I tested Sony 1000X The ColleXion vs Apple AirPods Max 2 — here's the winner

Sony's had something up its sleeve for weeks, and that something is finally here. Ever since paparazzi photos of an actor donning suspicious new headphones leaked, the audio world's been holding its breath — but hold your breath no more. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the XM line, the Japanese everything-brand is releasing its first uber-premium over-ear headphone: 1000X The ColleXion.

1000X The ColleXion is less aimed at the Bose QuietComfort (not Ultra) crowd and the JBL Tour One M3 Pro crowd, and more at the AirPods Max 2, Bowers and Wilkins Px8 S2 crowd. But how do these "premium" headphones actually compare to said competition?

To find out how 1000X The ColleXion really fares against the AirPods Max 2, I put the two flagship cans through a series of tests. Lock in, because it's about to move up a gear. Will the Sony 1000X The ColleXion or the AirPods Max 2 win?

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Sony 1000X The ColleXion vs Apple AirPods Max 2: Specs compared

Sony 1000X The ColleXion vs Apple AirPods Max 2: Price

The Sony 1000X The ColleXion are an eye-watering $659 at their May 2026 launch, while the AirPods Max 2 launched in April 2026 for $549.

You're paying $110 extra for The ColleXion — and the AirPods Max 2 were already outrageously expensive. I'm not too sure what this extra $100 is getting you — sure, The ColleXion look nice and are much more premium than the WH-1000XM6, but still, $650 is a bit of a stretch.

Winner: AirPods Max 2

Sony 1000X The ColleXion vs Apple AirPods Max 2: Design

Right, so the AirPods Max 2 and the 1000X The ColleXion both serve a similar (unfortunate) purpose: being a fashion statement. Headphones should have one job — playing music — but Apple and Sony seem to be trying to make over-ears something you wear for the sole purpose of wearing them.

They have both kind of... succeeded, though? The AirPods Max 2 and ColleXion both look gorgeous, with aluminum and stainless steel finishes that scream premium. I suppose, if you're paying $550-$650 for headphones, you'd expect them to look good. Personally, I still think the AirPods Max 2 look better, but I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so it's fine if you disagree there.

The AirPods Max 2 have much more intuitive controls — no tapping randomly on the ear cups — but The ColleXion now have a Spatial Upmixer button, so you can cycle through music upmix and cinema upmix without the Sony Headphones app. I personally did not enjoy how the Spatial Upmixer made my music super tinny, so I never used this.

However, while the AirPods Max 2 win in terms of design and controls, The ColleXion win in terms of carry case. The AirPods Max 2 have no case worth talking about, but The ColleXion have a pretty awesome hard shell mini handbag case. Not only does this protect the headphones, it also looks pretty stylish. As a result, I'd say this round is a draw.

Winner: Draw.

Sony 1000X The ColleXion vs Apple AirPods Max 2: Sound quality

Both the 1000XX The ColleXion and the AirPods Max 2 sound divine. If you like expansive, melodic headphones capable of delicately balancing rich bass and subtle detail, you'll like both the Sony and Apple offerings.

To accurately compare the sound, I listened to both The ColleXion and the AirPods Max 2 as my daily drivers, playing every genre under the sun (including podcasts and YouTube videos). I listened to everything on Qobuz, the best music streaming service for audiophiles.

'Neverender' by Justice & Tame Impala is an electronic track with an intense synth-heavy instrumental and infectious metallic percussion. Neither the ColleXion nor the AirPods Max 2 lost any detail, and the vocals had unbeatable clarity, even during heavier sections.

When I played a heavier rock track, 'RIDING WITH MY GIRLS' by Die Spitz, the ColleXion handled the crunchy bass and metal-tinged guitars well. I wanted a touch more depth to the percussion — the cymbals kind of faded into the background — but in general, the ColleXion performed well.

