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Apple AirPods Max 2 vs Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION (WH-1000XX)

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

AppleAirPods Max 2Sony1000X THE COLLEXION (WH-1000XX)
Overview
ReleasedApril 2026May 2026
Sound
TypeOver-earOver-ear
Noise cancellingYesYes
Transparency modeYesYes
Driver size–30 mm
Back–Closed
Impedance–48 ohms
Spatial audio with head trackingYes–
Bluetooth codecsSBC and AACSBC, AAC, LDAC and LC3
Lossless over USB-CYes–
ChipH2QN3 + V3
DriversApple-designed dynamic driver and custom high dynamic range amplifierSoft edge and unidirectional carbon-composite dome; wired response 4 Hz to 40,000 Hz (IEC, powered on); Bluetooth 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz at 44.1 kHz, or 20 Hz to 40,000 Hz with LDAC at 96 kHz/990 kbps; sensitivity 103 dB/mW and impedance 48 Ω powered on
ChipH2 in each ear cupHD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3 and Integrated Processor V3
Noise cancelling detailUp to 1.5x more Active Noise Cancellation than the original AirPods Max; Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode and Conversation Awareness12-microphone Multi-Noise Sensor system, Adaptive NC Optimizer with fit and air-pressure adjustment, Quick Attention and automatic Ambient Sound Mode
Audio featuresPersonalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking; Adaptive EQ; Personalised Volume; Voice Isolation; studio-quality audio recording; Live Translation; 24-bit, 48 kHz Lossless Audio and ultra-low latency audio via USB-C; analogue sources need Apple's USB-C to 3.5 mm Audio Cable, sold separatelyDSEE Ultimate; 360 Reality Audio Upmix for Music, Cinema and Game; default Listening Mode button settings are Standard, Music and Cinema, customisable in Sony | Sound Connect
Hearing healthLoud Sound Reduction–
Battery
Listening time (maker's claim)Up to 20 hoursUp to 24 hours
Battery life detailStoring them in the Smart Case puts them in an ultra-low-power stateUp to 32 hours with noise cancelling off; call time up to 16 hours with noise cancelling on or 20 hours off; Bluetooth and wired listening can continue while charging
Fast charging5 minutes of charging gives around 1.5 hours of listening5 minutes gives up to 1.5 hours; full charge approximately 3.5 hours
Design
Weight386.2 g320 g
Bluetooth5.36.0
Two devices at once–Yes
Headphone cableYesYes
ControlsDigital Crown (turn for volume; press once to play, pause, answer a call or use camera remote; twice to end a call or skip forward; three times to skip back; press and hold for Siri); listening mode button; “Hey Siri” or just “Siri”; Siri InteractionsTouch playback and volume controls, Listening Mode button, wearing detection, Speak-to-Chat, built-in voice commands and call control by head gestures; Gemini on compatible devices
Fit and ear tips–Metal headband and faux-leather earcups; broad cushioned headband and removable earpads; swivels flat but does not fold (What Hi-Fi?)
Water resistance detail–No water resistance rating published
MicrophonesNine microphones in total, eight for Active Noise Cancellation and three for voice pickup (two shared with ANC)–
Case weight134.5 g (Smart Case)–
Works withFull features with iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV and Apple Vision Pro on the latest software; works as Bluetooth headphones with other devices, with limited featuresSony | Sound Connect; LE Audio with Auracast and Gaming Audio Profile, multipoint, Fast Pair and Swift Pair; approximately 10 m Bluetooth range; analogue playback needs power (What Hi-Fi?)
ColoursMidnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, OrangePlatinum, Black
In the boxAirPods Max 2, Smart Case, USB-C Charge Cable, documentationCarrying case with magnetic closure, 1.2 m detachable headphone cable, warranty card and reference guide; no USB charging cable listed

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