The best cheaper Apple AirPods Max rivals for 2024: Sony, Bose, AirPods Pro 2 and more

The previous generation of Sennheiser Momentum Wireless headphones have always had a rather distinctive look that was part retro/part modern and notable for the exposed metal on the headband. For better or worse, that’s all gone now, and the Momentum 4 Wireless, Sennheiser’s flagship noise-cancelling headphones, look a little more restrained and also a little more like some of the competition.

The Momentum 4 Wireless offers superior performance over the Momentum 3 Wireless in every respect, though the biggest gains are with noise cancellation and voice call performance, as well as battery life, which is exceptional. It’s up to 60 hours at moderate volume levels. There’s also a transparency mode that lets in ambient sound and the ability to create a custom sound profile in the Smart Control app for iOS and Android using the built-in EQ. Other features include sound modes and a new Sound Personalization feature that “evaluates the user’s listening preferences and adjusts the listening experience to their taste.”

Equipped with 42mm drivers, Sennheiser says the Momentum 4 Wireless offers “best-in-class” sound, which is debatable. I’d say the Momentum 4’s sound quality is right up there with other models in this price range — they sound great, with the requisite well-defined, punchy bass, relatively wide soundstage (they sound pretty open). and the soft treble that brings out some of the finer details in well-recorded songs. They are a joy to listen to.

Love them or hate them, Beats Studio headphones are among the most popular headphones of all time, launched as wired headphones in 2008. This is their fourth generation and they are priced the same as their predecessor and look very similar on the outside but they have some big changes on the inside that make those headphones significantly better. I’m tempted to describe them as more affordable plastic versions of the AirPods Max. This is not quite accurate due to a choice in the chipset and an obvious missing feature. Read our full review to find out what makes this a great headphone — and a good AirPods Max alternative — with a few caveats.

Available in three color options (grey, blue and black), the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones offer some significant improvements over the first generation version. Not only are these headphones more comfortable — they tip the scales at 307 grams — but they sound better and have better noise cancellation and voice call performance with improved noise reduction. I don’t think they’re necessarily a better option than the lighter and more comfortable Sony WH-1000XM5. The PX7 S2 certainly looks and feels luxurious, with its solid design and delivers very good sound with better voice call performance thanks to an improved microphone setup.

Bowers & Wilkins has also released a step-up model, the PX8, which features even better sound but costs significantly more.

AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are powered by Apple’s H2 chip, which delivers more processing power while being more energy efficient, according to Apple. The H2 chip, combined with new low-distortion drivers, allows for improved sound that offers better clarity and depth.

Noise reduction has also been improved. Apple says the AirPods Pro 2 have “double” the noise cancellation of the original AirPods Pro. The new AirPods add an extra hour of battery life, up from five to six hours with noise cancellation enabled. Plus, a speaker in the case that emits a sound that helps locate your buds via Find My if they decide to hide from you.

Bose’s QuietComfort 2 headphones are not only about 30% smaller than their predecessors, but their case is about 40% smaller and truly pocketable. They feature best-in-class noise cancellation and enhanced sound, thanks to Bose’s new CustomTune sound calibration system that personalizes the sound for your ears. Voice call performance is also significantly better than the original QuietComfort headphones.

The other big change is in the tips of the ears. Bose has ditched the one-piece StayEar wingtips for a two-piece Fit Kit system that features separate eartips and “stability straps” in three size options, giving you more flexibility to get a secure fit and tight seal.

Pros:

• Excellent sound and best-in-class noise cancellation
• The Fit Kit ear tips and stabilizer system give you a secure and comfortable fit
• Improved voice calling with better noise reduction

ANTI:

• Expensive
• No wireless charging