AirPods Max vs. Sony XM4: Pick the Right One

Summary

In this video, Mark reviews two popular headphones: the AirPods Max and Sony XM4s. He compares them based on six key categories: comfort, sound quality, noise cancellation, extra features, battery life, and price. Mark highlights the strengths and weaknesses of both models, noting the AirPods Max's premium build and superior sound quality, but at a high cost and with limitations for non-Apple users. In contrast, the Sony XM4s offer great value with excellent features and performance, making them a better choice for most users. He concludes by recommending the Sony XM4s for their overall value.

Takeaways

• 🎧 The video compares two pairs of headphones: Apple's AirPods Max and Sony's WH-1000XM4 (XM4s).
• 🔍 The comparison is based on six criteria: comfort, sound quality, noise cancellation, extra features, battery life, and price.
• 💆‍♂️ Comfort is a point of contention; AirPods Max are heavier (385g) and rely on a stronger clamp force, while the XM4s are lighter (254g).
• 🎵 Sound quality is subjective, but the AirPods Max are described as having better performance in most circumstances.
• 🔧 The XM4s offer an equalizer in the app for sound customization, and a 3.5mm jack for wired listening, features the AirPods Max lack.
• 🚫 The AirPods Max have limited compatibility with non-Apple devices, losing several features when used outside the Apple ecosystem.
• 🛡️ Noise cancellation is superior in the AirPods Max, but both headphones have a transparency mode.
• 🌐 The AirPods Max excel in features that work with Apple devices, such as Spatial Audio and adaptive EQ, but these are not available on Android.
• 📱 The XM4s have a touchpad for gesture controls and support multi-point Bluetooth connections, enhancing user experience.
• 🔋 The XM4s have a longer battery life, offering around 25-30 hours compared to the AirPods Max's 20 hours.
• 💰 The XM4s are priced significantly lower than the AirPods Max, making them a more budget-friendly option.
• 🏆 The conclusion suggests that while the AirPods Max offer top-tier sound and features, the XM4s provide better value for most consumers.

Q & A

What are the main categories used to compare the AirPods Max and Sony XM4s?

The main categories used to compare the AirPods Max and Sony XM4s are comfort, sound quality, noise cancellation, additional features, battery life, and price.

How does the AirPods Max compare to the Sony XM4s in terms of comfort?

The AirPods Max is heavier due to its metal build, which can be both premium and potentially uncomfortable for some users. The Sony XM4s, being mostly plastic, are lighter and may feel almost weightless on the head.

Which headphones have a better sound quality according to the reviewer?

The AirPods Max generally perform better in most circumstances, with crisper mids and highs for vocals, tighter and more controlled bass, and a wider sound stage.

What is an advantage of the Sony XM4s over the AirPods Max in sound quality?

The Sony XM4s have an equalizer built natively into their app, allowing users to adjust the sound to their preference, and they support a better Bluetooth codec (LDAC) compared to the AirPods Max (which uses AAC).

Which headphones have a dedicated 3.5mm jack for wired listening?

The Sony XM4s have a dedicated 3.5mm jack for wired listening, while the AirPods Max does not.

How do the AirPods Max and Sony XM4s compare in noise cancellation?

The AirPods Max have better noise cancellation, but the reviewer suggests listening for oneself to get a more accurate assessment.

What is the AirPods Max's transparency mode like?

The AirPods Max has the most natural sounding transparency mode the reviewer has ever heard, offering a more natural sound when in transparency mode.

What are some of the extra features of the AirPods Max that may not work well with non-Apple devices?

The AirPods Max offers features like spatial audio, seamless switching, and adaptive EQ, which are not available for Android or PC users, and some features like voice assistant activation are limited to Siri.

How does the battery life of the AirPods Max compare to the Sony XM4s?

The Sony XM4s have a claimed battery life of up to 30 hours, while the AirPods Max typically offers around 20 hours, with battery life decreasing if not placed back in the case after use.

What is the price of the AirPods Max compared to the Sony XM4s?

The AirPods Max costs $550, whereas the Sony XM4s are priced around $350, with potential sales or deals that could lower the price.

What does the reviewer recommend for most people when considering headphones?

The reviewer recommends the Sony XM4s for most people, as they offer similar quality to the AirPods Max at a lower price and are compatible with a wider range of devices.