AirPods Max look incredible, but they are not the right headphones for everyone. Some travelers want longer battery life for overnight flights, some want stronger noise cancellation for a loud commute, and some simply want to spend less. The good news is that there are excellent over-ear alternatives for every one of those needs.
We compared eight of the best AirPods Max alternatives for travel across sound quality, comfort, battery life and noise cancellation, so you can pick the pair that fits how you actually travel. Models are refreshed often, so check each listing for the latest generation before you buy.
- Best overall: Sony WH-1000XM5
- Best noise cancellation: Bose QuietComfort Ultra
- Best battery life: Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
- Best on a budget: Cleer Enduro ANC
- Best for spatial audio: Sonos Ace
How Do the Best AirPods Max Alternatives Compare?
| Headphones | Battery Life | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | 30 hours | All-round value and smart features |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra | 24 hours | Blocking out noise |
| Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless | 60 hours | Long trips and detailed sound |
| Focal Bathys | 30 hours | Premium design and wired listening |
| Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 | 30 hours | Balanced sound and sleek looks |
| Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX | 35 hours | Luxury materials and design |
| Cleer Enduro ANC | 60 hours | Budget buyers who want long battery life |
| Sonos Ace | 30 hours | Spatial audio and a compact fit |
Which AirPods Max Alternative Should You Buy?
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
The AirPods Max are praised for their design and sound, but the Sony WH-1000XM5 offer even more value. They cost less, bring better smart features, last longer on a charge, and are lighter and more comfortable to wear.
They still deliver top-notch audio and some of the best noise cancellation available. Battery life is up to 30 hours with noise cancellation on, or 40 hours without, which outlasts the AirPods Max. Touch controls and a customizable EQ in the Sony Headphones Connect app make them easy to live with.
- Excellent control options
- Effective noise cancellation
- Clear, engaging sound
- Can get warm around the ears during long use
- Price rose with the redesign over the XM4
2. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
If blocking out the world is your top priority, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra are the best choice. They replace the Bose 700 and set a high bar for cutting outside noise, in a lighter and more comfortable design. Bluetooth 5.3, aptX Adaptive support and touch controls come standard.
You can adjust the noise cancellation level or switch to Aware mode to hear your surroundings. Battery life is up to 24 hours per charge.
- Top-notch active noise cancellation
- Stylish, foldable design
- Easy-to-use controls and punchy audio
- Price is higher than some competitors
- Shorter battery life than the Sennheiser or Cleer
3. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
For overnight flights and long trips, the Momentum 4 Wireless is hard to beat. Its 60-hour battery outlasts most competitors, so you will rarely think about charging. The sound is clean, neutral and detailed, which audiophiles will appreciate. The build does not quite match the AirPods Max, but the sound quality and longevity make up for it.
- 60-hour battery life
- Strong noise canceling and aptX Adaptive support
- Versatile sound quality
- Earpads can make ears hot
- Lacks the premium feel of the AirPods Max
4. Focal Bathys
The Focal Bathys make an impression before you even put them on. As Focal’s first premium Bluetooth noise-canceling headphones, they combine striking looks with a spacious, dynamic sound full of energy and detail. A built-in DAC and USB-C port allow wired listening, though they still need power when wired. Noise cancellation is effective without hurting sound quality, which suits travel and busy environments.
- USB-C wired listening option
- Balanced, full-bodied audio
- Solid, premium design
- Expensive
- Plasticky buttons
5. Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The PX7 S2 stands out for its sound quality and sleek design. Expect a well-balanced sound with detailed highs and deep, controlled bass. Adaptive noise cancellation adjusts to your surroundings, and the solid build stays comfortable for extended wear, which suits frequent travelers.
- Effective noise canceling
- Sleek, low-profile design
- Excellent sound quality
- No touch controls
- Noise canceling could be better compared with some rivals
6. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX
The Beoplay HX is built around design and sound. High-quality materials give it a sophisticated, durable look, and the sound is clear and vibrant with effective noise cancellation. It costs more, but it delivers on both performance and aesthetics.
- Long-lasting battery
- Balanced audio with clear bass, treble and mids
- Powerful hybrid noise cancellation
- Sound customization is limited to the app
- No waterproof or sweat-resistant features
7. Cleer Enduro ANC
The Enduro ANC is the affordable pick. Up to 60 hours of battery life with noise cancellation on beats Apple’s flagship by a wide margin. It adds adjustable ambient listening, a customizable EQ, Google Fast Pair, NFC and Hi-Res Audio over a 3.5mm cable. The bass-heavy sound is satisfying and the noise cancellation blocks distractions.
The trade-offs are comfort over long sessions and no spatial audio, so it is less suited to anyone chasing a luxury listening experience.
- Up to 60 hours of battery with ANC
- Bass-rich, immersive sound
- Effective noise cancellation
- Comfort fades with prolonged use
- No spatial audio support
8. Sonos Ace
The Sonos Ace deliver a wide, vibrant soundstage with clear vocals. They support spatial audio, including Dolby Atmos and Sony 360 Reality Audio, and Dolby Head Tracking adds extra immersion. The catch is that they do not support lossless audio over Wi-Fi and lack full Sonos ecosystem integration. They are compact and light, so they slot into a travel backpack without adding bulk.
- Attractive design
- Excellent sound and noise cancellation
- Long battery life
- Limited smart integration with the Sonos ecosystem
- No lossless audio over Wi-Fi
Want to spend even less? Our guide to the best AirPods Max dupes covers lower priced headphones that borrow the same over-ear look.
How Do You Choose the Right AirPods Max Alternative?
Start with what you liked about the AirPods Max. If it is the design, look for headphones that match on style and comfort. No other pair copies the look exactly, but several match the build quality. If you need strong noise cancellation, put that first. Non-Apple options may not support spatial audio for video, though most work with spatial audio in Apple Music.
Think about sound. Decide whether you enjoy deep bass or crisp highs. Many models let you adjust the EQ in a companion app so you can tune the sound to your taste.
Check battery life against your trips. A few models reach 60 hours, but most wireless over-ear headphones offer about half of that. If you fly long haul, battery should rank high on your list.
Most travelers should start with the Sony WH-1000XM5, which balances sound, comfort, battery life and features. Choose the Bose QuietComfort Ultra for the quietest ride, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 if battery life comes first, and the Cleer Enduro ANC if you want the most battery for the least money.
Match the headphones to how you travel, and you will not miss the AirPods Max.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best AirPods Max alternative?
Which AirPods Max alternative has the best battery life?
Which alternative has the best noise cancellation?
Is there a cheaper alternative to the AirPods Max?
Do any alternatives support spatial audio?
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