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Head-to-head · Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

Apple AirPods Max vs Bowers & Wilkins Px8

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Apple AirPods Max and Bowers & Wilkins Px8 score essentially the same (4.4 vs 4.4). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Apple AirPods Max
Ranked #4 in Best Noise Cancelling Headphones
Apple AirPods Max
6 sources$489as of Jun 8

The Apple AirPods Max pair premium sound and industry-leading noise cancellation with a luxurious, durable metal build. Their high price is compounded by real drawbacks: a smart case that protects almost nothing, no 3.5mm jack, and limited functionality once you step outside the Apple ecosystem. Dedicated Apple users will love them; anyone shopping for flexibility or better value should look elsewhere.

Strengths
  • — Best-in-class active noise canceling and transparency mode
  • — Sturdy all-metal build with stainless steel headband and aluminum ear cups
  • — Extremely comfortable ear pads with soft fabric and even weight distribution
Watch-outs
  • — Smart case provides virtually no protection and is considered terrible
  • — No 3.5mm headphone jack, requiring an adapter for wired listening
  • — Proximity sensors and voice assistant features do not work on Android or Windows
$489 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Bowers & Wilkins Px8
Ranked #3 in Best Noise Cancelling Headphones
Bowers & Wilkins Px8
7 sources$550as of Sep 25

Audio clarity and a luxurious build are what justify the Bowers & Wilkins Px8's premium price to discerning listeners. Getting there means living with inconsistent wear detection, no low-volume adjustment in wired mode, and enough weight to cause discomfort over extended use.

Strengths
  • — Outstanding clarity with a fast and punchy sonic presentation
  • — Luxurious build featuring soft Nappa leather and cast aluminium arms
  • — Angled 40mm carbon cone drivers provide a comfortable fit
Watch-outs
  • — Sound quality becomes limp at lower volume levels
  • — Wear-on/wear-off detection function can be erratic
  • — Heavy 320g mass causes pressure and heat buildup over long sessions
$550 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

Apple AirPods Max

The Apple AirPods Max offer a unique all-metal build and durability that the plastic-heavy Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra cannot match, alongside a superior transparency mode. However, they are significantly heavier than the Bose and Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless, lack a 3.5mm jack unlike the Sennheiser and Bowers & Wilkins Px8, and suffer from a non-protective case that no other competitor in this list shares.

Bowers & Wilkins Px8

The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 stands out with the most luxurious Nappa leather and cast aluminum build, offering a premium tactile experience that feels more upscale than the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless.

Specs side-by-side

SpecApple AirPods MaxBowers & Wilkins Px8
Driver Size40 mm40mm
Driver TypeDynamic40mm carbon cone
Bluetooth Version5.05.1
Weight386 g320g
Charging MethodLightning connectorUSB-C
CodecsAAC, SBCaptX adaptive
ANCyesYes
Battery Life20 hr30 hr
Dimensions9.75 x 9.5 x 3.25 in7.44 x 2.48 x 9.17 in
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