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@CNET
April 14, 2026 at 7:22 am
Read more about it on CNET.com
Best Headphones We’ve Tested
Sony WH-1000XM6 Review: Hail to the New Noise-Canceling King
Apple AirPods Max 2 Review: Seemingly Small Changes Make a Substantial Difference
@csscott9803
April 14, 2026 at 9:24 am
XM6 is the winner you could adjust the EQ. Sony connect app is more fun. It has Ldac
@Aslam_Aliyu
April 14, 2026 at 9:38 am
I’m sorry Bose Qc ultra Gen 2 I have the AirPod pro Max but they are not made for long wear sessions they are still heavy
@Eee-cm4bv
April 14, 2026 at 9:50 am
CNET – you show an image of the XM5 as the broken headphones, not the XM6. More quality review and QC needed.
@davidcarnoy961
April 14, 2026 at 9:57 am
Agreed! I should have caught that in the edits. Thanks for pointing it out
@Armand-v5c
April 14, 2026 at 10:24 am
max 2 are horrible. took them back. expensive your right. in return alot of clamp force for big heads. just heavy. apparently the mesh headband gets wonky after 3-4 years. the diaphragm size remains the same no physical materials improvement just better tuning i agree. the loud was a disappointment.
cranking these up was terrible. i want mines to go so loud that i need to lower them. i like mines to be able to do this. theres no power off button. the midnight color is not black at all theres so much light grey accents and some aluminum blue hues. the cable that comes with it is not long enough and is not color matched either. battery life is terrible compared to others. and the bra case never got improved at all. at this point Apple doesnt want to give what people want and leadership keeping this cherade going even after 6 years later. just horrendous!!! supposedly rumor mill points to ultra headphones coming. at this point significant lightweight design and powering off feature will be the key factor for shelling out hard earned money to stay in ecosystem because my money is staying in my bank account.
@MrPun-yf5vv
April 14, 2026 at 11:05 am
Apple didn’t listen to their fans 😂
@TheGamingAudiophile
April 14, 2026 at 11:11 am
Bose QC Headphones Ultra 2nd Gen are better than both.
@tenkain3837
April 14, 2026 at 11:40 am
Apple max 2 i have tested it and its amazing
@PascalKeppa
April 14, 2026 at 12:03 pm
No change. the mesh canopy flattens out after a couple of months, confort is affected, and with no warranty from Apple (I’ve checked in an Apple Store). Too bad, really! Thank you for your review, I own the Sony and a iPhone, I will be comparing with the Max 2 soon and .. will make a decision. Cheers!
@WhatTheFragrance
April 14, 2026 at 12:32 pm
Sound is quite quiet
@DavidDatura
April 14, 2026 at 12:47 pm
The B&W Px8 Mk2 beats them both hands down on sound quality. They cost about the same as Apple phones too, if more expensive than the Sony. I have both the B&W’s and Sony Mk6, because I was so disappointed by the sound quality of the latter 🤷♂️
@peterring2714
April 14, 2026 at 12:51 pm
Was this video sponsored by Apple?
@Davesounds
April 14, 2026 at 1:22 pm
Apple’s aluminum > Sony’s plastic
@imax21i
April 14, 2026 at 1:44 pm
Just got the AirPods Max 2. ANC is insane, way better than Sony. Build quality is not even comparable to the plastic of XM5/6.
@sakenu16
April 14, 2026 at 7:55 pm
Yeah but it is heavy to wear for a long time. They could have at least make it lighter.
@jondavid4747
April 14, 2026 at 3:33 pm
The Max 2 look and sound fantastic but the weight, price and placement of the buttons (too hard to hit when putting on) made me send them back.
@chris_panda
April 14, 2026 at 3:40 pm
Definitely not B&W! I had 3 (three!!) PX7 and all of them broke! Not even under heavy use, under minimum use, maybe after 20 time of use max. And I am super careful with my devices. Sound started crackling, cushion got separated (maybe unglued) while it was in the case, LED indicator doesn’t show charging or when they are on, just so many issues! Never will buy any B&W products again.
@Alex-uy8zx
April 14, 2026 at 4:24 pm
awesome review! Thank you for the detailed comparison.
@CNET
April 15, 2026 at 6:16 am
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed—subscribe for more! 👍
@hotdavesweet
April 14, 2026 at 5:28 pm
Nobody is talking about replacement earpads 😢 is like replacing glass jar of coffee maker 😢 yea yea I know: “buy a new one man”.
@hotdavesweet
April 14, 2026 at 5:31 pm
What about broken sliders of each sony headphones since wh-ch710n?? 720 same, xm4, xm5 same, 910 same 😢😢😢 no more Sony
@IntrovertClint
April 14, 2026 at 7:27 pm
go to rtings for better tests
@steevehudon8941
April 14, 2026 at 7:52 pm
They both look weird on you
@sakenu16
April 14, 2026 at 7:53 pm
I think the least Apple could have done in addition to making better ANC, etc, was to make it lighter. That alone would have been a big difference.