When I listened with the AirPods Max 2, the details were louder and pulled forward, including the cymbals and crunchy guitar effects. Neither headphones managed to make the bass sound particularly excellent, but the AirPods Max 2 created a livelier soundscape.

Of course, I also had to test with LDAC, Sony's proprietary hi-res Bluetooth codec. 'Parachute' by Hayley Williams is a voice-led guitar track with heavy, almost over-processed bass and emotive vocals. Williams' voice sounded particularly incredible with LDAC enabled.

With the AirPods Max 2, 'Parachute' sounded clear, detailed, and had vibrant bass. Williams' voice was, again, front and center, weaving confidently between the over-processed bass and percussion.

The AirPods Max 2 just beat The ColleXion here — the ColleXion handle higher frequencies really well, but the bass was a bit too unrefined.

Both the AirPods Max 2 and the Sony 1000X The ColleXion have wired playback — USB-C and 3.5mm aux, respectively — which provides similarly lossless performances. Naturally, the AirPods Max 2 sound best via Apple Music and USB-C, and the Sonys sound best via Qobuz and 3.5mm wired.

Overall, both headphones sound great, and I'm sure you wouldn't be disappointed with either. The AirPods just take this round due to the more balanced bass response, though, as The ColleXion's bass can verge on unrefined in heavier genres.

Winner: Apple AirPods Max 2

Sony 1000X The ColleXion vs Apple AirPods Max 2: ANC

Both the AirPods Max 2 and The ColleXion have fantastic ANC, but the Sonys are the better performers here. During tests, I couldn't hear anything through the The ColleXion, not even high-frequency noises that often leak through even the strongest ANC, but I could hear things like clacking keyboards and chest-vibrating construction noises when listening to the AirPods Max 2.

For everyday use, though, you would get on just fine with either. I predominantly use my AirPods Max 2 and the ANC is everything I could need.

Winner: Sony 1000X The ColleXion

Sony 1000X The ColleXion vs Apple AirPods Max 2: Call quality

I've said it before (and I'm sure I'll say it again), but we've reached a point in the Bluetooth headphone life cycle where pretty much every single flagship over-ears will provide you crystal-clear sound.

I have only good things to say about the AirPods Max 2 and Sony 1000X The ColleXion's call quality. Both headphones have crystal-clear audio, no fuzziness or hissing in sibilant words. Both headphones reduce ambient noise wonderfully, so I have no reservations about recommending either headphones for calls in loud or quiet environments.

Winner: Draw.

Sony 1000X The ColleXion vs Apple AirPods Max 2: Battery

The battery life is my biggest qualm with the AirPods Max 2. I can't quite believe Apple released headphones with a 20-hour battery life in 2026, but here we are. While The ColleXion have a 24-hour battery, this still isn't particularly impressive, either.

It's better, don't get me wrong — I'll take everything I can get as long as it's better than the AirPods Max 2 — but when the Sony WH-1000XM6 have a 30-hour battery life for $200 cheaper, this is a huge miss from Sony.

Of course, the Sonys win by default, but really, there are no winners here.

Winner: Sony 1000X The ColleXion

Sony 1000X The ColleXion vs Apple AirPods Max 2: Verdict

Both the AirPods Max 2 and the Sony 1000X The ColleXion received 85 points, making this versus a draw. You won't be disappointed by either the AirPods Max 2 or The ColleXion.

It's near impossible to choose between these two headphones. Both ooze style, have premium sound quality, and an array of impressive features (although I disliked Sony's Spatial Upmixer, you might love it). Both earn their place as some of the most premium, best wireless headphones money can buy.

I would personally choose the Apple AirPods Max 2, but The ColleXion still have a lot going for them: Want lighter cans, don't mind a more unrefined bass, and love Sony's impeccable ANC? Go for the 1000X The ColleXion. If you value metal construction, vivacious sound, and don't mind a poorer battery life, the AirPods will treat you right.

Sony 1000X The ColleXion vs Apple AirPods Max 2: Ratings scorecard