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Best alternatives to the Apple AirPods Max

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 is the strongest alternative.

Apple AirPods Max

The verdict in 10 seconds

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 at work: noise cancelling headphones on a desk in a busy office

Strongest all-rounder

Apple AirPods Pro 3Apple AirPods Pro 3Superb noise blocking and comfort, best enjoyed with an iPhone

Suits 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-1000XM5Sony WF-1000XM5Superb sound and strong quiet, as long as they fit you

Suits 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 WirelessSennheiser Momentum 4 WirelessSuperb battery and comfort, rich sound, but noise cancelling isn't class-best

Suits 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

The short version

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.

Quick answers

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.

Every alternative, ranked

How each one compares with the Apple AirPods Max
  1. 01Apple AirPods Pro 3

    Apple AirPods Pro 3

    Superb noise blocking and comfort, best enjoyed with an iPhone

    EXPOWNREL82
    Higher score (+9)More reliableHappier ownersExperts rate it higherAlso AppleApple AirPods Max vs Apple AirPods Pro 3 →
  2. 02Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

    Best-in-class quiet in a bulky earbud with only average battery life

    EXPOWNREL81
    Higher score (+8)More reliableHappier ownersExperts rate it higherApple AirPods Max vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds →
  3. 03Bose QuietComfort Headphones

    Bose QuietComfort Headphones

    Supremely comfortable everyday quiet, but calls and battery lag behind

    EXPOWNREL79
    Higher score (+6)More reliableHappier ownersApple AirPods Max vs Bose QuietComfort Headphones →
  4. 04Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro

    Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro

    Excellent sound and quiet, at their best with a Samsung phone

    EXPOWNREL79
    Higher score (+6)More reliableHappier ownersApple AirPods Max vs Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro →
  5. 05Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless

    Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless

    Superb battery and comfort, rich sound, but noise cancelling isn't class-best

    EXPOWNREL79
    Higher score (+6)More reliableHappier ownersExperts rate it higherApple AirPods Max vs Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless →
  6. 06Sony WF-1000XM5

    Sony WF-1000XM5

    Superb sound and strong quiet, as long as they fit you

    EXPOWNREL79
    Higher score (+6)More reliableExperts rate it higherApple AirPods Max vs Sony WF-1000XM5 →
  7. 07Soundcore Sleep A30

    Soundcore Sleep A30

    Tiny, comfortable sleep earbuds that quiet snoring well, but pricey

    EXPOWNREL79
    Higher score (+6)More reliableApple AirPods Max vs Soundcore Sleep A30 →
  8. 08Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

    Superb noise blocking and all-day comfort, at a premium price

    EXPOWNREL78
    Higher score (+5)More reliableHappier ownersExperts rate it higherApple AirPods Max vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones →
  9. 09Sony WH-1000XM6

    Sony WH-1000XM6

    Superb noise cancelling and rich sound, with a snug fit and premium price

    EXPOWNREL78
    Higher score (+5)More reliableExperts rate it higherApple AirPods Max vs Sony WH-1000XM6 →
  10. 10Sony WH-1000XM5

    Sony WH-1000XM5

    Superb noise cancelling and sound, with comfort and durability caveats

    EXPOWNREL75
    Higher score (+2)More reliableExperts rate it higherApple AirPods Max vs Sony WH-1000XM5 →
  11. 11Sonos Ace

    Sonos Ace

    Supremely comfortable, strong noise cancelling, with some software quirks

    EXPOWNREL68
    More reliableApple AirPods Max vs Sonos Ace →
  12. 12Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro

    Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro

    Strong noise cancelling and loads of features, but durability worries

    EXPOWNREL65
    Different trade-offsApple AirPods Max vs Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro →