AirPods Max vs Sony WH-1000XM6
vs Bose QC Ultra
Our overall winner is the Sony WH-1000XM6. These are the premium over-ear headphones people compare most. All three cancel noise very well, so the right one comes down to your phone, comfort and how you travel.
How we picked: we shortlist by Amazon Best Seller rank and number of ratings, then compare published specs. We don't test these products hands-on.
By Jamilur Rahman, Founder & Editor · Updated October 8, 2026
- Owner reviews checked
- Features side by side
- Quick & easy compare
- Smarter purchase
The short answer
For most people, the Sony WH-1000XM6 is the one to buy. Its new QN3 chip runs 12 microphones for noise cancelling, it lasts up to 30 hours, it folds into a compact case, and it supports LDAC hi-res audio on Android. It also costs less than the AirPods Max.
If you use an iPhone, the AirPods Max are the most premium pick: aluminum and knit-mesh build, Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking, instant switching between Apple devices, and lossless audio over the USB-C cable. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are the most comfortable for long flights, with Bose’s best noise cancelling, up to 30 hours of battery and a new Cinema Mode for movies.
All three work with any phone over Bluetooth. You just get the most from AirPods Max on Apple devices.
Compare them side by side
Everything that matters, in one table. Swipe to see all 3.
| Product | Best Overall Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise-cancelling over-ear |  Best for iPhone AirPods Max (USB-C) Premium over-ear |  Most Comfortable Bose QC Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) Noise-cancelling over-ear |
|---|---|---|---|
| BeastScore | 93 / 100 | 89 / 100 | 91 / 100 |
| Best for | Travel and any phone | iPhone, iPad and Mac owners | Long flights and all-day wear |
| Best with | iPhone or Android | iPhone | iPhone or Android |
| Battery (ANC on) | Up to 30 hrs | Up to 20 hrs | Up to 30 hrs (23 with Immersive Audio) |
| Hi-res audio | LDAC | Lossless over USB-C cable | See listing |
| Wired listening | 3.5 mm cable | USB-C cable | USB-C audio + headphone cable |
| Folds flat | Yes, compact magnetic case | No, Smart Case | Yes |
| Standout | QN3 chip, 12 mics for ANC | Spatial Audio with head tracking | Cinema Mode, USB-C calls |
| Key features |
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BeastScore here is our overall rating out of 100, based on published specs and Amazon owner reviews. Prices change daily, so tap "View on Amazon" for today's price. We may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Learn more
All 3 compared, in one look
See every pick on one chart, or tap one to put it head to head with Sony WH-1000XM6. Ratings out of 10 are our estimates from published specs and Amazon owner reviews, not hands-on tests. Bigger shape = better.
- Noise cancellingSony WH-1000XM6 · 9.8/10
- SoundAirPods Max (USB-C) · 9.5/10
- BatteryTie
- ComfortBose QC Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) · 9.8/10
- CallsSony WH-1000XM6 · 9.4/10
- PortabilitySony WH-1000XM6 · 9.4/10
Who wins where
The winner of each category, based on published specs and Amazon owner reviews. Pick the rounds that matter to you.
- Round 1
Noise cancelling
TieSony XM6 and Bose QC Ultra are the two to beat. Sony’s QN3 chip is 7x faster than the XM5’s and runs 12 microphones. Bose calls this its best noise cancelling for headphones. AirPods Max are close behind and seal well thanks to the memory foam cushions.
- Round 2
Sound quality
AirPods Max (USB-C) winsAirPods Max have a rich, detailed sound and Personalized Spatial Audio that fits your ear shape. Over the USB-C cable you also get lossless audio. On Android, the Sony’s LDAC support gives it the edge.
- Round 3
Battery
TieSony and Bose both last up to 30 hours with noise cancelling on (Bose drops to 23 with Immersive Audio). AirPods Max last up to 20 hours, which is still enough for a long flight.
- Round 4
Comfort
Bose QC Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) winsBose is known for plush, light headphones you can wear for hours. Sony’s wider headband and smooth synthetic leather are also comfy. AirPods Max are the heaviest here, which some owners feel on long sessions.
- Round 5
Calls
Sony WH-1000XM6 winsThe XM6 has a six-mic AI beamforming system and a wind-resistant design for clear calls in busy places. Bose’s noise-rejecting mics are close, and you can also take calls over USB-C.
- Round 6
Portability
Sony WH-1000XM6 winsThe Sony folds into a compact case with a magnetic closure. Bose folds too. AirPods Max don’t fold and come with a slim Smart Case that leaves the headband uncovered.
Which one should you buy?
Find your situation below. That's your pick.
- You want the best all-rounder
- You use Android and want LDAC
- You travel and need them to fold small
- You use an iPhone, iPad and Mac
- You want Spatial Audio with head tracking
- You want a premium metal build
- Comfort matters most
- You fly a lot
- You watch movies on the go (Cinema Mode)
Sony WH-1000XM6
The best all-rounder: top-tier noise cancelling, 30-hour battery and a folding design, for less than AirPods Max.
- QN3 chip with 12 ANC mics
- Up to 30 hrs battery
- Folds into a compact case
Quick tips before you buy
AirPods Max work best with Apple devices. Sony and Bose work equally well with iPhone and Android.
Glasses or a sensitive head? Lighter, softer pads like Bose’s are easier to wear all day.
Spatial or immersive audio uses more power. Listed battery is with noise cancelling on.
Comfort is personal. Wear them at home first so you can return them if they don’t fit.
Quick answers
Are AirPods Max better than Sony WH-1000XM6?+
On an iPhone, AirPods Max feel more premium and add Spatial Audio and instant device switching. For most people, the Sony XM6 is the better buy: it costs less, lasts longer (30 vs 20 hours) and folds for travel.
Sony XM6 or Bose QC Ultra: which has better noise cancelling?+
They are very close and both are among the best you can buy. Sony is the pick for calls and Android hi-res audio. Bose is the pick for comfort on long flights.
Do AirPods Max work with Android?+
Yes, over Bluetooth. But you lose Apple features like automatic switching, Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking, and easy setup.
Is the Sony WH-1000XM6 worth upgrading from the XM5?+
If your XM5 work fine, it’s not a must. The XM6 adds a much faster noise-cancelling chip, more microphones, better calls and a folding design, which the XM5 dropped.
How did you choose these picks?+
Our picks are based on each listing’s specs and what owners say in their reviews, not hands-on lab tests.
