Apple‘s AirPods Max headphones made quite a splash when they hit the market in late 2020. With premium features like exceptional sound quality, best-in-class active noise cancellation (ANC), and a uniquely luxurious design, they quickly became a status symbol among Apple devotees. However, their sky-high price tag of $549 leaves many buyers searching for more affordable alternatives that can match the Max in performance and features.
Fortunately, many headphone manufacturers have stepped up with premium over-ear modelsdesigned to compete with the AirPods Max. These alternatives manage to deliver a similar elite experience – often at a fraction of the cost.
To discover the top contenders, I evaluated dozens of new headphone models hitting the market based on critical factors like sound quality, noise cancellation capabilities, comfort, battery life, ease of controls, and value for money.
After extensive research comparing product specs, expert reviews, and customer experiences, I narrowed it down to 6 standout AirPods Max alternatives that I confidently recommend. Here are the best options to consider across 5 key categories:
Best Overall: Sony WH-1000XM4
Key Features:
- Industry-leading noise cancelation uses dual noise sensor technology
- Enhanced music quality via Edge-AI developed with Sony Music Studios Tokyo
- Up to 30 hours of battery life with quick charging
- Intuitive touch controls and speak-to-chat technology
- Pressure-relieving ear pads for stable fit
Currently ranked CNET‘s top overall headphones for 2022, the Sony WH-1000XM4 tops my list for best all-around AirPods Max alternative. They edge out the AirPods Max in battery life and noise cancellation quality while matching their excellent audio performance.
The dual noise sensor technology continuously optimizes settings to block more ambient sound in real time. This allows the Sonys to adapt better to changing environments. Reviewers and customers also give Sony high marks for their exceptional comfort thanks to ultrasoft ear pads that disperse pressure evenly.
While $50 cheaper than the AirPods Max, the Sony WH-1000XM4s deliver nearly identical elite sound and premium features – hence their status as the current gold standard in noise-canceling headphones.
Key Pros
- Top-tier noise canceling beats the AirPods Max
- Quick charge gives 5 hrs battery after 10 mins
- Ultraplush ear pads maximize comfort
Cons to Consider
- Touch controls are overly sensitive
- Simultaneous multi-device pairing can get glitchy
Best Battery Life: Sennheiser Momentum 4
Key Features:
- Whopping 60 hours of battery life with ANC on
- 10 min quick charge delivers 6 hours of play time
- Lightweight at just 10.3 ounces
- Dustproof and water resistant design
- Equipped with Bluetooth 5.2 and support for AAC/SBC/aptX Adaptive
While good battery life is expected in premium headphones these days, the new Sennheiser Momentum 4s blow away the competition by delivering an incredible 60 hours of listening time between charges. They outlast the AirPods Max by 2.5x times!
This makes the Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones a no-brainer for frequent travelers and commuters who listen for hours daily. The quick charging is also top-notch, with only 10 minutes on a USB-C charger adding around 6 more hours.
Reviewers note that the durable plastic and metal build feels very high-end. And the plush leatherette earcups block outside noise effectively for all-day wearability. As long as you have an average head size, these lightweight Sennheisers provide amazing marathon battery life without comfort sacrifices.
Key Pros
- Class-leading 60-hour battery life
- Quick charging capability
- Lightweight and comfortable fit
Cons to Consider
- Fit may be tight for larger heads
- App connectivity can be buggy
Best Budget AirPods Max Alternative: JBL Live 660NC
Key Features:
- Impressive 40+ hours of battery life
- Powerful active noise canceling with ambient aware mode
- Customizable EQ with app and built-in voice assistant
- Sweat and splash resistant design
- Foldable and compact on the go
- Retails under $200
As a mid-range model by respected audio brand JBL, the Live 660NC over-ear headphones are firmly in the running as the budget AirPods Max alternative to beat. Typically selling around the $180-199 mark, they serve up better battery life along with sweat resistance and Google Assistant/Alexa integration – all at almost 65% less than the AirPods Max!
Reviewers uniformly praise the JBL Live 660NC as a fabulous value buy that punches way above its class with pleasing audio performance and respectable active noise reduction. The bass profile tends toward excessive but is easily remedied via the intuitive JBL headphone app.
While JBL‘s budget-friendly challenger doesn‘t quite measure up to the AirPods Max elite sound, they deliver a pleasingly balanced audio experience – especially once tweaked to your preferences via the handy app EQ.
Key Pros
- Excellent sub-$200 price point
- Good sound with customizable audio
- Lightweight and comfortable for long wear
Cons to Consider
- Noise canceling has some limitations
- Bass can overly boom without adjustment
Best Noise Cancellation: Bose 700
Key Features:
- Multiple adjustible noise cancellation levels up to 10
- Revolutionary microphone system for superior voice calls
- Intuitive touch controls to manage music and calls
- Audio augmented reality via Bose AR platform
- Alexa and Google Assistant voice activation
Known for pioneering noise-reduction headphones, Bose has fine-tuned its technology over years. And shoppers rave that the Bose 700 over-ear headphones now lead the industry in active noise cancellation capabilities.
Offering an astounding 11 levels of noise cancellation to choose from, these Bose headphones allow you to adjust ambient sound filtering on the fly via their intuitive mobile app. So you can crank up the ANC to eliminate louder environments or lower it when you need to hear traffic and announcements.
