Sony WH-1000XM6 rivals AirPods Max on price and features

Sony’s WH1000XM6 over-ear headphones enter a sharper field this year, carrying a refined design and a broader feature set that place them squarely against Apple’s AirPods Max in the crowded premium noise-canceling segment. Priced at 449, the XM6 undercut Apple’s flagship by a noticeable margin, while promising longer battery life, a more flexible app-based customization suite, and a robust codec lineup. Apple’s offering remains a premium option with top-tier build and deep ecosystem integration, but the XM6 aims to win broader attention on value and versatility.

In design terms, the XM6 represent a subtle evolution. The earcup hinge is redesigned to fold more compactly, and the headband is slightly wider for comfort. Sony has improved the case, making it sturdier and more protective, with internal space for cables and a quicker magnetic clasp for faster access. By contrast, the AirPods Max retain their distinctive, all-metal build, which many users value for its premium heft. Yet reviewers note that the Apple case remains a weaker point, and over time, the aluminum design can show wear. Comfort is mixed: the XM6 are comfortable for long listening sessions but can press on...