Even so, the Sonys may continue to beat the big AirPods in almost every wayincluding the price.

This should make the series already excellent noise canceling even better.

And they can pair with two devices, enabling you to easily switch between them.

Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones

Sony

And like Apple’s headphones, the cups only twist, making them less portable but easier to wear.

“Honestly, every single pair of folding headphones I’ve ever owned has broken.

The main differences are the features.

Woman wearing Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones near a subway

Sony

The Sonys have way more customizability, too, and work equally well with Android and iOS devices.

Apples biggest advantage is the incredible integration with its own products.

For Apple users, it all comes down to those Apple-specific features.

Apple AirPods Max in a blue protective case

Apple

The Sonys favor customization and compatibility.

Also, Sonys case is a million times better than Apples ridiculous excuse.

A Wash?

This is an odd category for headphones.

Theyre very expensive, and yet ultimate sound quality is not their main goal.

Both of these headphones will do all of that.

If you use an Android gear, then clearly, Sonys are the better choice.

But if nothing else, the competition forces Sony to up its game.

Those old WH-1000XM4s are as dorky as all get-out, plastic blobs with zero style.

The new ones, with design cues cribbed from Apple, are way cooler.

And thats great news for Sony buyers.