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Best AirPods Max Alternatives That Actually Compete
We tested them all—here are the leading contenders for sound, comfort, and features.
November 2, 2025
Adam is an Editor at SoundGuys specializing in gaming headsets, flagship headphones, and earbuds. A lifelong fan of video games and cinema, he brings a sharp ear and passion for immersive sound to every review. Beyond hardware, Adam writes thought-provoking features and opinion pieces that explore how audio tech shapes our lives. Armed with a BA in Cognitive Science, he pairs technical insight with a love for music’s psychological uplift. At home, he still rocks his original Sennheiser MOMENTUM over-ears, switches to Bose QuietComfort Ultra on flights, and relies on Galaxy Buds2 Pro while out and about.
Don’t want to spend your entire wallet on a pair of AirPods Max? You’re in luck. We’ve tested hundreds of headphones, and on this page you’ll find the top contenders based on our results. We also ran a poll asking readers like you to pick the best alternative, and over 700 voted. The Sony WH-1000XM6 came out on top with 42% of the vote, followed by the JBL Tour One M3 at 32% and the JLab JBuds Lux ANC at 18%.
Compare table
Filter
- Compare tableProductVotes
- 33 total votes33 total votes
$200
8.4
7.6
8.4
6.9
7.7
8.0
7.5
9.5
9.9
9.0
9.0
- 2 total votes2 total votes
$449
8.4
7.1
8.7
6.9
7.9
8.0
7.5
9.7
9.4
8.9
9.0
- 6 total votes6 total votes
$450
8.3
6.8
8.7
8.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
9.5
9.9
9.0
8.0
- 21 total votes21 total votes
$80
8.3
7.2
8.1
6.7
9.5
8.0
7.7
7.5
9.9
9.5
8.5
- 0 total votes0 total votes
$500
8.3
7.4
8.3
7.5
7.0
8.0
7.0
9.5
9.9
9.0
9.0
- 12 total votes12 total votes
$300
8.3
7.6
8.5
8.0
9.0
7.0
7.0
9.0
9.7
9.0
8.0
- 9 total votes9 total votes
$429
8.3
6.5
8.5
6.9
7.9
8.0
7.5
9.5
9.5
8.9
9.0
- 10 total votes10 total votes
$289
8.3
6.6
7.9
6.9
8.9
8.0
7.5
8.5
9.9
8.8
8.8
- 6 total votes6 total votes
$218
8.3
7.0
8.0
6.9
8.5
8.0
7.5
9.5
9.9
7.5
9.0
- 1 total votes1 total votes
$699
8.2
5.7
7.4
6.9
6.8
9.0
7.5
9.5
9.5
9.5
8.5
- 9 total votes9 total votes
$130
8.1
6.1
7.3
7.5
8.4
7.0
8.5
7.5
9.9
9.0
8.3
- 3 total votes3 total votes
$278
8.1
7.3
7.7
6.9
8.2
7.2
7.4
9.0
9.1
9.0
8.5
Product chart
In the chart above, you can see how each of the headphones compares in terms of price and performance.
Here at SoundGuys, we’ve been testing audio products for over a decade. Our team comprises audio product experts who have tested hundreds of different headphones, earbuds, and speakers. Moreover, our team comes from diverse backgrounds and a wealth of expertise, including audio engineering, film production, journalism, podcasting, music production, and even touring musicians.
Everything we recommend results from our objective measurements and great subjective experiences. Ultimately, we want you to enjoy your purchase or, at the very least, leave our site with a little more knowledge about the inner workings of audio. To see why you can trust us with your purchase decision, make sure to check out our ethics policy.
To gather information about how well each of the earbuds and headphones work, we subject each product to a number of objective tests. We use a Bruel & Kjaer 5128 acoustic measurement system to test headphones and earbuds in our SoundGuys lab. The ear canal of the artificial head was created by averaging and smoothing 3D models of individual ear canal features from the MRI scans of 40 different people.
We perform the following testing to determine the best headphones and best earbuds:
- We run sequences to determine the best fit of the headphones, and if there are any manufacturing issues with the product.
- We measure the headphones’ performance and compare the frequency response to our industry-validated SoundGuys Headphone Preference Curve to give context to readers.
- To rate sound quality, we use the Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores (MDAQS) algorithm from HEAD acoustics. These are virtual mean opinion scores as calculated by a powerful machine learning model based on the input of real listeners.
