Apple released its first over-ear headphones this week. With AirPods Max coming to the market and sold out for this year already (no, you cannot have them as Christmas present), the internet has been divided into turmoil. After all, $549 is a considerable amount to pay for headphones.
We have covered everything about the all-new AirPods Max, including the FAQs, and compared them with AirPods Pro, Sony WH-1000XM4, and Bose 700. The more I dwell on AirPods Max, the more alternatives I find across the internet. Many brands are selling active noise-canceling headphones, which are not that pricey and manage to do the job just fine. Let’s take a look at the 5 best AirPods Max alternatives.
1. SONY WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM4 are light-weight headphones designed for comfort and are surprisingly light-weight. While they look no different from their predecessors, their noise cancellation has improved drastically. This model has been upgraded with many new features, including auto-play/pause using a built-in sensor, multipoint pairing, and DSEE Extreme upscaling.
The design is simple, no risk there, and limited color options. It’s easier to spot a loyal sony user because of their headphones resembling each other.
Other than the limited color options, Sony WH-1000XM4 stands out as the best headphones. The cherry on the cake is Sony’s 360 Reality Audio format for spatial audio. With this price range, one should indeed consider buying them without any second thoughts. They will make a great Christmas gift for your loved ones.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Battery life: 30 hours
- NFC: Yes
- Frequency response: 4Hz to 40kHz
- Sensitivity: 104.5dB
- Wireless range: 30 meters (98ft)
- Drivers: 1.57-inch
- Driver type: Dome-type
- Cable length: 3.94 ft
- Impedance: 47 ohm
- Acoustic design: Closed
- Weight: 8.95 oz
Why Should You Buy It?
- Affordable
- Best ANC in the market.
- Great Battery life.
2. Bose 700 Noise Cancelling Headphones
Tough competition to Sony WH-1000XM4, Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 offers an incredible battery life and surprisingly good noise canceling at a reasonable price. They also have many color options to choose from, and the futuristic aesthetics takes it all for me.
This is Bose’s best performance so far in the headphones category, and the credit goes to the following feature. They cancel the surrounding noise during a phone call, too, and not just for you!
Traditionally, this is how ANC headphones work. When you get on a phone call, they shall omit the background noises for you, but not for the other person on the line; he can still hear the unwanted sounds around you. Not if you buy yourself a pair of Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700!
Do not think twice if you are into sales or marketing or run a business and have many calls to attend. With the current pandemic situation, you might have to turn a date night into a meeting; and these pairs will do wonders for you and your clients.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Battery life: 20 hours
- NFC: Yes
- Frequency response: N/A
- Sensitivity: N/A
- Wireless range: 33 ft
- Drivers: N/A
- Driver type: N/A
- Cable length: N/A
- Impedance: N/A
- Acoustic design: Closed
- Weight: 254g
Why Should You Buy It?
- Outstanding ANC
- Lot of color options to choose from
- Light-weight
3. Jabra Elite 85h Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
The most affordable in this category, Jabra Elite 85H, offers you 36-hour battery life, breath-taking looks, and lots of personalization – all at the price tag of $149.What more can you possibly ask for?
The tech-specifications may be a little edgy and could have been better. I have to give this to them, though, for this is Jabra’s debut in the Active Noise Cancellation category, and they have met most of the requirements just fine. I wouldn’t go easy on Jabra for this one because their competition is a debut in the market too. However, I look forward to further high-end premium ANC headphones in the Jabra family.
You should consider buying these if this is your first pair of premium headphones, for they cost cheaper than Airpods Pro too, and you couldn’t expect more in that price range.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Battery life: 36 hours
- NFC: N/A
- Frequency response: 10Hz to 20kHz
- Sensitivity: N/A
- Wireless range: 10 meters (33ft)
- Drivers: 40mm
- Driver type: N/A
- Cable length: N/A
- Impedance: N/A
- Acoustic design: Closed
- Weight: 0.65 pounds
Why Should You Buy It?
- Outstanding Battery Life
- ANC on-point
4. Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless Headphones
If you are looking to buy headphones for their appeal and do not care much for their tech specifications or noise cancellation, then these are the best suited for you. Sennheiser Momentum 3 are the coolest looking headphones that I have compared so far. In terms of sound quality, these are perfect. You can listen to your tracks in excruciating details, bass on-point, and overall a great experience.
You will be missing excellent built-in quality and a premium finish if you don’t buy these. However, if ANC is your primary concern, there are better variants to look for.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Battery life: 30 hours
- NFC: N/A
- Frequency response: 10 – 30,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: N/A
- Wireless range: N/A
- Drivers: 43.6mm
- Driver type: Full range
- Cable length: 1.2m
- Impedance: 20kOhms
- Acoustic design: Closed
- Weight: 310g
Why Should You Buy It?
- Pleasing aesthetics
- Great Battery Life
5. Bowers and Wilkins PX7 Over-Ear Headphone
Other stylish noise-canceling headphones in the list, Bowers and Wilkins PX7, have an above-average performance to be considered for this list. While they may be a little too pricey, but their top-notch sound quality, decent noise-cancellation, and pleasing aesthetics are definitely worth the money.
They also add aptX Adaptive for improved stability and high-quality aptX HD for streaming purposes, making them a great steal. Their limited-edition Carbon Edition variant was a steal for sure. You must consider buying them if the price is not your primary concern.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Battery life: 17 hours
- NFC: Yes
- Frequency response: 6 – 22,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: N/A
- Wireless range: N/A
- Drivers: 42mm
- Driver type: N/A
- Cable length: N/A
- Impedance: 20kOhms
- Acoustic design: Closed
- Weight: 0.67 lbs
Why Should You Buy It?
- Stylish looks
- Powerful Bluetooth connection
Which AirPods Max Alternative are you buying?
These are some of the best active noise-canceling headphones on the market. All the variants have something unique on their plate to offer, making it tough to pick one. I cannot wait for thorough AirPods Max tests to come out and scrutinize their potentials.
You may also like to read:
- Best AirPods Max Accessories
- Best AirPods Max Tips and Tricks
- AirPods Max cases to Protect Expensive Headphones
- How to fix AirPods Max condensation issue
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