Sony WH-1000XM5 vs AirPods Max | Ultimate headphone battle! | Mark Ellis Reviews

Did the result of this battle surprise you?

Just sold my AirPods Max’s and got the XM5s. Love these things however I miss a couple things - the spatial audio and the instant connect to any apple device. However, the sound , and the insane noise cancellation on the Sonys is amazing.

Great video and comparison! I have both and when I'm travelling I always reach for the XM5. It's a lighter pair of headphones to carry and the battery life is reliable. Like you, I find the Airpod Max very needy in the charging department, and because you can't turn them off, they are a bit iffy when you go to use them in regards to how much charge is left in them.

Great video Mark - I've used the Max's for over a year now, and I have the same take on the sound. I chose the Max's against the competition at the time because of the complete package for a bluetooth NC headphone - for me, as a Apple user.

I was bouncing between these two for months, and ended up with the AirPods Max. Spatial audio really has to be experienced to be believed. When I watch movies and television on my Apple TV with these headphones, I forget that they are actually headphones as the audio does such a superb job of dropping me right into the room on the screen. It’s actually so real it’s almost disconcerting the first time—even though it was entirely implausible, I had to take the headphones off to make sure that a serial killer wasn’t actually twitching in the room beside me. Is it worth the premium over the XM5s? Your mileage may vary, of course, but it sold me. Obviously, the XM5s are spectacular in their own right and I don’t hate them, either!

Good comparison thanks! Though there are so many good headphones coming out this summer. Would love to see the comparison among XM5, the new Master and Dynamics, B&W Px7 S2.

The differences of sound were to great! I wanted to love XM5 given how light weight but I ran back to the store to buy max’s

Currently using the Silver XM5's, and not going to lie, I am really loving them. Never owned the APM so I can't say too much. But for me, as a in-studio only headphones...they're great!

Great review, have you tried Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2?

Excellent review, thank you! Subscribed.

Two questions: 1. How is the noise cancelling for high tones? I live right above a train yard(? Is that the word) and so I hear a lot of shrill shrieky, squeaky noises that I want to shut out. 2. Do the Aipods Max have a cable to connect them directly? I know the Sonys do. I play a lot of rhythm games on my phone and that doesnt go well with the delay that comes with a Bluetooth connection.

Loved this video!!! Really loved the comparison

Big fan of you throwing once again the Apple case :D Good detailed review. I'm still using big wired headphones - and small AirPods wireless- . Is there any sonic advantage with wired headphones?

Great comparison, thanks for sharing.

Hello, I have Sony 1000xm5, can you recommend me which phone gives the best sound for this headphone?

Hi,currently im choosing between two of these and I know that if you tap on sony1000xm5 they will turn off noise cancelation or put it back but does apple max has that?

Any thoughts on how these two compare now that Apple has nerfed the ANC with the firmware update a few months ago?

I've been on the fence between these 2 headsets. The ever on mode, weight and cost are the deciding factors for me.. Sony XM5 it is for xmas this year : ). Thank you for a great detailed video.

Excellent video. Plenty to take in as I was able to watch the link to the XM4 & 5 comparison. Given your comments, and although I am quite deep into Apple, I think that Sony will be the favourite for my replacement. Additionally, as far as the Sony are concerned, the XM4 are in the running against the XM5's!!

Interesting that you don't like the touch controls. When you jump over to the earbuds realm you can't even find an apple product (any Airpods, beats) with volume control. I tried all of the popular ones and settled on the Bose Quietcomfort and one of the main reasons was because it has the swipe touch input for volume control. They also have great ANC, which is nice, but the touch control seemed nice. It is annoying if I take them out and it thinks I'm trying to do a long touch though, so I understand the accidental touches issue.