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Best alternatives to the Apple AirPods Max
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 is the strongest alternative.
The verdict in 10 seconds
Strongest all-rounder
Apple AirPods Pro 3Superb noise blocking and comfort, best enjoyed with an iPhoneSuits you if
- You use an iPhone and other Apple devices
- You commute, travel, or work somewhere loud and want real quiet
Most dependable
Sony WF-1000XM5Superb sound and strong quiet, as long as they fit youSuits you if
- You commute or fly often and want the drone of engines and traffic quieted
- Sound quality matters most to you and you like adjusting the sound in an app
Easiest to live with
Sennheiser Momentum 4 WirelessSuperb battery and comfort, rich sound, but noise cancelling isn't class-bestSuits you if
- You want long listening sessions and rarely want to think about charging
- You care most about rich, balanced sound you can tweak to taste
If not this, then what?
If the Apple AirPods Max isn't quite right, start with the Apple AirPods Pro 3: it suits you if you use an iPhone and other Apple devices. The Apple AirPods Max is still a great fit if you live on an iPhone, iPad or Mac and want effortless pairing and switching.
We researched 142 expert reviews, analyzed 237,040 owner ratings and comments across 30 sources for 13 noise cancelling headphones, and cross-checked them into one verdict, so you don't have to.
Questions people actually ask
What is the best alternative to the Apple AirPods Max?
The Apple AirPods Pro 3. It suits you if you use an iPhone and other Apple devices.
Based on: Product Review score 82 vs 73 for the Apple AirPods Max, across 12 alternatives.Is there a more reliable alternative to the Apple AirPods Max?
Yes, the Sony WF-1000XM5. It's less likely to give you trouble.
Based on: Reliability 81 for the Sony WF-1000XM5 vs 41.What is the best alternative to the Apple AirPods Max from another brand?
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. It suits you if you commute or fly often and want the quietest earbuds you can get.
Based on: Highest-scoring model not made by Apple (81).Is there a cheaper alternative to the Apple AirPods Max?
Yes, the Apple AirPods Pro 3. It usually costs less and suits you if you use an iPhone and other Apple devices.
Based on: Typical prices: Apple AirPods Max $449–$549; Apple AirPods Pro 3 $179–$249.Your other options, ranked
How each one compares with the Apple AirPods Max- 01
EXPOWNREL82Apple AirPods Pro 3
Superb noise blocking and comfort, best enjoyed with an iPhone
Higher score (+9)More reliableHappier ownersExperts rate it higherAlso AppleApple AirPods Max vs Apple AirPods Pro 3 → - 02
EXPOWNREL81Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Best-in-class quiet in a bulky earbud with only average battery life
Higher score (+8)More reliableHappier ownersExperts rate it higherApple AirPods Max vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds → - 03
EXPOWNREL79Bose QuietComfort Headphones
Supremely comfortable everyday quiet, but calls and battery lag behind
- 04
EXPOWNREL79Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro
Excellent sound and quiet, at their best with a Samsung phone
- 05EXPOWNREL79
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
Superb battery and comfort, rich sound, but noise cancelling isn't class-best
Higher score (+6)More reliableHappier ownersExperts rate it higherApple AirPods Max vs Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless → - 06EXPOWNREL79
Sony WF-1000XM5
Superb sound and strong quiet, as long as they fit you
- 07
EXPOWNREL79Soundcore Sleep A30
Tiny, comfortable sleep earbuds that quiet snoring well, but pricey
- 08
EXPOWNREL78Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Superb noise blocking and all-day comfort, at a premium price
Higher score (+5)More reliableHappier ownersExperts rate it higherApple AirPods Max vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones → - 09
EXPOWNREL78Sony WH-1000XM6
Superb noise cancelling and rich sound, with a snug fit and premium price
- 10
EXPOWNREL75Sony WH-1000XM5
Superb noise cancelling and sound, with comfort and durability caveats
- 11
EXPOWNREL68Sonos Ace
Supremely comfortable, strong noise cancelling, with some software quirks
More reliableApple AirPods Max vs Sonos Ace → - 12
EXPOWNREL65Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro
Strong noise cancelling and loads of features, but durability worries
Different trade-offsApple AirPods Max vs Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro →