.. but no regratz.

[@brechtxt8096]

I have the first gen Sonys (MDR-1000X) and the flaking problem is real.

[@olich5628]

@@brechtxt8096 Upgrade bro!!

[@brechtxt8096]

@@olich5628 Just copped the Maxes last week 😁

[@olich5628]

@@brechtxt8096yessirrr!! although I just copped the xm5s a couple days ago :))

[@kronos1794]

What do you mean the pads aren't replaceable? Maybe for the xm5s, but the Xm2,3,and 4 all have earpads that can be replaced. I own 3s and a 4 and bought some nice suede Dakoni pads for them.

[@swppuku]

i adore the fact that he's got a can of peanut butter behind him haha

[@tormodguldvog8405]

I’m very happy with my APMs. I wear them a lot and do not have any issues with comfort. I also have some XM3s which are okay but the ANC has a noise floor that is always present. If this has improved with the XM5 I will probably get a pair for when I travel.

[@tonyhawk123]

I havent tried the XM5 yet, but it sounds like the APM is comfier than XM4 (at least for me) while the XM5 may have retaken the crown. Given transparency mode is still the best on APM, the processing power and accuracy used for this still likely means the APM is better for ANC too. For travel, if its for on-the-move, I think XM5 is probably better. For statIonary use (on plane, in waiting rooms etc) I'd probably still go for APM.

[@thomasvo3061]

Exactly this. My XM3's had the same ''problem''. I loved them but tried the APM's recently and the ANC is a very big difference. As for comfort, I can't say the APM's have been a problem for me. Some people say they fall off quickly due to their weight, but I havent had that happen yet. Maybe my head is shaped just weird enough for these headphones.

[@Z_3D]

I have the Xm3s and the pads have flattened. Looking to replace with the Apple max just need to find out if I can plug into the entertainment system on a plane which no one has covered! Any chance you can let me know? Thanks 😊

[@tormodguldvog8405]

@@Z_3D you can buy a cable from Apple, then you can connect via a flight adapter

[@Z_3D]

@@tormodguldvog8405 thanks I got the pink ones on sale and although they are heavy I love them so far be well

[@hemanggupta3632]

bring time stamps please!

[@paddy145214]

Eco system, what do you mean?

[@Mickieshelton]

Ordered the XM5s over a week ago but they don't get here till Tuesday.

[@julietruong6525]

How is it?

[@jimmya]

So I have the MX4, and the voice assistant (which you can make talk less but you can’t make them shut up completely) is infuriating. “Power on, Bluetooth Device 1 connected, Bluetooth device 2 connected.” Connected to your phone and your laptop and somebody calls you? “Bluetooth Device 1 disconnected” talks over the other person. It’s the kind of thing that doesn’t bother you on day 1 but drives you insane by day 100, so this is something no reviewer talks about but reddit & Sony forums have tons of posts complaining about them.

[@lilapple]

I think Sony listened because everything on the XM5's is audio cue based, the voice assistant only comes on when telling you battery level

[@kerklanhd9798]

I truly don’t get why people say “it’s a bummer for the battery life”… who listens to music/uses that for 20hours non stop??? You gotta sleep and also, there are things like power banks if you are travelling and such.. other then that I loved this video bro 💪👌

[@yannis2198]

great video, much love

[@Christian-eq7uh]

My biggest concern for the Sony is they feel cheaper in build quality by a significant margin compared to the APMs

[@nunopenaspt]

I've finally got my XM5 (for 359.99 euros), and i'm loving it, so light, so comfortable, I'm using LDAC so I can get the best sound quality, and very important I can use the equalizer to my preference. I do have a pair of AirPods Max, but the trouble is that I live in Portugal, and here the temperatures can reach 109º Fahrenheit in the summer, I started to have a condensation problem on my AirPods Max, and with just a few minutes on my ears, finally after 2 months the condensation build on the drivers made it fail on the right cup, so I returned the AirPods Max, waiting for them to arrive from Apple repair service and as soon as they arrive I will sell them online. Apple please learn with other brands, going for stainless steel and aluminium is a wrong move, and that's why most of the brands go for plastic or composite materials. The Apple ones are very heavy and bulky, and like me, many people complaining about Apple AirMax, having condensation build up inside the cups and on the drivers too, making them fail over time, and thats because aluminium dissipates heat better, the difference in temperature creates condensation, and they are not water proof.

[@MassaKingWOfficial]

None of these reviewers dare to mention the condensation problem, it is one of the main things that is stopping me from getting them.

[@billyporkoftheblue]

I’m still using the XM3’s

[@jub8891]

sony had aluminium headphones before the xm series but they werent heavy like apples

[@TheGhostV]

And where is the mics quality comparison? The Bose 700 were the kings, does XM5 change that in any way?

[@ronalddagli2359]

Might stay with XM4 low profile headphone plus it can fold, I just hope that XM5 can replace the ear cap just like the AirPods Max.

[@nothingspecial1236]

I bought the xm5 and had the xm4 and xm3 before and man i reccomand everyone to upgrade.It is worth the money.You enter a complete different music world where bass is not overpowerd and vocals are Crystal clear and you have a "wide"sound stage with the xm5 which makes music sound more realistic and not like it is coming from a closed box.The anc in my opinion is very similar to the xm4 the big difference comes with cancelling human voices,the xm5 cancells human voices alot better.

