With the launch of its newest product, the AirPods Max, last week, Apple was able to put an end to all the rumors. Don’t even get me started on how popular the new headphones have been on Twitter and the accompanying memes). MKBHD and several other tech vloggers (iJustine, CNET, Your Avg Consumer) had a chance to use the device, and they have posted their initial thoughts on their YouTube channels.
The manufacturer itself describes the AirPods Max as the best premium noise-canceling headphones. We considered comparing them to the Sony WH-100XM4 and the Bose 700, two of the top noise-canceling headphones available right now. This will be a lengthy comparison, so get some popcorn and settle down.
The face-off between the Bose 700, Sony WH-1000XM4, and Apple AirPods Max
Sony WH-1000XM4 vs. Bose 700 vs. AirPods Max – Price
The price of Apple AirPods Max is high, and there won’t be any sales for them soon. When compared to the other two options, the Bose 700 is also on the pricey side; however, they frequently go on sale in-store and online, so keep shopping for the best deal.
As a result, the SONY WH-1000XM4 wins the pricing category, making it the perfect choice if you’re looking for headphones that won’t break the bank.
Design and color comparison of the Sony WH-1000XM4, Bose 700, and AirPods Max
In contrast to Apple AirPods Max, which has a simple vintage vibe, Bose 700 has stayed true to their sleek, ultramodern design. Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones were designed generically. It won’t be a leap to say that these headphones are noticeable from a distance, which is something that many customers appreciate.
Speaking of color options, Apple has chosen colors that are out of control. Space Grey, Silver, Green, Pink, and Sky Blue are the five various colors that the brand offers. Not only that, but Apple allows you to mix and match the ear cushions to create a total of 25 different designs for your own custom set. They can also be engraved without cost.
Additionally, there is a huge selection of colors for the Bose 700. These little ones are available in the colors Black, Luxe Silver, Soapstone, and the limited-edition Triple Midnight.
Sony has played it safe by just offering Black and Silver as color options.
My top picks in the Design category are the Apple AirPods Max because of their elegant appearance and vintage vibe. I’m a little nervous, though, to carry that odd-looking case out in public. Future alternatives for alternative cases are something I’m eager to see.
Battery Life Comparison: Sony WH-1000XM4, Bose 700, and AirPods Max
Even with Noise Cancellation and Spatial Audio enabled Apple guarantees up to 20 hours of battery life (listening, talk-time, or streaming).
With a battery life of up to 38 hours without active noise suppression, Sony is the clear winner in this category.
Considering the other advantages Bose has to offer, its battery life of up to 20 hours is a touch underwhelming.
Speaking of their charge capacities, Sony gives five minutes of playing with ten minutes of charging, whereas Apple guarantees ninety minutes of usage with five minutes of charging (Lightning cable) (Type-C cable). Bose, on the other hand, provides 3.5 hours of listening time with only 15 minutes of charging (Type-C cable).
In this category as well, Sony emerges as the undisputed champion.
Sound Quality Comparison: Sony WH-1000XM4, Bose 700, and AirPods Max
iJustine claims that the popular YouTuber’s AirPods Max offer amazing audio quality. Considering the sound quality of the AirPods and AirPods Pro, I have faith that Apple won’t mislead us about the audio quality. It will be exciting to experience spatial audio. I’m hoping the AirPods Max will be superior to their current earbuds and offer a distinctive experience.
Sony headphones, on the other hand, offer the sharpest clarity and an exceptional musical level; their audio quality is on target. It enables you to hear even the smallest details clearly. Sony has been around for a very long time and keeps improving with each new product.
Users have so far praised the Bose 700’s dynamic audio quality and decent clarity.
Although the Bose Music App allows for more extensive EQ tweaking, AirPods Max essentially offers the same settings.
Sony prevails in this scenario, in my opinion. Apple, on the other hand, offers the best user experience of any gadget, therefore I’m quietly anticipating the release of the in-depth testing reviews.
Sony WH-1000XM4 vs. Bose 700 vs. AirPods Max: Active Noise Cancellation
Here is the comparison parameter that people are most interested in. Both the XM4 and the Bose 700 were regarded as maestros in this area prior to the release. Customers are more interested in which company locally outperforms the other now that Apple has entered the ANC.
Eight microphones are included in the AirPods Max for noise cancellation. One is used to transmit the music to the listener’s ear, while the other three are placed on the outside to detect background noise. The AirPods Max has already been declared the champion in the initial impressions videos. Finally, switching between the Transparency Mode and other modes sounds like a lot of fun.
The sophisticated HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1 in the Sony WH-1000XM4 keeps track of both music and background noise. Using their accompanying app, you can also modify it to suit your needs.
I like the changes that Bose’s newest noise-canceling chip offers. If a set of headphones had ANC levels I could choose from, from complete isolation to complete transparency, I would bring the gadget home. Additionally, it contains four microphones for voice clarity and six microphones for noise reduction.
Am I making any sense at this point?
Final Conclusion
Apple certainly made an impressive entrance. In addition to having a great appearance, the AirPods Max also boast fantastic functions that are driving Apple users wild and tech vloggers have already begun comparing to the best on the market. This undoubtedly incites a frenzy among purchasers and raises their expectations. Some individuals may find the pricey set with the odd-looking bra annoying, but why be reluctant to pay for the luxury it offers?
Given the price difference between the Sony Wh-1000XM4 and the Bose 700, it is unlikely that either product’s presence will hurt sales. I’d advise buying yourself some high-quality headphones right away so you may indulge in the luxury and block out the outside world. In any case, isn’t it the concept of noise-canceling headphones?