@nathanthomas5133
April 15, 2026 at 11:31 am
The only way to make them lighter would be to switch metal for plastic. For the price i would prefer the extra weight & better build from using metal over plastic.
@Jorven-w1z
April 14, 2026 at 8:00 pm
Where is Bose Ultra 2? the excellent sounding king of ANC and comfort ?
@hop101
April 14, 2026 at 8:45 pm
luv da design n aesthetics of airpod max. i c younger peep airpod maxxing, honestly i wood pay a lil extra n choose max2 ovr xm6 just based on design
@dwaynealwyn
April 14, 2026 at 10:27 pm
You my friend are dishonest. Max 2s are not better than the XM6’s. You only say that to stay in Apples good graces. The fact that there is no EQ on the Max 2s alone tells you that Apple is not serious about sound quality just premium status symbol. The price for the Max 2s compared to what it offers requires that XM6s are rated higher. Not only that, but the heaviness should count against the so called “build quality” argument. Headphones are to be comfortable so you could focus on the listening experience. The Max2s are too heavy and causes the ear to sweat. What’s the benefit of better build quality if it sacrifices the most important part of headphones…that they disappear and you only experience the sound.
@cheeseinabag808
April 14, 2026 at 10:57 pm
AirPods Max 2. The ANC on the XM5 and XM6 is absolute trash. It can’t keep up with changing environments since it’s only adaptive and not full strength.
@KrishnaSingh-rg4qk
April 15, 2026 at 12:30 am
I got my AirPod max2 monday
@CNET
April 15, 2026 at 6:20 am
congrats!
@MrModikoe
April 15, 2026 at 5:19 am
Not being able to adjust EQ on such expensive headphones is really puzzling…but its typical of Apple🤷🏽🤦
@ChicagoBob123
April 15, 2026 at 9:06 am
Have Sony 1000 for years. Use them 5 days a week and they have been flawless.
@IamIanVoss
April 15, 2026 at 9:48 am
I am Apple User so choice is clear, it would not make sense to go to competitor when you get so many features getting Apple. Just a simple switch from iPhone to Mac is worth going for Max
@kuchikopi3624
April 15, 2026 at 9:54 am
I watch more YouTube content, tv shows, and movies. How are the XM6s when it comes to cinema mode?
@NOstr1215
April 15, 2026 at 10:50 am
As an android user who has macbook do you recommend to buy airpod max 2 or go for xm6?
@lotusdentalstudio
April 15, 2026 at 2:22 pm
No equaliser, no party
@KenShew325
April 15, 2026 at 2:37 pm
My XM6s have an issue where I have to turn Bluetooth off and bank on before it will connect to my iPhone. I am also a little worried about durability. Nothing has broken yet but it feels like it could .
@Mark-lu8re
April 15, 2026 at 3:04 pm
Bahahahahha was this a comparison or the max 2 review? hahaha
@gurugamer8632
April 15, 2026 at 3:30 pm
Best over-ear headphones for an 18-year-old iPhone 17 Pro + MacBook Air user?
Options:
Sony WH-1000XM6
AirPods Max 2
Bose QC Ultra
@J___derlust
April 15, 2026 at 5:15 pm
I’m sure I’d like them if I had them…
but the max’s may be in contention my least favorite Apple product of all time
@user-ws6nu4mq8k
April 15, 2026 at 7:46 pm
Even as an iphone and ipad user I had to go with the XM6s because of that ridiculous 386g weight.
@AdamIndikt
April 15, 2026 at 9:08 pm
I have the max 1 and for airplane travel they are way too heavy and uncomfortable when lying for me. When the time came to update I went for the Sony.
One positive that isn’t mentioned is that the AirPods Max ear cups are probably the most long lasting of all I’ve had.
@bonanzabrandon6877
April 16, 2026 at 12:03 am
Skip both of these, go for Sennheiser hdb 630
@spicecaptain7279
April 16, 2026 at 1:06 am
2:22 nice manicure David! 💅💅💅
@jamesphelps1958
April 16, 2026 at 2:09 am
The Sony are going to see much more aggressive discounting. The MSRP isn’t a great representation of their actual price. They’ll end up at half the cost
@CNET
April 16, 2026 at 2:44 am
we all know price varies and if are getting a good deal we share with our friends do check our website.
@vokso11
April 16, 2026 at 3:29 am
AirPods Max 2 are just a joke
@jimciutto1087
April 16, 2026 at 5:13 am
Please review Sony’s new flagship Collexion in May
@Negaah21
April 16, 2026 at 5:19 am
The mic on Sony was meh.
