Best AirPods Max alternatives

Apple fans across the world are frantically taking out bank loans, selling their cars, and asking for promotions so they can buy the new AirPods Max. Okay, so that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but the active noise canceling (ANC) AirPods Max headset is pretty expensive. The AirPods Max has its benefits like unrivaled active noise canceling, simple iPhone compatibility, and enjoyable sound quality. But the headset also has its drawbacks: a hefty price, the lack of a manual power switch, and a nearly useless carrying case. But hey, there are plenty of headphones out there out there with comparable specs for far less cash. Here are the best AirPods Max alternatives.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 is the best AirPods Max alternative

The Sony WH-1000XM5 and AirPods Max are neck-and-neck when it comes to the best active noise canceling headphones on the market. The WH-1000XM5 has excellent ANC and plenty of features that you can access from an iPhone or Android device. In order to get the most out of Apple’s flagship headphones, you need an iPhone (iOS or iPadOS device).

The AirPods Max only supports the AAC and SBC codecs, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 supports LDAC, too. It’s unfortunate that neither headset supports aptX, but both allow for wired listening; though, with the AirPods Max, you need to buy a special Lightning-to-3.5mm cable. Sony, on the other hand, keeps it simple with a 3.5mm headphone jack. If you’re a productivity fiend who needs Bluetooth multipoint functionality, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is your best bet (multipoint only works when streaming over AAC, though). You can enjoy automatic device switching with the AirPods Max, but this requires you to own multiple Apple devices.

The WH-1000XM5 lasts about 20 hours on a single charge, and unlike the AirPods Max, which charges via an inconvenient lightning USB to USB-C cable, the Sony WH-1000XM4 charges via USB-C. You can also quickly charge the Sony headset in a pinch. Sony’s newest flagship headphones also feature a brand new look with a super comfortable, lightweight build—if the weight of the AirPods Max is a turnoff for you, this won’t be. The new design also brings an excellent new microphone array for greatly improved call quality.

You can make plenty of adjustments to the ambient sound intensity, sound profile, and more through the Sony Headphones Connect app. The Headphones Connect app also lets you enable noise canceling optimization based on your environment. You’ll also want to use the app to set up Sony 360 Reality Audio, which is compatible with some music streaming services like Tidal and Deezer.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are best for Android

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are a compelling alternative to the Apple AirPods Max, particularly for Android users. They are lightweight with ample padding that is notably glasses-friendly and designed for ease of use, featuring folding hinges and articulating ear cups for compact storage alongside a more traditional control scheme with buttons and a capacitive volume strip, which may appeal to users seeking tactile feedback over the digital crown control found on the AirPods Max.

One of the standout features of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones is their broad compatibility across devices, supported by the inclusion of Bluetooth 5.3, AAC, SBC codecs, and the notable addition of Qualcomm’s aptX Lossless codec for high-quality audio on compatible Android devices. This feature alone sets the Bose headphones apart for Android users, offering an optimized audio experience that leverages the latest technology. Furthermore, the headphones’ battery life surpasses that of the AirPods Max, providing longer listening sessions with ANC enabled, which is critical for users prioritizing longevity and convenience.

Moreover, the Bose Music app’s functionality across both iOS and Android platforms, in contrast to the AirPods Max’s Apple-centric integration, ensures that users can access firmware updates, customize settings, and enjoy features like immersive audio without being tied to a specific ecosystem. This inclusivity, along with the headphones’ competitive pricing and superior noise canceling capabilities, makes the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones an attractive option for Android users. They offer a blend of advanced features, comfort, and audio quality that challenge the premium-positioned AirPods Max, delivering a compelling alternative for those seeking high-quality audio experience outside the Apple ecosystem.

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless gets style points

If you’re looking for auto-pause and auto-resume, aptX, aptX LL, AAC support, and much more, the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless just might be for you. This wireless noise canceling headset has dropped the metal build of its predecessor for a plastic construction that still feels nice. The fabric-covered headband and plush memory foam ear pads are very comfortable, which makes it easy to wear this for longer than the Momentum 3.

The default sound is very nice, but you can always equalize the MOMENTUM 4 using the Sennheiser Smart Control app. You can also use the app to adjust ANC levels and enable a transparency mode. The active noise canceling is effective at quieting midrange frequencies, and the headphones’ passive isolation quiets high frequencies. Unfortunately, the headphones don’t do a very good job of attenuating low frequencies, which are the most important frequencies if you’re trying to cancel out the rumble of an airplane or bus.

