Best AirPods Max alternatives 2024: amazing options picked by our experts

Best AirPods Max alternatives 2024: Jump Menu

Until the AirPods Pro 2 arrived, Apple's in-ear AirPods had never earned the full five-star review from us. But the same can't be said of the firm's over-ear model: not only did the AirPods Max achieve a perfect five out of five, they basically created a new category of over-ear headphone that bit more premium than the Sony and Bose models dominating the market.

But for all their strengths, the AirPods Max are still primarily for iOS users (they do work with Android devices, but you lose a lot of functionality). Thankfully, there are plenty of headphones ready to step into that gap. Whether you want to spend more or less, go for ultimate build quality, the best noise cancellation or want the best all-rounder, there's a great pair of wireless over-ear headphones for you.

We've reviewed every pair on this list (and lots more besides) and can confirm they are the best AirPods Max alternatives you can buy. With over 100 years of testing experience, our team of reviewers are very well versed in what makes a good pair of headphones. We test each pair out in the real world, then in our dedicated test rooms when we need to zero in on sound quality. So whether you're using them in your own listening room or on a packed commuter train, you can rest assured you're getting the best for your money.

We explain more about how we test AirPods Max alternatives below.

Joe Svetlik
Joe Svetlik

I have nearly 20 years' experience writing about headphones, and still remember my first Bose QC2s, complete with AAA battery. While Apple might dominate many categories, its headphones face fierce competition from more established industry rivals. That's truer than ever with the AirPods Max – unless you're an Apple diehard, chances are you'll be better served by one of the below. Let's see which.

The quick list

The best AirPods Max alternatives we recommend in 2024

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

Best overall

What Hi-Fi? Awards winner. Sony’s flagship wireless ANC headphones are the best overall AirPods Max alternatives.

Specifications

Bluetooth: SBC, AAC, LDAC
Battery life: 30hr
Charging: USB-C
Built-in mic and controls: Yes
Transparency mode: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Sensational sonic clarity
+
Nice to use
+
Punchy and precise, agile bass

Reasons to avoid

-
Build less premium than before
-
Don’t fold away completely

If you want superb sound quality and marginally better noise-cancelling than the AirPods Max for nearly half the price, you want the Award-winning Sony WH-1000XM5. They're still not that cheap (although they do go on sale from time to time), but in terms of value, they're the best AirPods Max alternatives you can buy. 

The premium Sony cans boast a natty new look, which is a complete redesign from their predecessor, the WH-1000XM4, and while they won't blow you away, the build and quality of components used are of a reassuringly high standard. 

The XM5 might feel a little less premium than the XM4 – thus a lot less premium than the super plush AirPods Max – but they sound much better than their predecessors. The audio is effortlessly musical without losing openness or clarity, and there's a newfound precision in the lower registers that prevents your music from becoming muddied or stodgy in the bass. Even the noise-cancelling is now more seamless, being optimised automatically as you move through different environments.

If you're looking for a pair of serious AirPods Max alternatives that don't cost nearly as much, we'd advise you to start right here.

Read the full Sony WH-1000XM5 review

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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
SoundMusical, entertaining, and among the best at its price level★★★★★
FeaturesA great app gives you plenty of control, but the lack of waterproofing is disappointing★★★★☆
BuildSleek and modern, but not as premium as some on this list★★★★☆

Best noise cancelling

Bose brings its A-game to deliver top-draw noise cancelling and a punchy, invigorating listen.

Specifications

Bluetooth : SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
Battery life: 24hrs
Charging : USB-C
Built-in mic and controls: Yes
Transparency mode: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Rich, full-bodied sound+
+
Punchy, dynamic delivery
+
Exceptional noise cancelling
+
Pleasing foldable design

Reasons to avoid

-
Immersive Audio is unconvincing
-
Expensive compared to key rivals
-
Can’t be used via USB-C

Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra Headphones were a long time coming, as the last time we saw a flagship pair of wireless cans from the US manufacturer was way back in 2019 with the Noise-Cancelling Headphones 700. Bose needed some flagship over-ear headphones, and it needed them to compete with the very best in the business.