With a stunning microphone array that makes calls crisper even in noisy settings, the Bose 700 headphones edge out AirPods Max as the noise-canceling headphones to beat. Despite the lofty price tag, Bose delivers phenomenal noise-blocking along with awesome smart features.
Key Pros
- Best-in-class active noise cancellation
- Crystal clear call quality
- Responsive touch controls
Cons to Consider
- Lack folding design for portability
- Controls can be easy to bump accidently
Best for Travel: Marshall Monitor II
Key Features:
- Folds into a compact portable size
- 30+ hour battery life with ANC on
- Easy-to-use joystick music controls
- Stylish design inspired by Marshall guitar amps
- Carrying pouch included
Frequent jetsetters flock to the Marshall Monitor II as the ideal travel-ready AirPods Max alternative. With a collapsible design, great battery life, intuitive controls, and vintage amp-inspired good looks, they trim away the excess bulk while retaining premium sound and features.
Three distinct hinges allow these sharp-looking headphones to fold down into a manageably compact size for stowing in flight bags and backpacks. Rapid charging gives you several extra hours if you start running low on a long trip. The nostalgic brass joystick on the earcup also provides effortless control of audio playback mid-flight without pulling out your device.
While fairly heavy at 11+ ounces, padded leatherette earcups keep the Marshall Monitors comfortable for marathon travel days. And the rugged metal components give them a resilient build that withstands being stuffed in bags and banged around – making them a stylish companion through airports, trains, tour buses, and beyond!
Key Pros
- Folds into a nice compact shape
- Easy-access joystick music controls
- Rugged all-metal design
Cons to Consider
- No carrying case included
- Heftier than other models
Best Sound Quality: HiFiMan Edition XS
Key Features:
- Open-back planar magnetic drivers
- New NEO "supernano" diaphragm
- Stealth magnets reduce audio distortion
- Luxurious metals and leather construction
- Detachable and replaceable audio cable
While wireless noise-canceling headphones prioritize blocking outside sounds, the HiFiMan Edition XS lets it all in. As audiophile-grade open-back headphones designed solely for pristine music recreation, they rival professional studio monitor headphones.
Created specifically for high-fidelity audio perfection, the HiFiMan Edition XS feature special planar drivers with stealth magnets to deliver distortion-free sound. Their open design gives music a wonderfully wide, natural dynamic range – but allows all ambient sounds to pass through.
Reviewers gush over the almost spiritual musical detail and immersive soundstage generated by these hi-fi headphones. Expect lush velvety vocals dripping in reverb, sparkling percussion with finely articulated decay, and thumping bass lines blanketed in warmth. While expensive, the unbelievable audio quality makes them a stunning AirPods Max sound upgrade for serious music listeners.
Key Pros
- Mind-blowing audio reproduction
- Luxurious metals and leather build
- Replaceable audio cable
Cons to Consider
- Open-back design leaks sound out
- Bulkier than typical headphones
Finding Your Perfect AirPods Max Alternative
With so many excellent AirPods Max challengers now available, how do you determine which model best fits your needs and budget?
Here is a step-by-step guide to identifying your ideal headphones based on your listening habits and lifestyle:
Step 1. Decide Between Open or Closed-Back Design
Closed-back headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM4 isolate both external noise and music listening. Open-back headphones like the HiFiMan Edition XS allow outside noise in but give superior audio quality for personal listening.
Step 2. Rank Your Priorities for Key Features
Consider must-have features and nice-to-haves:
- Sound quality – EQ tuning for heavy bass or balanced sound
- Noise cancellation effectiveness – maximum isolation or maintaining situational awareness
- Battery life per charge – ideal minimum hours for typical usage
- Controls – intuitive touch, button, knob, joystick, gesture, voice, etc
- Device connectivity – wired, wireless, Bluetooth codecs, simultaneous pairing
- Design aesthetics – color options, build materials, style preference
Step 3. Determine Ideal Price Range
Set spending limits based on included features that are essential versus optional bonuses you can forfeit to save money. Remember, alternatives can match AirPods Max on performance at much lower prices.
Step 4. Read Expert and Buyer Reviews
Research how critics rate key specifications on models matching your criteria. Also read user impressions on comfort, ease of use, and quality over time.
Step 5. Make Your Selection Confidently
Choosing the best AirPods Max alternative for your needs ensures headphones that satisfy across the performance, design, and budget factors you care about most!
Summary: Unbeatable AirPods Max Alternatives
While the AirPods Max headphones are impressive, their sky-high price alienates buyers not completely infatuated with Apple prestige. Fortunately for the masses, the latest premium headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM4 and Sennheiser Momentum 4 now equal – or even surpass – AirPods Max sonics and features at more palatable prices.
Make sure to clearly define your headphone preferences using the guideline above. Selecting models scoring high marks in categories you deem vital over useless perks ensuresenthusiastic satisfaction with your final choice!
Once you lock onto the perfect audio companion matching your unique priorities, get ready to experience game-changing noise cancellation, exhilarating HiFi sound, road warrior battery performance – or all of the above!
Hero image credit: ©Mr.Mikla/Shutterstock
