ZDNET's 2,700-mile headphone test: Apple, Sony, Sennheiser compared
Real-world ANC and sound quality tested across multiple flights and airports.
ZDNET editor Jada Jones put four flagship headphones and earbuds through a real-world endurance test across multiple flights between Atlanta, New York, and Las Vegas—covering 2,700 miles. The lineup included Apple AirPods Max 2, Sony WF-1000XM6, Sennheiser Momentum 5, and Sony 1000X The Collexion. Each pair was evaluated on active noise cancellation (ANC), comfort, sound quality, battery life, and portability under the stress of airport queues, plane engine drone, and device switching during work trips.
The Apple AirPods Max 2 excelled in low-frequency noise cancellation and delivered vibrant, lively sound perfect for movies and music. Deep integration with Apple devices made switching between iPhone, work MacBook, and personal MacBook seamless. However, after two hours of continuous wear—including an hour in the TSA line—the weight became bothersome, prompting the reviewer to switch to AirPods Pro 3. The Sony WF-1000XM6 stood out for its sleek, pocketable design and strong ANC, with great battery life suitable for long flights. The article concludes that while each pair has strengths, one model emerged as the best-sounding overall—readers will need to see the full ZDNET review for the winner.
- Apple AirPods Max 2: Excellent ANC and sound but heavy; comfort diminishes after 2 hours.
- Sony WF-1000XM6: Sleek design, pocketable case, great ANC and battery life.
- Testing conducted across multiple flights in Atlanta, NYC, and Las Vegas (2,700 miles total).
Why It Matters
Real-world air travel test reveals which premium headphones truly deliver on ANC, comfort, and sound.