It's a job well done then with the Ultra Headphones. We're not completely in love with the way they look and feel (they're just a tad boring, all things considered), and the cans' Immersive Audio feature hasn't exactly won us over, but everywhere else these premium performers are the real deal. Battery life is a respectable 24 hours, codec support is solid (aptX Adaptive is locked and loaded), and ANC continues to see Bose lead the way in this key area of performance.

We're also very impressed with how the Ultra Headphones sound. What strikes you from the off is they’re a hugely entertaining pair, with their enthusiasm crossing over to every genre of music as they thrill you with a precise, snapper listen. The rival Sony WH-1000XM5 offer a little more transparency and balance, but if you like expressive richness and body, we'd direct you towards the Bose Ultra Headphones. Easily some of the most entertaining wireless headphones you can find for the price, and worth considering if ANC is your priority. 

Read the full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones review

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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
SoundKeep you coming back for more★★★★★
FeaturesPlenty to like, but Immersive Audio is a bit hit and miss★★★★★
BuildPremium build, and among the most space-saving headphones around★★★★☆

Best battery life

Sennheiser's supreme sound meets new levels of endurance.

Specifications

Bluetooth: aptX, aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC
Battery life: 60hr
Charging: USB-C
Built-in mic and controls: Yes
Transparency mode: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Clean, neutral, musical sound
+
60-hour battery life
+
Effective ANC
+
Wired listening doesn’t require battery

Reasons to avoid

-
Drops predecessors’ classy aesthetic
-
Earcups don’t fold inwards

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless are massively superior to the AirPods Max in one regard, and quite inferior in another. It's the build quality that doesn't match up, which was a surprise, given that the Momentum 3 Wireless were pure luxury. But next to Apple's finest, they look positively cheap.

So how are they superior? Battery life. At a staggering 60 hours, it's twice what some rivals offer, and three times the AirPods Max's.

They launched at a cheaper price than their predecessors as well, making them substantially more affordable than the AirPods Max. With household budgets still feeling the pinch after years of runaway inflation, that's quite a selling point.

They also support aptX Adaptive – one of the highest-quality Bluetooth codecs around – cementing their position as a premium pair of cans. ANC, meanwhile, is of a decent standard, while wired listening doesn't require your cans to have any juice left, meaning you can simply plug them into the source and keep on listening if the battery runs flat and you can't get to a charger.

The Momentum 4 might not blow you away in terms of looks, but this is a sonic win for Sennheiser. The sound presentation is clear and direct in a way that commands your attention, with the Momentum 4 feeling sharp and sprightly, with an added leanness that doesn't come at the expense of substance across the frequencies. It may not lead the field here, but if you're after the cheapest of the premium rivals to the AirPods Max, the Sennheisers are a solid alternative.

Read the full Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless review

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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
SoundNeutral, sharp and sprightly, with plenty of get up and go★★★★★
FeaturesThat battery life! Plus aptX support and a decent app★★★★★
BuildComfortable, but a little cheap-feeling compared to rivals★★★★☆

Best for audiophiles

A fantastic high-end pair that brings wired-standard sound quality to wireless convenience.

Specifications

Bluetooth: aptX Adaptive, AAC, LDAC
Battery life: 34hr
Charging: USB-C
Built-in mic and controls: Yes
Transparency mode: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Benchmark wireless performance
+
Active noise cancellation
+
Quality construction

Reasons to avoid

-
Inaccessible price for most
-
Basic on-cup controls

True audiophiles will want to look beyond the AirPods Max and check out something a little more serious. That's exactly what the Mark Levinson No. 5909 wireless headphones offer – a serious performance and build quality.

As such, they are quite pricey. For this sort of money, we'd hope to be blown away sonically – so it's a good job the 5909 do just that. As we said in our review "no part of the frequency spectrum is given undue priority, and that, coupled with the headphones’ attention to detail and brisk nature, makes the No. 5909 utterly compelling to listen to". They're outstanding across the frequency range, with a soundscape that's like a blank canvas for whatever's playing. 

In fact, they're some of the best wireless headphones we've ever had the pleasure of listening to. They really are pushing the envelope in terms of wireless sound quality.

