I tested the AirPods Max 2 vs Sony WH-1000XM6 — here's the winner

Key Points:

• The AirPods Max 2 and Sony WH-1000XM6 are flagship over-ear headphones with different strengths; the AirPods Max 2 excel in sound quality, design, and features, while the Sony WH-1000XM6 offer better ANC, call quality, battery life, and a lower price.
• The AirPods Max 2 cost $549/£499, significantly more than the Sony WH-1000XM6, which are priced around $449/£399, making the Sony model a more budget-friendly option.
• Apple’s AirPods Max 2 feature a premium design with metal ear cups, soft cushions, intuitive controls, and seamless integration with Apple devices, whereas the Sony WH-1000XM6 are lighter with plastic ear cups but have less impressive design and more complex touch controls.
• Both headphones deliver detailed, balanced sound, but the AirPods Max 2 provide a wider, more immersive soundscape, while the Sony WH-1000XM6 have a narrower sound with stronger bass, appealing to different listening preferences.
• The Sony WH-1000XM6 outperform the AirPods Max 2 in active noise cancellation, call clarity, and battery life (up to 40 hours vs. 20 hours), making them better suited for users prioritizing these features.