We have a preference, yet this truly is a win-win scenario. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

Before exploring the outcomes, we anticipate seeing both of these headphones discounted during Amazon’s forthcoming Prime Day event. The best Prime Day offers consistently feature enticing deals on headphones, with price cuts on the AirPods Max being a focal point of the sale. The XM6 headphones debuted on May 15, but we’re hopeful they will receive their inaugural discount for Prime Day, commencing on July 8 this year.

SEE ALSO: Early Prime Day deals are emerging — shop wireless earbuds now

Apple boasts a superior design and ecosystem

The AirPods Max possess a sleek and professional design that enhances the premium feel of the iPhone. Distinctive features like the aluminum unibody, mesh headband, and cushioned padding provide these headphones with plenty of flair. There’s a reason users wear them as fashion statements. Our sole criticism is the purse-inspired Smart Case that offers minimal protection.

Enhancing the appeal of the AirPods Max is seamless compatibility with the iPad, iPhone, Macs, and AppleTV. Pairing is nearly instantaneous. Additionally, any changes made (e.g., controls, EQ, software updates) to the headphones will be stored in your iCloud account and transferred to preferred Apple devices.

The WH-1000xM6 appear almost identical to the WH-1000XM5s, which is not a good thing. Both headphone models are made from recycled materials and showcase a minimalist, plastic-heavy design that lacks the premium aesthetic of older models. Comfort and fit on the WH-1000XM6 are adequate, and it’s a plus that they fold inward for easy storage with the redesigned carrying case.

Sony’s headphones support both Android and iOS/macOS via the Sound Connect app. They also feature Google Fast Pair and Find My Device functionality. While we appreciate these additional features, along with the flexibility to personalize the headphones on either platform, the level of performance the AirPods Max achieve on iOS is remarkable.

Winner: AirPods Max | Read our full review of the AirPods Max headphones

Sony excels in all other major aspects, including ANC and audio quality

We’re not mincing words here — the WH-1000XM6 headphones significantly outperform the AirPods Max in almost every other area. There’s a reason the AirPods Max have been missing from Mashable’s compilation of the best headphones for over a year.

Let’s delve into the two primary advantages in the AirPods Max versus Sony XM6 showdown: active noise cancellation and audio quality. Sony’s ANC technology expertly eliminates unwanted noise across various frequencies. The new Adaptive NC Optimizer successfully auto-adjusts noise cancellation based on your environment. Over 20 levels of ambient sound options are available, allowing you to hear your surroundings clearly without compromising on volume.

Sony’s 30mm drivers deliver excellent balance, bass, and clarity. Audio is enhanced through DSEE Extreme technology, which improves sound fidelity on poorly produced tracks. LDAC codec support streams high-resolution audio at CD-like quality on Android devices. There’s also a customizable EQ with well-crafted presets found in the companion app for sound personalization. Finally, you can experience 360 Reality Audio for vibrant 3D sound, albeit limited to a few streaming services.

The WH-1000XM6 are equipped with numerous smart controls. The physical buttons and touch sensors operate effectively, and the new Mute button is particularly useful for silencing music instantly. Innovative features like Speak-to-Chat do the same by recognizing your voice. Digital assistance is equally beneficial for hands-free usage. Sony’s 12-mic array provides excellent speech recognition for Google Assistant and Siri, along with voice calling. A full charge offers 40 hours of listening time, depending on usage. Using ANC reduces this to 30 hours.

The AirPods Max feature just one level of ANC, which is… adequate. We’ve tested these headphones in different settings over the years and found them effective against low- and mid-frequency sounds. However, high-frequency noises can be disruptive when nearby (my son’s cries often hinder my focus). Apple’s 40mm drivers provide clear mids, deep bass, and crisp highs. The adaptive EQ notably recalibrates sound automatically. Personalized Spatial Audio enables immersive 360-degree sound for Dolby Atmos content (for cinephiles, the AirPods Max do have an advantage). Lossless audio is now attainable via the USB-C connector, and it sounds surprisingly well. The downside is being tethered to a media player.

The standout feature of Apple’s headphones is the digital crown, a multifunctional dial for managing controls (playback, volume, digital assistant). “Hey Siri” voice activation operates flawlessly. Voice calling quality is excellent, though not superior to Sony’s. There are no touch controls. Battery