Specific comparisons between Airpods Max and Sony XM4

[east1999]

Hi everyone,

I’m undecided between the AirPods Max and the Sony XM4s and I would like some advice.

1. The ANC. I’ve tried the XM4s at the store and I really like how they handle it. With the AirPods Pro that I have, most outside sounds are muffled but some pass through, whereas with the Sonys it’s like all the surrounding sound is put in a box and more distanced from your ear. What are the AirPods Max like?
2. I have a pair of multipoint Bluetooth Ankers and I often forget to turn them off, so sometimes I’ll open the laptop and find music playing on the other side of the house. Are the Max automatically connected, or do you need to have them in your head for them to stay connected?
3. Comfort. The XM4 are comfortable, but my ears get sweaty really fast. Some people say the Max pads are not as comfortable for all day use, plus the mesh can get itchy. What is your experience? Also, can you lay down on the side on a pillow with them? Because with the XM4s it’s really cumbersome.

Final note: I'm not interested in other models. I want the best ANC possible, and I'm considering the Sonys because they're $200 less and foldable.

 

[Sheepish-Lord]

You’re not considering other models but you want to compare the AirPods Max to the much cheaper XM4’s? And you want foldable but the APM aren’t that either. If anything you should be comparing the APM to the new XM5’s.

If you’re concerned about price get the XM4’s. If you want a great all around headphone/price get the XM5 and if you value the Apple ecosystem and have the budget get the APM.

Nobody can tell you how any of them will sound since audio is very subjective or their comfort so you’ll just have to buy what you can afford and go from there.

 

[Soondae]

I'll just give you my simple reasoning on why I chose the Sony XM4. I will use them mostly during travel so good ANC was a must, I like the compact size and the fact that they come with a carry case and a quality 3.5mm cable. I got them on sale for less than $200. Also they fit well and are comfortable.

What I don't like; the Sony Connect Application. The built in equalization selections all sounded crappy to me. Multipoint is OK but I want to listen to music with the LDAP codec so multipoint needs to remain disabled. I ended up turning off all the Sony Connect features and only use it to connect to my iPhone. I found the iPhone music equalizer selections better to use then the Sony APP.

I've not ever used the AP Max so can offer no insight on them except I didn't like their bulk and that Bra thing for storage, once again my main purpose is for ANC during travel so size matters.

 

[east1999]

Thank you. I actually don't care for ECs and never used them. As for comparing between XM5s and Airpods Max, if they are at the same price, the Sonys just don't seem worth it.

 

[StoneJack]

I had Sennheiser BT450 (actually still have them), Momentum 2 wired, Bowers and Wilkins P5 wired, Audio Technica M20x, AKG K182 (both are for studio work), I have Airpods 3 Pro and I decided to give try to Airpod Max. All I can say I am very happy with them. It is a matter of preference, at the end.

 

[Htsi]

XM3 is what i have experience with, too uncomfortable and hot.
Airpod Max I am happy with them. Great purchase

 

[DrCC]

Try the Sony XM5, reviewers say it is a good step above the XM4.