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.

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.

Ranked #3 in Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

Apple AirPods Max

4.4

$549as of Apr 22

The Apple AirPods Max deliver premium sound quality and industry-leading noise cancellation within a luxurious, durable metal build. However, their high price is compounded by significant drawbacks like a non-protective smart case, the lack of a 3.5mm jack, and limited functionality outside the Apple ecosystem. They are an excellent choice for dedicated Apple users but less ideal for those seeking versatility or better value.

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

$549 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #4 in Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

Bowers & Wilkins Px8

4.4

$699as of Apr 22

The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 delivers exceptional audio clarity and a luxurious build quality that justifies its premium price for discerning listeners. However, the experience is marred by inconsistent wear detection, a lack of low-volume adjustment in wired mode, and significant weight that can cause discomfort during 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

$699 · Check Price on Amazon Full 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. Despite its superior clarity, it is the heaviest option in the group, causing more pressure than the lightweight Bose QuietComfort Ultra, and its sound quality drops at low volumes unlike the consistent performance of the Sennheiser.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Apple AirPods Max	Bowers & Wilkins Px8
Driver Size	40 mm	40mm
Driver Type	Dynamic	40mm carbon cone
Bluetooth Version	5.0	5.1
Weight	386 g	320g
Charging Method	Lightning connector	USB-C
Codecs	AAC, SBC	aptX adaptive
ANC	yes	Yes
Battery Life	20 hours	30 hours

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