AirPods Max Alternatives: Similar Features in a Budget

Apple’s first-ever over-ear noise-canceling headphones, AirPods Max have finally made it to the market. The new headphones have everything that we expect an Apple device to have. High-tech, premium quality, premium features, and luxury-priced. 

We can’t hide the fact that these handphones cost you good fortune but is it even worth it?

Price of AirPods Max

The AirPods Max is a luxurious high-end headphones that are, of course, very expensive. In the US, the AirPods are priced at $549. The price is very high and almost double the price of any competition. 

In India, the price of the AirPods Max is Rs.59,900 ($813). The price of the AirPods Max in India is equal to the price of the iPhone SE 2020 along with AirPods with wireless charging case. After all this, you might also save some cash. 

Specifications of AirPods Max

Audio Technology

Apple-Designed dynamic driver Active Noise Cancellation Transparency Mode Adaptive EQ Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking

Sensors

Optical Sensor (each ear cup) Position Sensor (each ear cup) Case-detect Sensor (each ear cup) Accelerometer (each ear cup) Gyroscope (left ear cup)

Microphones

Eight Microphones for Active Noise Cancellation Three Microphones for Voice Pickup (two shared with Active Noise Cancellation and One Additional Microphone)

Controls

Digital Crown: Turn for Volume Control Press once to play, pause or answer a phone call Press Twice to skip forward Press Three times to skip back Press and Hold for Siri Noise Control Button: Press to switch between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode

Battery

AirPods MaxUp to 20 hours of listening time on a single charge with Active Noise Cancellation or Transparency Mode Enabled Up to 20 hours of movie playback on a single charge with spatial audio on Up to 20 hours of talk time on a single charge 5 minute of charge time provides around 1.5 hours of listening time AirPods Max with Smart Case Storage in the Smart Case preserves battery charge in an ultra-low-power state Charging via Lightning connector

In The Box

AirPods Max Smart Case Lightning to USB-C Cable Documentation

Compatibility

iPhone Models iPad Models Apple Watch Models Mac Models Apple TV Models iPod Models

These were the basic features of the AirPods Max. If you think that the Apple headphones are expensive in comparison to it’s features, then you must look at some AirPods Max alternatives. 

AirPods Max Alternatives

• Sony WH-1000XM4
• Shure AONIC 50
• Bose QC 35 II

Sony WH-1000XM4

The Sony WH-1000XM4 was launched on September 18, 2020. There is no comparison with Sony Headphone when it comes to active noise cancellations. The previous device of the same series, Sony WH-1000XM3 was launched in 2018.  

Both the headphones are very similar. They make excellent alternatives for the AirPods. 

In the US, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is priced at $349, which is almost half the price of the AirPods and is considered among the premium headphones. 

The Sony headphones also offer a battery life of 30 hours whereas the AirPods Max has a battery life of 20 hours.

Features of Sony WH-1000XM4

• Industry leading Noise Cancellation
• Wireless freedom, premium sound
• Real-Time restoration of all the compressed files
• Ambient Sound Control
• Speak-to-Chat
• Adaptive Sound Control
• Voice Assistant
• Foldable Structure
• Carry Case with Cable

Shure AONIC 50

Shure AONIC 50 is half the price of the AirPods Max and a reasonable choice as an AirPods Max alternative. We cannot compare the Shure headphones with the Sony or the Apple AirPods Max in any aspect. But the pocket-friendly feature gives a boost to the Shure AONIC 50. The headphones offer you battery life of 20 hours which is similar to the battery life of Apple AirPods.

Features of Shure AONIC 50 

• Premium, Wireless studio quality sound
• Adjustable noise cancellation
• Environment Mode
• Up to 20 hours battery life
• Long-wearing comfort and durability
• Fingertip controls
• Bluetooth, wireless technology
• Premium headphone amplifier

Bose QC 35 II

Another amazing AirPods alternative is the Bose Quietcomfort 35 II. This headphone is quite old but still a very genuine alternative for AirPods. The headphones support Noise Cancellation but, again it cannot be compared to the Sony WH-1000XM4.

The headphones also support Amazon Alexa.

Features of Bose Quietcomfort 35 II

• Acoustic Noise Cancelling
• Voice Assistants
• Volume-Optimised EQ
• Voice Prompts
• Clear Calls
• Battery Up to 20 hours