Looking for Apple AirPods Max alternatives? Apple’s AirPods Max made quite a splash when they were first released in 2020. The over-ear headphones featured excellent sound quality, great noise cancellation, and a premium design. However, with a price tag of $549, they’re not accessible for everyone.
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Luckily, there are plenty of more affordable over-ear headphones that can rival AirPods Max in terms of features and performance. Many of these alternatives are available on Amazon worldwide.
Here are
10 of the best AirPods Max alternatives you can find on Amazon in the US, Canada, and Australia in 2023
Sony WH-1000XM5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 are widely considered one of the best over-ear headphones you can buy today. They offer superb noise cancellation that adapts to your environment and movement. The sound quality is excellent with support for LDAC, aptX Adaptive, and 360 Reality Audio.
The XM5s have a refreshed design that’s comfortable for long listening sessions. The touch controls are intuitive and you get up to 30 hours of battery life. Other features include Speak-to-Chat which pauses your music when you speak. At $398, they’re cheaper than the AirPods Max.
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
Sennheiser is well respected in the audiophile world and the Momentum 4 Wireless doesn’t disappoint. It features gorgeous, luxurious design with leatherette and memory foam earpads. The ANC blocks even the lowest rumbles like airplane engines.
You get incredibly dynamic and detailed sound powered by 42mm transducers. The transparency mode lets ambient sound in when needed. With Alexa and Google Assistant support, you can go hands-free. At $350, the Momentum 4 Wireless costs significantly less than the AirPods Max.
Bose QuietComfort 45
Bose is a leader in noise-cancelling headphones and the QuietComfort 45 demonstrates why. It offers world-class noise cancellation that makes loud environments disappear. The sound quality remains well-balanced with punchy bass and sparkling highs.
The QC45 has a comfortable over-ear design you can wear all day. The buttons make controlling music and volume easy. With 24 hours of battery life, you get marathon listening on a single charge. At $329, the QC45 gives you premium features for hundreds less than the AirPods Max.
Bowers & Wilkins Px8
Looking for high-end sound? The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 deliver audiophile-grade performance and luxury design. The large 43.6mm carbon fiber drivers produce highly dynamic and immersive sound. Support for aptX Adaptive allows CD-like quality from compatible devices.
Active Noise Cancellation uses six microphones to suppress ambient noise. You also get adjustable ambient mode when you need to hear your surroundings. At $699, the Px8 rivals the AirPods Max’s premium experience for less.
Anker Soundcore Life Q35
If you’re on a tight budget, consider the Anker Soundcore Life Q35. It delivers surprisingly good sound quality and noise cancellation for the price. The 40mm silk drivers produce clean highs, punchy bass and well-balanced mids.
The Life Q35 offers multi-mode ANC to block constant noises like engines along with adaptive technology to handle fluctuating sounds. Battery life reaches an enormous 60 hours for listeners who frequently travel or forget to charge. At only $99, the Q35 provides tremendous value compared to the $549 AirPods Max.
Sony WF-1000XM4
Prefer earbuds over headphones? The Sony WF-1000XM4 brings industry-leading noise cancellation in a compact in-ear form factor. Sony’s Integrated Processor V1 delivers rich, dynamic sound quality.
The XM4 earbuds use a new noise cancelling processor to provide immersive silence in noisy environments. You also get intuitive touch controls, Speak-to-Chat, and wireless charging. At $278, the XM4s cost half as much as AirPods Max while packing Sony’s best audio innovations.
Earfun Airs
The Earfun Airs deliver shockingly good performance for their reasonable price. Dual balanced armature drivers in each earbud produce accurate sound with thumping bass and crisp treble.
For noise cancellation at this low price, the hybrid ANC is impressive at blocking constant noise like traffic or airplane engines. You get 7 hours battery life with ANC enabled. Touch controls, USB-C charging and water resistance make them ideal workout earbuds. Priced at only $69, the Airs are an unbelievable value compared to the AirPods Max.
Beats Studio3
The Beats Studio3 feature Apple’s class-leading W1 chip for seamless connectivity with iOS devices. The sound leans towards bass-heavy but it’s punchy and exciting. Active noise cancelling blocks ambient noise to keep you focused on your music.
The Studio3 last an epic 22 hours on a single charge so you can keep listening all day. The fast charging gives you 3 hours playback from a 10-minute charge. The cushioned headphones are comfortable for extended wear. At $349, the Studio3 deliver the Apple ecosystem integration at hundreds less than the AirPods Max.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
Another high-end offering, the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 provides stellar sound powered by large 43.6mm drivers. Support for Qualcomm aptX Adaptive allows 24-bit streaming for CD-like quality.
The PX7 S2 features upgraded noise cancellation with six microphones to block more environmental noise. You also get adjustable ambient listening mode when needed. At $399, the PX7 S2 gives you premium build and sound for $150 less than the AirPods Max.
Apple AirPods Pro 2
The AirPods Pro 2 are Apple’s latest noise-cancelling earbuds. Powered by the new H2 chip, they deliver improved sound quality and ANC. The addition of the U1 ultra wideband chip allows Precision Finding using the Find My app.
The AirPods Pro 2 offer 6 hours listening time with ANC on and 30 hours total including the charging case. The in-ear design is extremely comfortable and stable during exercise. At $239, the AirPods Pro 2 provide many of the AirPods Max’s best features in a more portable and affordable package.
FAQ
Are any AirPods Max alternatives better than AirPods Max?
Some alternatives like the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort 45 offer comparable or slightly better noise cancellation and sound quality than the AirPods Max while costing several hundred dollars less. However, AirPods Max does have advantages like spatial audio with head tracking and seamless Apple device integration.
Should I buy AirPods Max or AirPods Pro 2?
AirPods Max offer richer, more dynamic sound quality and a more premium design. But the AirPods Pro 2 are significantly cheaper at $239 vs $549. They also offer better portability. Overall, AirPods Pro 2 provide better value unless you want maximum sound quality and over-ear comfort.
Are cheaper headphones good alternatives to AirPods Max?
Yes, many budget headphones from brands like Anker Soundcore offer very good sound and noise cancellation considering their reasonable prices. You can find great AirPods Max alternatives for under $100 if you’re willing to compromise on build quality and features. But don’t expect them to completely match the audio fidelity of AirPods Max.
Should I buy AirPods Max alternatives from the same brands as my phone?
Matching brands can provide advantages like tighter integration and codec support. For example, Samsung Galaxy phones work best with Samsung Galaxy Buds. But it’s not strictly necessary to match brands, especially if you prioritize features and value over ecosystem integration.
How do I choose the best AirPods Max alternatives?
Consider sound quality, noise cancellation effectiveness, comfort, battery life, and features like transparency mode. Also factor in your budget restraints. Find models well-reviewed for those needs at the lowest prices. Checking professional reviews can help identify products that punch above their price bracket.
Conclusion
While the AirPods Max offer an outstanding listening experience, their steep price makes them prohibitive for many buyers. Luckily, there are many more affordable over-ear and in-ear headphones available that can rival AirPods Max in sound, noise cancellation, and features.
Top choices like the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort 45 provide premium performance for hundreds less. Budget picks like the Anker Soundcore Life Q35 and Earfun Airs deliver shockingly good value. Ultimately, identifying your needs and budget will lead you to the best AirPods Max alternative for your personal wants and financial situation.