Apple AirPods Max
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
What Buyers Say
Apple AirPods Max
The AirPods Max receive largely positive feedback for their excellent sound quality, superb noise cancellation, and premium build, especially among Apple ecosystem users. However, many reviewers note the high price, lack of a travel case, and occasional connectivity or durability issues, with some reporting problems with open-box units linked to previous owners. Overall, sentiment is positive but tempered by value-for-money concerns.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Superb noise cancellation
- Premium build quality
- Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
- Great transparency mode
Cons
- High price
- No travel case included
- Heavy weight
- Connectivity issues
- Durability concerns
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins PX8 S2 headphones are overwhelmingly praised for their exceptional sound quality, premium build, and comfort. Users highlight the detailed, balanced audio, luxurious materials, and effective ANC, though some note that ANC is not the best in class and the price is high. A few minor complaints include the bulky case, control placement, and call quality, but overall, these are considered top-tier headphones for audiophiles.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality
- Premium build materials
- Comfortable for long sessions
- Effective noise cancellation
- Good battery life
Cons
- High price
- ANC not best in class
- Bulky carrying case
- Controls placement awkward
- Call quality average
Scores
Specifications
| Apple AirPods Max | Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✗ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.39 kg | 0.30 kg★ |
| Ear Cushion | memory foam | Leather |
| Headband | Stainless steel | Aluminum, Leather |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers | 1 | 1 |
| Freq Min | 20 Hz★ | — |
| Freq Max | 20 kHz★ | — |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | — |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB★ | — |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | Active Noise Cancellation , Adjustable Headband , Ambient Sound Mode , Built-in Microphone , Noise Cancellation , Rechargeable Battery , Stereo , Wireless | AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX LL, SBC |
| Surround | Spatial Audio | Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Active Noise Cancelling & Transparency Mode, High-Res Playback, 30H Playtime with Quick Charge Support, Bluetooth Headphones, Onyx Black | Bowers |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | Pro-level | adaptive |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3★ |
| Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | USB-C | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Cable Length | — | 1.2000000476837158 m |
| Range | 15.199999809265137 m★ | — |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 20 hrs | 30 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | 1.5 hrs★ | 2 hrs |
| Fast Charging | 5 Minutes for 1.5 Hour | 15 Minutes for 7 Hours |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 3 | 8★ |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Detachable Mic | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri | Siri |
| Touch Controls | ✓★ | ✗ |
| App | iOS Only | Bowers & Wilkins Music |
| Volume Limiting | ✗ | ✗ |
| Gaming Mode | ✗ | — |
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods Max
- Strong social proof (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong connectivity (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong build (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong sound (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Below average user sentiment (22nd percentile)
- Below average comfort (30th percentile)
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
- Strong mic (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong sound (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong anc (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong connectivity (98th percentile)98th %ile
Pricing
Apple AirPods Max offers 1.6x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 4 of 7 usage categories and 6 of 41 specs.