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless charges via USB-C and lasts over 56 hours with ANC on—more than double the AirPods Max. It also supports quick charging. If you run out of battery, you can plug in the 3.5mm cable, but it lacks a mic and remote. The headphones have button controls that can be used to access your smart assistant and control playback, and the headphones power off just by folding them in at the hinges. Additionally, a recent update brings surround sound to the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless, like the AirPods Max.

If you want an affordable alternative, go for the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless

The Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless is a great pair of headphones with stellar sound quality that won’t break the bank. And won’t find a carrying case in the box; the build quality is solid enough to withstand a toss into your bag. These headphones are light enough for prolonged wear, thanks to a cushioned design reminiscent of Bose’s QuietComfort series. You might hit a snag if you’re bespectacled; the thinner padding may prevent a perfect seal. But for the majority, it’s comfort without compromise.

The Sennheiser Smart Control app opens up a world of customization, from detailed EQ settings to feature toggles. If you’re the type who likes their audio just so, the app is a must. The on-ear buttons may be petite, but their tactile feedback makes for easy navigation. Add in a battery life nearing 47 hours, and you’ve got a gadget that goes the distance.

The ANC feature isn’t the most robust on the market, but it’s no slouch either. It effectively blocks out a substantial amount of high-frequency noise and manages decently in the lower range. While the AirPods Max may offer a more isolated soundscape, the ACCENTUM performs admirably at a fraction of the cost.

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) is the best true wireless AirPods Max alternative

If you want to stick within the Apple sphere but don’t feel like shelling out $549, well, we don’t blame you. The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) is a great true wireless alternative to the AirPods Max. This is among our favorite sets of noise canceling true wireless earbuds, and the second generation brings a handful of notable improvements.

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) has pretty much all the comforts the AirPods Max have. Still, it features the newer H2 chip for easy connection to Apple devices, battery optimization, and some fun features like Spatial Audio, which mimics surround sound. If you don’t have a myriad of Apple products, you’ll be missing out on a lot of these features because many of them are only available for iOS and macOS.

Apple integrated a pretty decent microphone system, and you can use this for casual calls and professional ones in a pinch. The AirPods Pro case charges via Lightning cable, and the earbuds last about 5 hours 43 minutes with ANC enabled. The case also features a new U1 chip, which adds location tracking support for it through the Apple Find My app, and a little speaker that can emit noise to help you find it when you can’t remember where you set it down.

For the budget-conscious, try Anker Soundcore Space Q45

Those searching for a cheaper Apple AirPods Max “dupe” ought to look at the Anker Soundcore Space Q45, not because they actually clone Apple, but because there aren’t equivalent clones out there, and the Q45 headphones are good.

Like the AirPods Max, the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 has solid ANC on tap, particularly for the sub $200 price. Anker includes a useful app with comprehensive EQ options and, of course, the AAC Bluetooth codec for your iPhone. If you don’t have an iPhone, the Q45 also supports LDAC in addition to wired listening.

As a comfortable set of headphones, Anker has a winning formula. Sure, you don’t gain spatial audio, but for most audio, that feature is more of a novelty than it is essential. While the frequency response isn’t perfect, it doesn’t sound bad, and you can adjust it.

Should you get the Bose QuietComfort instead of the Apple AirPods Max?

One of the downsides of Apple AirPods Max is that while they are comfortable headphones, they’re also pretty heavy and not super portable. Enter the Bose QuietComfort Headphones; these are lightweight and notable for how comfortable they feel over long stretches. Unfortunately, we still think their predecessor, the Bose QuietComfort Q45, is the better buy.

The AirPods Max, compared to the QC45, may look great with metal components, but the QuietComfort 45 is pretty robust for being mostly plastic: their headband is made of glass-filled nylon. Rounding out the Bose QuietComfort 45 are the excellent ANC and a good frequency response. By default, the QC 45 sounds pretty trebly, but you can fix that with an easy EQ adjustment.