Design-wise, they might be a bit divisive, but you can't deny the build quality. And they have plenty of features like the excellent Mark Levinson app, three modes of noise cancellation and support for the aptX Adaptive and LDAC codecs. The 34-hour battery life is longer than most rivals, too – very impressive, given their level of performance.

If you want high-end sound without the wires, this is the closest you can get to hi-fi performance with the convenience of wireless. Expensive, certainly, but they'll take some beating.

Read the full Mark Levinson No. 5909 review

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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
SoundSparkling, with surprisingly subtle dynamics★★★★★
FeaturesEverything you could need, and then some★★★★★
BuildVery well put together, if a little plasticky in parts★★★★☆
Top Tip
Kashfia Kabir
Top Tip
Kashfia Kabir

We thought it would be a long time before any wireless headphones bettered the AirPods Max for sound quality, but we were wrong. The Mark Levinson No. 5909 sound so good they could be mistaken for a wired pair, and a mighty fine one at that. If you thought wireless headphones would always play second fiddle to their wired brethren, you need to give these a listen.

Best for luxury

Focal blends Bluetooth and ANC into its premium headphones recipe with great success.

Specifications

Bluetooth: SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
Battery life: 30hr
Charging: USB-C
Built-in mic and controls: Yes
Transparency mode: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Compellingly big, spacious, clear sound
+
Pleasingly full-bodied balance
+
Gorgeous and solidly built
+
USB-C wired listening bonus

Reasons to avoid

-
Dissapointly plasticky buttons
-
Pricey
-
Stand-out aesthetic won't be for all

You want eye-catching wireless cans that make a mighty impression before you've even clamped them over your noggin? Say hello to the Focal Bathys.

Focal’s entrance into the burgeoning premium Bluetooth noise-cancelling headphones market wasn't exactly a surprise considering its presence at the premium end of the wired space, but we're still pretty knocked out by the success of its first foray. The gorgeous-looking Bathys are highly recommendable for anyone after the convenience of portability in a premium pair of headphones at this price, earning a five-star recommendation and plenty of fans along the way.

The wireless headphone performance is among the most engaging we have heard at this level, offering space and breadth with plenty of aggression, spark and passion, too. If you want them to double up as home headphones for longer listening stints, which they are more than comfortable enough to wear for, know that going wired via the built-in DAC/USB-C port does add a degree of refinement and tightness to the delivery. They do need power to be listened to, even with wires, so just bear that in mind if you're taking them out and about. 

Noise cancellation is fairly non-intrusive to the performance, too, and if you need it – as we did on two flights during testing – it does a decent job of diminishing distracting outside world noise from your music listening in ‘Silent’ mode.

Overall, a spectacular pair of premium wireless headphones that signal Focal's intentions pretty clearly in this market. Watch out, Apple!

Read the full Focal Bathys review

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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
SoundSmooth, warm and full-bodied★★★★★
FeaturesThe app is a little bare bones, but gives you plenty of features to play with★★★★★
BuildChunky, but they carry it very well indeed★★★★☆

Also consider

The best (other) AirPods Max alternatives we've tested:

Bowers & Wilkins Px8one of the few wireless pairs priced higher than the AirPods Max, the Px8 are worth every penny. They feel luxurious, have features galore and deliver serious musical insight and enjoyment. 

Shure Aonic 50: Shure's first wireless headphones are very good, but do have room for improvement. They dig up an outstanding level of detail with a solid low end, but the carry case is as bad as the AirPods Max's, and the noise cancelling pales in comparison to the best around.

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700before the Bose QC Ultra Headphones came the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700. They offer similarly excellent noise cancellation and a comfortable, stylish fit, but the sound quality doesn't live up to the price, sadly.

How to choose

Chief among the AirPods Max's skills are wireless connectivity and active noise cancelling (ANC). So any alternative you're looking at will have to offer both of those.

Wireless connectivity means the cans will need a battery, and ANC is a real battery drain. The AirPods Max manage 20 hours of run time before needing a recharge – look for – at least – a similar battery life from any alternative headphones on your shortlist.

