Apple AirPods Max
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
What Buyers Say
Apple AirPods Max
The AirPods Max receive overwhelmingly positive feedback for their exceptional sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. Users praise the rich, detailed audio and the immersive listening experience, though some note the high price and weight as drawbacks. A few reviews mention initial connectivity issues that were resolved with updates, and the smart case is considered more of a sleeve than a protective case.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality
- Effective noise cancellation
- Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
- Comfortable ear cups
- Premium build quality
Cons
- High price
- Heavy weight
- Smart case is just a sleeve
- Initial connectivity issues
- Clamp force with glasses
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 | Mesh textile, memory foam | Leather |
| Headband | Stainless steel | Aluminum, Leather |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | — | 40 mm★ |
| Drivers | — | 1★ |
| Hi-Res Audio | — | ✓★ |
| Codecs | Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Active Noise Cancelling, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone – Space Gray | AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX LL, SBC |
| Surround | Dolby Atmos, 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 | — | adaptive |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3★ |
| Profiles | — | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP |
| Multipoint | — | ✓★ |
| Wired Connector | Lightning | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | — | ✓★ |
| Cable Length | — | 1.2000000476837158 m |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 20 hrs | 30 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | — | 2 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | — | 15 Minutes for 7 Hours |
| Charging | Lightning | USB-C★ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | — | 8★ |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boom Mic | — | ✗ |
| Detachable Mic | — | ✓★ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri | Siri |
| Touch Controls | ✗ | ✗ |
| App | Apple H1 chip | Bowers & Wilkins Music |
| Volume Limiting | — | ✗ |
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods Max
- Strong social proof (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong build (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong anc (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong connectivity (77th percentile)
- Below average battery (21st 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
Verdict
Scores 98 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 12 of 35 specs.