The best Apple AirPods Max alternatives: Notable mentions

• Anker Soundcore Life Q30 ($79.99 at Amazon): With good sound, active noise canceling, and battery life, these are some of the best headphones on the market for less than $100.
• Focal Bathys ($699 at Amazon): Keep in mind that Apple AirPods Max has set the tone for the marketing by upping the prices of headphones, so it should come as no surprise that premium enthusiast headphones like these go for more money. These sound great, use a myriad of excellent codecs and have some ANC to boot. You won’t get the same level of tech wizardry or app integration, just good sound and connectivity.
• JBL Live 660NC ($149 at Amazon): For a decent set of ANC headphones, these perform relatively well and undercut the AirPods Max price. The mic isn’t the best we’ve heard, but the ANC is pretty good.
• Monoprice BT-600ANC ($84.99 at Amazon): Here’s a neat trick: Monoprice put some of the best ANC out there into this headset. There’s no app support, and you only get one frequency response, but this is a good budget option.
• Sennheiser HD 350BT ($86 at Amazon): Not the newest kid on the block, the HD 350BT upgrades your listening experience with aptX and aptX-LL support (in addition to AAC and SBC), and it’s rather inexpensive. The ANC won’t beat the AirPods Max, but your wallet won’t suffer with these.
• Shure AONIC 50 ($298 at Amazon): Although its ANC has been beaten out, the AONIC 50 is a great quality set of headphones with upgraded leather padding and a huge selection of codecs. As a complete package, it’s pretty luxurious.
• Shure AONIC 40 ($247 at Amazon): A more stripped-down version of the Shure AONIC 50, the AONIC 40 still offers great comfort, good looks, and a ton of connectivity. The ANC isn’t the best, which is the downside for the price.
• Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 ($139.88 at Amazon): So, if you want some of the ease of use you get from AirPods Max but prefer way more bass, these headphones are pretty decent. You won’t get the same level of noise canceling, but otherwise, they’re decent notably the microphone.
• Sony WH-1000XM4 ($278 at Amazon): Technically, the Sony WH-1000XM4 can still be found, but the newer, improved WH-1000XM5 is out. However, sometimes you can find these very good headphones for even better sales.
• Sony WH-XB910N ($148 at Amazon): These ones are for the folks out there who like way more bass than most headphones yield by default. It has good ANC, 360 audio, and touch controls.

What you should know about the best AirPods Max alternatives

Before you buy any of the best AirPods Max alternatives from your favorite headphone vendor, there are a few things you should know about the best AirPods Max alternatives, such as how to maximize your active noise canceling performance, what exactly you’re sacrificing in terms of Apple compatibility, and how Bluetooth codecs work.

How does active noise canceling (ANC) work?

You can read our in-depth article that breaks down the technicalities of active noise canceling technology. Still, the short of it is this: active noise canceling headphones use destructive interference to combat ambient noise. Headphones rely on outward-facing microphones to record environmental noise and then create an inverse sound wave (anti-phase) to cancel it out. When done well, all you should hear is your music and little to no external noise. Sometimes headphones also have inward-facing microphones to cancel out naturally occurring inner-ear resonances too.

In order to optimize ANC performance, you need the best passive isolation you can get. With headphones, a good fit means the ear cups fit all the way around your ear and don’t leave any gaps between the padding and your skull. If you’re dealing with earbuds, a cogent seal is indicative of a proper fit.

Do you need an iPhone to use AirPods alternatives?

Many non-iPhone users may find themselves on this page because they like all the bells and whistles the AirPods Max offers, but their Android devices can’t take advantage of these features. Apple products have a lot of proprietary features, so we usually reserve AirPods recommendations for iPhone owners. However, if you’re an Android user who couldn’t care less about these features and just wants the AirPods Max for the stellar ANC performance and sound quality, then go for it.

For ultimate compatibility, it’s always best to stick to a single brand, but a lot of people don’t want to do this. Luckily, a lot of products, like many of those on this best list, are OS agnostic, so you can enjoy plenty of customization no matter your source device.

What is a Bluetooth codec?

When you’re shopping for Bluetooth headphones, it’s worth keeping an eye on Bluetooth codecs. A Bluetooth codec determines how a digital signal from your source device is converted to audible media in your headphones. Think of it as a language — the source device and headphones need to speak the same language.

All Bluetooth devices support the SBC codec, but there are newer and better codecs out there, such as AAC for iPhones and aptX for Android phones. These codecs can stream high-quality audio, but the functionality is limited. iPhones don’t support aptX streaming, and Android phones can stream over AAC, but the Android OS can’t efficiently encode AAC in a uniform fashion: it’s highly hardware-dependent. There are more codecs out there than SBC, AAC, and aptX, but if you use an iOS device, you only really need to know SBC and AAC.

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