While we're on noise cancelling, some pairs have gradients of noise cancelling (most notably the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700), and some just have two settings: on or off. What's best for you really depends on how much you'll use the noise cancelling, and in which situations.

As well as noise cancelling, Apple's on-ears offer a transparency mode, which allows in outside sound. It's handy if you'd like to hear a station announcement, or to have a quick chat with a friend or colleague, and don't want to take your headphones off. Lots of other headphones have the same feature, but it can come under different names (like talk through).

How we test

We test most products in our state-of-the-art testing rooms, but AirPods Max alternatives are a little different. One of their main selling points is noise cancellation, and you can't test that in a quiet room.

Instead we head out into the field, using them on packed trains, in crowded pubs, down busy streets and in chatty offices. Like all products we test, we use them as if we had bought them in order to see how they really perform.

We don't take manufacturers' claims at face value, but test every aspect of the headphones ourselves. Does the battery life match what the maker claims? How does call quality fare? We download any mobile apps and control the headphones that way, and of course consider comfort and ease of use during our long listening sessions.

We always compare AirPods Max alternatives to rival headphones in their price bracket, as testing in isolation is like wearing blinkers. Our stock room is packed with the best headphones of all makes and styles from the last few years, so we're never short of comparison pairs. And with over 100 years of experience between us, our reviews team is one of the most seasoned in the business.

We pool that knowledge on every review, agreeing all verdicts as a team rather than allowing one member to have solely their say on a product. That way we avoid personal preference and make sure we haven't missed anything. We aren't guided by PR companies or sales people when it comes to how many stars we award, and we never have been. We're proud of the reputation we've built over nearly 50 years as the home of honest, accessible and unbiased reviews – our only goal is to help you buy the best kit possible for your budget.

For more, check out our how we review page.

MORE:

Read our original AirPods Max review

The best headphone deals right now

And the best wireless headphones you can buy

Looking for some seriously smart headphones? My success story of the year was also the biggest surprise

F.A.Q

Are any headphones better than the AirPods Max?

Yes they are. The AirPods Max may have widened the market for wireless headphones, creating a new level above the then industry leaders, but plenty of rivals have since stepped in to challenge them. All of the above pairs work better with Android devices than the AirPods Max, some have better noise cancellation and some sound better too.

What is the Android equivalent of AirPods Max?

There's not one Android equivalent, but all of the above offer the same features to Android users as to iOS. Which is not something that's matched by the AirPods Max.

Are AirPods Max even good?

It depends. For Apple users, they're pretty great. But if don't use an iOS device, you won't be able to use all their features. That's a lot of money to spend without reaping the full benefit. In that case, you might be better off with one of the AirPods Max alternatives suggested here.

Will there be AirPods Max 2?

Apple hasn't said, but it never confirms products until the official launch. The original AirPods Max came out in late 2020, so many think a sequel is long overdue. Check out the latest AirPods Max 2 rumours here.

Recent updates

  • 1st March 2024: Updated our advice and testing process, and removed B&W Px8 and B&W Px7 S2 entries from the main list.
  • 18th September 2023: Added Focal Bathys and Mark Levinson No. 5909 to the main list.
  • 2nd June 2023: Updated the intro, added new pictures and removed Lindy BNX-60, Sony WH-1000XM4, Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless, B&W Px7, Sennheiser HD 450BT, Bose QuietComfort 45, Shure Aonic 50 and AKG Y600NC from the main list.

Today's best AirPods Max alternatives deals

Joe Svetlik

Joe has been writing about tech for 17 years, first on staff at T3 magazine, then in a freelance capacity for Stuff, The Sunday Times Travel Magazine, Men's Health, GQ, The Mirror, Trusted Reviews, TechRadar and many more (including What Hi-Fi?). His specialities include all things mobile, headphones and speakers that he can't justifying spending money on.

With contributions from
  • Graham_Brazendale
    Not sure as an owner of the superb AirPods Max why you would look for a AirPods Max alternative, except for price of course.

    Whilst I cannot speak for any of the alternatives, except I own a B & W PX and find the sound inferior plus the controls, especially trying to pair bluetooth, unbelievably fiddly.

    Best regards,

    Graham
    Reply