@opaliittiopa
April 16, 2026 at 5:43 am
I bought the max 2 to replace my XM3. So far I am very happy with these. I switch between devices a lot so actually the airpods max 2 has the usability win for me. I also needed the best (or near-bestt) ANC, and the difference between the max2 and XM3 is insane, especially with voices
@r0b0gam3r9
April 16, 2026 at 8:52 am
That Apple case is awesome. You just turn you earphones place them in the case ,simple. Solid built . I sent my apple iPod max 2 back because I hate that it wouldn’t power off. What was apple thinking. I loved the apple max2 iPod. I couldn’t deal with them not turning off. I hated that. Plus they are not worth $500. The volume and bass isn’t there. I know we shouldn’t listen too loud can damage our ear. Sometimes you want loud. I didn’t get an authentic sound.I didn’t get the wow from apple. They are solid headphones but not for the price. If they last for years the price can be justified. If you can afford them , get them. They will look good on you. My gripe not enough bass, not loud enough, the sound wasn’t of pure listening to my music wasn’t there.
@MSchumacherfan
April 16, 2026 at 9:35 am
My Sony hinges broke, I now have the Bose but they occasionally give an annoying static. Apple 🍏 is my next choice.
@thzene4967
April 16, 2026 at 10:02 am
Man I just want headphones that aren’t going to cost me $300+ yet snap in less than 2 years 🥲
@goldenstasgs
April 16, 2026 at 10:40 am
Senn hdb 630 sounds better all of them
@victoryokoi1267
April 16, 2026 at 11:01 am
I use the Sony XM6 in Lagos Nigeria. I must say it’s so good. If you’ve stayed in Lagos and moved across places for work or anything, this is where the test for noise cancellation should be actually and the song XM6 has done a pretty great job. From the loud bus noises to walking on the streets. Even at work. It holds up fine
The adjustable eq, extra long battery life(charge for 3 mins use for 3 hours is amazing)
And also about the ecosystem it does the switch quite good. I use a Mac and an iPhone and it connects to both device and switches when media is playing on any also for calls.
It also does this scene or environment awareness where if I’m walking, it detects that and goes to AMB mode, and when it detects I’m siting or riding in a vehicle, it goes to ANC.
@flex4lyfe
April 17, 2026 at 6:21 pm
Nice review, have you used them on a flight? I typically use ear buds for everyday use, but when flying I prefer headsets with noise canceling cos the engines are so noisy.
@tbelle31
April 16, 2026 at 12:49 pm
Wow the XM6 completely eliminated the background street noise. It’s like you suddenly went from the street to a library 😂
@josephatkinson5693
April 16, 2026 at 5:39 pm
Yea it wasn’t even close
@mardiniwilldern
April 17, 2026 at 4:18 am
But it ruined the voice quality at the same time.
@erinmohrcomedy
April 16, 2026 at 12:56 pm
4:47 I think you may have digressed when you dissed your daughters audiophile credentials about two minutes earlier😂
@davidcarnoy961
April 17, 2026 at 9:14 pm
True dat
@ciceroorator1374
April 16, 2026 at 1:44 pm
Bowers and Wilkins
@edmundoa1935
April 16, 2026 at 2:32 pm
I like good audio, but never expected that from wireless headphones. I bought the Focal Bathys a few years ago and I am so surprised of their sound quality, so much more since I added the Sennheiser BTD 700 USB-C transmitter (around $50, for aptX Lossless bluetooth transmission).
Everybody is talking of the great sound of the AirPods Max 2, so I bought them immediately. They are crap. Very weird sound signature (treble) and fairly veiled at some points. Although I am returning them, I want to comment this:
If you are looking for a “good” sound compared with other crowd pleasing headphones go ahead. No problems.
If you are really discerning or an audiophile, don’t waste time and money and go straight for any of the Focal Bathys (regular or MG) or the Sennheiser HDB 630.
@Superironlord
April 16, 2026 at 2:53 pm
Honestly I don’t see a problem with Sony build quality I never had to buy another pair kept them since release y they deliverer the best ANC Sound is amazing good for traveling I still have my M3 M4 M5 and now M6
@heatdeathend
April 16, 2026 at 5:33 pm
No mention of Apple’s condensation problem?? It’s ridiculous that this has not been addressed. All other comparisons are irrelevant because of this!!
@josephatkinson5693
April 16, 2026 at 5:41 pm
Um am i trippin or did the sony ones just blow apples headphones out the water for the noise cancelation test🤔
@davidcarnoy961
April 16, 2026 at 10:14 pm
It did but my voice wasn’t as clear
@Kimdongmin
April 16, 2026 at 5:55 pm
My favorite guy on Youtube by far 😊😊
Btw, I’d rather stick with my Z1R😅😅
@davidcarnoy961
April 16, 2026 at 10:18 pm
Thanks for the support! Yes, Z1R in a different league for sound
@Kimdongmin
April 17, 2026 at 9:50 am
@davidcarnoy961It is such an honor that I got a reply from you, sir!!