- We play several samples of shaped noise over loudspeakers to test noise canceling and record with our artificial head. We take samples with ANC on, ANC off, and with the headphones off the head. After subtracting the appropriate curves from each other, we can see how well the headphones block out noise.
- To evaluate microphone quality, we play pre-recorded spoken Harvard sentences from a calibrated artificial mouth in our test chamber, either with or without simulated background noises, simulated reverberant spaces, or artificial wind.
- To measure battery life, we play back music through the headphones or earbuds peaking at 75dB(SPL), a safe and realistic listening level.
In addition to objective testing, our team of audio experts uses each of the headphones and earbuds to evaluate the experience of using the product. By wearing the headphones in day-to-day use, we evaluate the comfort, noting any pain points. We also make sure to try out each of the features that the headphones have to offer, such as using the equalizer in the companion app.
Using a combination of subjective and objective testing, we score each product. To learn more about how we evaluate headphones and earbuds, check out our in-depth explainer on how we test.
Poll
Why aren’t you interested in buying the AirPods Max?
Related Videos
Best overall pick: Sony ULT WEAR
Sony ULT WEAR earns our top spot by combining long battery life with competent noise canceling and flexible connectivity. In testing it delivered 32 hours and 35 minutes in our standardized battery run and consistently attenuated more than 25dB of noise at frequencies above 80Hz, so it’s a strong choice for commutes and flights. The headphones support LDAC and Multipoint, and the Sony Sound Connect app lets you tame the ULT button’s heavy bass if you prefer a more balanced sound. Our MDAQS charts show the ULT WEAR trend toward bass-forward tuning, which lifts immersiveness metrics but can hurt clarity unless equalized. The fit is generally comfortable thanks to wide 40mm pads and a padded headband, though the faux-leather pads can trap heat and the cans can shift if not seated correctly. The ULT WEAR also lacks USB-C wired audio, a limitation to keep in mind despite its other strengths — they also earned Best Battery Life, Best Over-Ear Headphones, and Best for Comfort recognition.
Sourced from Sony ULT WEAR review – SoundGuys.
Best ANC pick: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen.) stand out for refined active noise canceling and the sort of simple, comfortable fit Bose is known for. The cans are lightweight with ample padding and deliver targeted noise suppression along with an Aware mode called ActiveSense for managing loud external sounds. They include a new spatial mode aimed at movie content and a capable app that exposes EQ, immersiveness settings, and ANC strength controls. Hardware-wise they offer USB-C and analog inputs plus Bluetooth 5.4 with support for the aptX Adaptive family (including aptX Lossless), giving plenty of connection options. For listeners who prioritize straightforward, effective ANC in a comfortable package, these are a top choice.
Sourced from Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) review: Boring refresh? – SoundGuys.
Best Call Quality pick: JBL Tour ONE M3
JBL Tour One M3 earns its call-quality badge with an eight-microphone array and windscreens that noticeably reduce wind noise and echoes. The set pairs that mic hardware with strong signal processing and an internal DAC to keep voice clarity high across environments from busy streets to conference calls. Beyond calls, the Tour One M3 feels like a full-featured daily driver: comfortable faux-leather pads, a slim travel case, and an unusual SMART Tx remote brick that doubles as a transmitter and remote for advanced features. The transmitter also enables shared listening over LC3/Auracast and broadens compatibility with tricky source devices. If you need dependable, clear calls plus a modern feature set, the Tour One M3 is aimed squarely at that use case.
Sourced from JBL Tour ONE M3 review: The next generation of ANC – SoundGuys.
Best Value pick: JLab JBuds Lux ANC
JLab JBuds Lux ANC is a standout value, offering impressive battery life and useful features at a budget price. In our test the JBuds Lux ran 44 hours and 22 minutes, and it supports fast charging that gives roughly four hours of listening from a ten‑minute charge. The headphones include a 10‑band EQ, adjustable ANC modes, and an app that lets you customize controls and sound — tools that help overcome some of the out‑of‑the‑box sound quirks. While their ANC isn’t on par with premium models, it’s effective for quieter commutes, and the compact folding design makes them practical for travel. For buyers focused on low cost but solid battery, app features, and decent noise reduction, these are an easy recommendation.
Sourced from JLab JBuds Lux ANC review – SoundGuys.