[@johanstahle8064]

I wanna buy a pair of the new Sonys. Are they as good with an iPhone as they are with an android device?

[@Carolina3788]

I also wonder that... I have an iphone

[@LanceSom]

I have both headphones. Im going to Spain next month and I'm torn which one to bring. I'm thinking about which one would be better on the flight from NYC to Barcelona. The SONY headphones sound fantastic but I love the Dolby Atmos on the Max.

[@Ohkeh640]

Which ones do you use most and are your favourite

[@saldefranco9362]

I owned the AirPod maxes for approximately one week on a trip to Florida. The noise canceling was fantastic until you started moving at which time the maxes were trying so hard to compensate for the direction the noise was coming from that it actually let a lot more noise in. Sound quality was meh. XM4 headphones are superior, and cannot wait for my XM5 pair on Tuesday!

[@jennifergala]

I had the same problem and I found the problem. They were too tight on my ears. If you adjust them to be a bit less tight they are the best ANC headphones too. After adjusting them also the sound separation image was night and day.

[@walmartpimp2]

I never had that problem, and sound quality was far from meh. In fact my Max’s nuked my XM3’s and most pro reviewers will tell you the 4’s don’t sound that much better than the 3’s. So no, they aren’t superior.

[@LuciferCelebrimbor]

I have just received mine ***

[@walmartpimp2]

@@LuciferCelebrimbor what’s your opinion?

[@saldefranco9362]

@@LuciferCelebrimbor Getting mine tomorrow and cannot wait! Let me know your thoughts

[@votdfak]

The main con for APMs is that you cannot use them when battery is 0%, unlike any headphone with analog port. For example I can remove battery from my Beoplay H7, put cable in and use them as long as I want.

[@zugo-tg7125]

Exactly.

[@jheads5371]

If it helps. You can actually use them while they are charging. Though even if you buy the cable to use them wired they still need battery to function. Apple🤦‍♂️

[@votdfak]

@@jheads5371 exactly... you cannot use them wired without battery

[@zugo-tg7125]

Can't even properly play back lossless audio with the cable either, lol

[@hypegod4492]

nobody has answered this question lol, if you work out do the airpod maxes fall off? which ones are better?

[@frankreynolds9930]

Why workout with headphones then. Just get neckband.

[@AD-sg9tr]

From what I've seen on reviews, yes the helmet falls off if you turn your head suddenly. So I guess if you put it on when you're working out or doing your sport, you'll definitely feel it fall off. :/

[@sigmitnavn]

When you say “if you want to save a little bit of money” and the Price difference is 220 dollars…i mean that just blows my mind😲

[@kaibeh]

Still on the fence for both of these as there’s a sale for the AirPods Max where I am which places it at the exact same price as the xm5

[@spoiledoatmilk]

which one did you end up getting??👀

[@kaibeh]

@@spoiledoatmilk decided to get the airpods max since it just ends up working better with my apple products

[@spoiledoatmilk]

@@kaibeh i literally just came from the store to get headphones as you responded to this. i ended up getting the sonys so far i like them but still questioning if i should have gotten the air pods. how is your experience with them so far???

[@seritabelton]

Apple AirPods Max are my preferred but probably bc I’m so deep in the Apple Ecosystem.

[@jub8891]

lol somebody from macrumors doing an unbiased review.. good job

[@brenttitus2134]

My XM5’s came in today and wow just WOW! They are incredible! They are very close to the APM and right on Apple’s heels. I have APM as well. APM still have the edge but not by much. I do have the XM4’s to. The XM5’s are totally worth the upgrade. Lighter, sound better and more comfortable. The XM4’s are light but the XM5 takes it to the next level. I passed down the XM4’s to my sister today.

[@JailBr3ak3r77]

That’s all I need to know. I’m definitely getting the Xm5

[@brenttitus2134]

@@JailBr3ak3r77 Cool. You won’t be disappointed! 👍🏻

[@reecemesser]

The aren't even out!

[@JailBr3ak3r77]

@@reecemesser they released today

[@brenttitus2134]

@@reecemesser Yes they are. Mine came today from Best Buy. I pre ordered them. Today is the “official” launch day.

[@susandaraghy7205]

How much are these

[@LuciferCelebrimbor]

After this video, I have purhcased Sony M5 arrived on Sunday, I think they are a little bit better than Max and cheaper anddd M5 battery life is way way better than Max...

[@mmosbauer]

I have a pair of APM and mainly use them for music at home or Watching movies on my IPad either out back patio or traveling and I think they sound great and love using them. I would not recommend them for everyone or for every use. For instance I don’t use them for the gym or working out. I have the project the Rock JBL headphones for the gym. Also if you are not deep in the apple ecosystem then probably not going to get the full benefits of using the APMs so the Sonys are a great set to use instead.

[@delamain1559]

The sony compared to the APM on the sound the sony are 2/10 of the APM

[@addicz2]

@@delamain1559 APM too much SSSS on the high. Similar to those cheap chinese IEMs