Of course I do love my Z1R but wouldn’t mind to try wireless headphones either😊
@davidcarnoy961
April 17, 2026 at 3:28 pm
@KimdongminYou should!
@Kimdongmin
April 17, 2026 at 9:08 pm
@davidcarnoy961 I’ve been rocking Aonic 50 Gen2 for years tho. As a portable audio lover, always seeking new gears to play with 🙂 I’ll probably get an Apple or Sony (which I only have their WIRED-versions) for sure.
@davidcarnoy961
April 17, 2026 at 9:12 pm
@Kimdongmin The Aonic 50 gen 2 does sound quite good. I remember reviewing it during the pandemic
@Sparkball
April 16, 2026 at 8:32 pm
Battery degrades over time and apples battery is just a disgrace
@Stepper1728
April 17, 2026 at 12:48 am
I would hate my parents if I worked and had them make me spend the money on them 😂
@faba6753
April 17, 2026 at 1:05 am
No mention of supported codecs? On / Off buttons. Charging… etc.
@danielasher6326
April 17, 2026 at 7:23 am
rubbish. doesn’t talk once about real world tests like on a bike or running.
@davidcarnoy961
April 17, 2026 at 3:29 pm
That’s what earbuds are for 😊
@CrimsonKale
April 17, 2026 at 7:24 am
One thing I have to say is that when it comes to appearance, you cant beat the AirPod Max. They are the coolest looking mainstream headphones imo and I suspect thats due to the prevalence of celebs and athletes wearing them.
@Rud13-s9f
April 17, 2026 at 8:39 am
Apple users: Get the Apple AirPods Max 2
Everyone else: Get the Sony WH-1000XM6
@dereklambe
April 17, 2026 at 10:19 am
Sennheiser Momentum 4 better than either.
@davidcarnoy961
April 17, 2026 at 3:27 pm
I like their sound a lot but noise canceling and voice calling performance and are a fairly big step down. Waiting for Momentum 5. Hopefully they show up this year
@danielguerrero1438
April 17, 2026 at 12:28 pm
I have watched about 50 reviews on YouTube and the vast majority leaned towards XM6 being the best overall.
@davidcarnoy961
April 17, 2026 at 3:24 pm
Here’s the real test. Putting price aside, if someone offered to give you the Max 2 or XM6 for free (but you could only take one of them), which would you take? I bet a lot of those reviewers would take the Max 2.
@ignskeletons
April 17, 2026 at 1:45 pm
This guy works professionally reviewing tech at CNET and he makes his daughter use cheap $19 wired EarPods. With all the access to tech and headphones he must have, that’s wild.
@davidcarnoy961
April 17, 2026 at 3:16 pm
She did that on her own. That’s what a lot teenagers are into — cheap wired buds.
@michaeladebz
April 17, 2026 at 2:27 pm
How do the xm6s not support type c audio
@neilknightley4703
April 17, 2026 at 7:28 pm
Pros choose Sony.
@intothebeyond8763
April 18, 2026 at 12:07 am
The Max2 need a nice case that flap thing makes it look like your carrying around a purse . It’s crazy to me how they have great designers but that flap thing is what they came up with. It’s embarrassing for Apple.
@benuchie
April 18, 2026 at 7:37 am
and (is no one is going to mention that) they look like a small ladies handbag!??… and i find the shape very ugly/ clunky/ unappealing
@davidcarnoy961
April 18, 2026 at 3:00 pm
Been mentioned for years 😂
@benuchie
April 19, 2026 at 11:35 am
@davidcarnoy961 😲😂😂🙌🙌🙌 👜👜👜👛👛👛😑😑😑
@HiFiInsider
April 18, 2026 at 10:08 am
I want the Sony. they make world-class products.
@naosoudj42
April 18, 2026 at 1:56 pm
I have the previous version for the Sony and they sound amazing, but it often I have connection issues with my Mac and the device switching is terrible.
I’m considering to move to AirPods Max
@godfreysimwawa982
April 18, 2026 at 2:30 pm
I have sony ultwear and I think m okay for now…
@kaiheffner441
April 18, 2026 at 10:29 pm
He has really beautiful fingernails.
@Treborray
April 18, 2026 at 10:31 pm
Am i the only one who doesn’t need better ANC? Haha it was already so good. I need to hear atleast a tiny bit of my surroundings 😳 Great Review and God Bless 🙏🏾❤️
@UBe-hhger
April 18, 2026 at 11:42 pm
Just buy both
@lawless420.
April 19, 2026 at 8:37 pm
Bose all day.