Best Sound Quality pick: Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones earn best sound quality with features like CustomTune that tailors output to your ear anatomy and support for aptX Lossless for compatible sources. The headphones marry wide ear cups and angled drivers with dense pads to produce excellent isolation and a rock‑solid ANC performance that noticeably reduces common travel noises. They offer multiple connection options including Bluetooth 5.3 and a 2.5mm analog input, and the Bose Music app unlocks EQ and immersive audio settings. Battery life measured 27 hours and 37 minutes in our test, which is solid for continuous use. The QC Ultra also performs especially well for Android users, and we note it also received recognition as Best for Android users in addition to sound quality.
Sourced from Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones review – SoundGuys.
Best for iPhone users pick: Master & Dynamic MW75 Neuro
Master & Dynamic MW75 Neuro is unique for buyers who want advanced brain‑tracking features alongside premium hardware and iPhone integration. These headphones include EEG sensors in the earpads and pair with the Neurable app to track focus levels and deliver productivity insights, and the cans integrate Siri via a dedicated button for iPhone users. Build materials and fit are premium, with lambskin and aluminum elements and comfortable, magnetically removable memory‑foam pads. The MW75 Neuro supports Bluetooth 5.2 and AAC, and it can connect to multiple devices via Multipoint. If you want cutting‑edge focus‑tracking with solid audio fundamentals and iPhone-friendly controls, these are the standouts.
Sourced from MW75 Neuro review: Headphones that can read your mind – SoundGuys.
Our verdict
Across these wireless headphones we balanced noise canceling, battery life, connectivity, and special features to match different buyer priorities. The Sony ULT WEAR is our all‑round pick for long battery life, competent ANC, and flexible codec support; Bose’s QuietComfort Ultras split the difference between top ANC and refined sound tuning depending on which generation you pick. The JBL Tour One M3 targets users who need excellent call clarity and a unique SMART Tx transmitter, while the JLab JBuds Lux ANC is the best option for value‑minded buyers who still want app control and huge battery life. Master & Dynamic’s MW75 Neuro is the choice for iPhone users who want brain‑tracking and premium materials.
The one remaining product we didn’t assign a badge to is the Nothing Headphone (1), which stands out for its distinctive transparent design, IP52 water and dust resistance, a deep app‑based 8‑band EQ with QR code sharing, spatial audio with head tracking, and comfortable memory‑foam pads — a fit for buyers who want more customization and some water resistance in a wireless‑headphone package.
FAQ
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On-ear rest on your ears, smaller and more portable.
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In-ear (earbuds) fit inside your ear canal, most compact.
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Wired can offer more consistent sound quality and no battery worries.
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Wireless adds freedom of movement, Bluetooth features, and portability.
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Over-ear headphones with strong ANC work best on planes and trains.
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Compact earbuds are great for commuting and portability.
Higher-priced models usually have better ANC, premium materials, wider soundstage, and extra features.
Active Noise Cancelling uses microphones to cancel out external noise for a quieter experience.
Open-back designs allow air and sound to pass through, creating a wider, natural soundstage but leaking sound. Closed-back isolate better and have more bass punch.
No, it’s a premium feature. Multipoint is useful if you switch often between laptop and phone.
Yes, by reducing background noise so you don’t need to turn up the volume. But listening too loud can still cause damage.
Isolation refers to the ability of your headphones to block outside noise from reaching your ears. This might sound like active noise cancelation, but it isn’t. Active noise canceling uses microphones to pick up the sounds that are going on around you and then uses clever processing to cancel them out. In physics, it’s called destructive interference, and you can learn more about that in our article on how noise canceling works, but that isn’t what isolation is.
Isolation is simply having a physical barrier between your ears and the outside noises. Every time you stuff your fingers in your ears, you’re isolating yourself. You might hear certain loud noises around you, but for the most part, sounds are blocked out. A good pair of over-ear headphones can do something similar. They’ll cover your ears and block noises that would otherwise interfere with the music you’re listening to.
Not yet. While Bluetooth has become way better and more convenient in the last few years, it still can’t compete on a technical level with wired over-ear headphones. Sure, we might be a little biased against removing the headphone jack. Still, even our objective testing of the LDAC codec (which is arguably one of the top transfer methods currently available) revealed that Bluetooth falls short. Of course, you probably won’t have to worry about it too much if you’re over the age of 24 because our hearing tends to go a lot sooner than you might realize, but it’s still something you should be aware of. At least for now, wired headphones still reign supreme.
Over-ear headphones generally offer superior sound quality due to their larger drivers and better isolation, which minimizes ambient noise and allows for a more immersive listening experience.
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