How does the AirPods Max ANC compare to other brands? Here’s how the AirPods Max ANC stacks up against competitors from Bose, Sony, and Sennheiser

Apple’s AirPods Max, with their premium active noise cancellation (ANC), have raised the bar for over-ear headphones, but how do they fare against other leading brands? Here’s a detailed look at how the AirPods Max ANC stacks up against competitors from Bose, Sony, and Sennheiser.

AirPods Max ANC Performance

The AirPods Max offer a combination of computational audio and a dynamic driver system, resulting in a finely tuned and highly immersive noise-cancellation experience.

They excel at neutralizing a wide range of sounds, from low-frequency hums like airplane engines to higher-pitched noises such as conversations and city sounds. In practical tests, the AirPods Max excel particularly well in dealing with mid-range frequencies and background chatter, providing a balanced isolation.

What sets the AirPods Max apart is their seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. With the use of custom H1 chips in each ear cup, computational audio adjusts the ANC in real-time to suit the environment.

This feature, combined with their Transparency Mode, allows for a fluid experience when switching between blocking out noise and being aware of your surroundings.

Sony WH-1000XM5

When it comes to ANC, the Sony WH-1000XM5 has long been a favorite in the noise-canceling space. Sony’s headphones are well-known for their industry-leading noise-canceling performance, with an edge over AirPods Max in low-frequency cancellation, making them particularly effective in quieting airplane engines and subway rumble.

The WH-1000XM5 uses proprietary AI-driven noise-cancellation that adapts to your environment, and also features a customization feature through the Sony Headphones app, where you can tweak ANC strength.

While the sound quality on the Sony WH-1000XM5 is exceptional, especially with bass-heavy genres, its noise cancellation, when compared to AirPods Max, may not be as precise at higher frequencies. Apple’s headphones do a better job in environments with varied sound ranges, such as open offices or crowded cafes.

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

Bose is synonymous with noise cancellation, and their Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 continue that tradition. The ANC on these headphones is highly adaptive, offering 11 levels of adjustable noise cancellation, which gives users more granular control over how much sound they want to block out.

In terms of pure ANC quality, Bose may slightly edge out the AirPods Max in silencing high-pitched sounds like office chatter or squeaky doors. However, the AirPods Max performs comparably with their ability to provide more natural noise cancellation and sound profiles, thanks to its adaptive transparency mode.

Bose’s headphones also have a slightly lighter build, making them more comfortable for long sessions, while AirPods Max’s heavier frame might feel less ideal for extended wear despite their cushioned ear cups.

Sennheiser Momentum 4

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 offers another solid alternative for those interested in ANC headphones.

Sennheiser’s active noise cancellation is powered by Adaptive NoiseGuard, and while it is highly effective, especially in bass-heavy noise environments, the ANC performance lags behind both Sony and Apple when it comes to blocking mid-to-high-frequency sounds.

However, Sennheiser offers one significant advantage: the sound quality. Known for its audio engineering expertise, the Momentum 4 delivers crisp highs, defined mids, and rich bass.

If sound quality is more important than ANC, the Momentum 4 might be more appealing than AirPods Max, though it lacks the seamless software integration that makes Apple’s product stand out.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones provide high-fidelity sound with premium ANC, coming close to AirPods Max in terms of comfort and build quality.

The ANC on these headphones is effective, but where the PX7 S2 falls short is in its adaptability. Unlike AirPods Max, which automatically adjusts the ANC based on surroundings, the PX7 S2 requires manual adjustment and lacks Apple’s Transparency Mode, which makes switching between full isolation and awareness less fluid.

In terms of sound, however, the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 rivals the AirPods Max, particularly in terms of its ability to deliver finely detailed soundscapes. However, the ANC is not as aggressive, so users looking for maximum noise cancellation might find AirPods Max more compelling.

Final Thoughts

While Apple’s AirPods Max stands out with its superb ANC and computational audio tailored for an immersive and balanced experience, each competitor brings its own strengths to the table.

Sony’s WH-1000XM5 offers superior low-frequency ANC and is great for frequent travelers, Bose’s Noise Cancelling 700 excels in customizability, Sennheiser prioritizes sound quality, and Bowers & Wilkins focuses on premium sound and build.

Ultimately, choosing between AirPods Max and its alternatives comes down to personal preference.

If you’re already invested in Apple’s ecosystem, the AirPods Max provides unbeatable integration, but for those seeking specific ANC or sound performance, alternatives like Sony and Bose may be equally tempting.

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