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Apple AirPods Max vs Sony WH-1000XM4

Side-by-side comparison — scores, specs and which one fits your setup.

Apple AirPods Max
8.1
/ 10
Over-earHigh end
HIGHER SCORE
Sony WH-1000XM4
8.2
/ 10
Over-earHigh end

Specs comparison

8.1/10
SCORE
8.2/10
43Ω
IMPEDANCE
47Ω
99dB
SENSITIVITY
101dB
No
NEEDS AMP
No

Analysis

The Apple AirPods Max scores 8.1/10 with 43Ω impedance and 99dB sensitivity. At 43Ω, it drives well from most phones without an external amp.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 scores 8.2/10 with 47Ω impedance and 101dB sensitivity. At 47Ω, it can be driven directly without extra hardware.

Based on our scoring, the Sony WH-1000XM4 scores higher overall. However, the right choice depends on your full audio chain — use our analyzer to see which fits your actual setup.

Own one of these headphones?

A high headphone score doesn't mean your audio sounds great. Your DAC, amp or source might be the real bottleneck.

Analyze my setup →AirPods Max details →Sony WH-1000XM4 details →

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