Apple AirPods Max 2 Alternatives
The Apple AirPods Max 2 is one of our top headphones picks of 2026 ($449 · 4.6/5), but it is not the right buy for everyone. Below are the closest comparables in the same category, ranked by how strong a case they make against the Apple AirPods Max 2 for typical buyers.
Sony WH-1000XM5
At $199.99 the Sony WH-1000XM5 costs $249.01 less than the Apple AirPods Max 2 while still scoring 4.7/5 in our research synthesis. Worth a serious look if you do not need every premium feature on the Apple AirPods Max 2.
Anker Soundcore Life Q30
At $71.99 the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 costs $377.01 less than the Apple AirPods Max 2 while still scoring 4.5/5 in our research synthesis. Worth a serious look if you do not need every premium feature on the Apple AirPods Max 2.
Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless
At $279 the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless costs $170 less than the Apple AirPods Max 2 while still scoring 4.4/5 in our research synthesis. Worth a serious look if you do not need every premium feature on the Apple AirPods Max 2.
Sony WH-CH720N
At $86.95 the Sony WH-CH720N costs $362.05 less than the Apple AirPods Max 2 while still scoring 4.4/5 in our research synthesis. Worth a serious look if you do not need every premium feature on the Apple AirPods Max 2.
Beats Studio Pro
At $249.95 the Beats Studio Pro costs $199.05 less than the Apple AirPods Max 2 while still scoring 4.4/5 in our research synthesis. Worth a serious look if you do not need every premium feature on the Apple AirPods Max 2.
JBL Tour One M2
At $294.99 the JBL Tour One M2 costs $154.01 less than the Apple AirPods Max 2 while still scoring 4.3/5 in our research synthesis. Worth a serious look if you do not need every premium feature on the Apple AirPods Max 2.
Anker Soundcore Space One
At $199.99 the Anker Soundcore Space One costs $249.01 less than the Apple AirPods Max 2 while still scoring 4.3/5 in our research synthesis. Worth a serious look if you do not need every premium feature on the Apple AirPods Max 2.
Soundcore by Anker Space Q45
At $139.99 the Soundcore by Anker Space Q45 costs $309.01 less than the Apple AirPods Max 2 while still scoring 4.3/5 in our research synthesis. Worth a serious look if you do not need every premium feature on the Apple AirPods Max 2.
Sonos Ace
At $346.40 the Sonos Ace costs $102.60 less than the Apple AirPods Max 2 while still scoring 4.2/5 in our research synthesis. Worth a serious look if you do not need every premium feature on the Apple AirPods Max 2.
Sony WH-1000XM6
The Sony WH-1000XM6 sits $9 above the Apple AirPods Max 2 at $458 and earns a 4.5/5 rating. Justifiable only if its specific strengths line up with your use case.
Focal Bathys
The Focal Bathys sits $150 above the Apple AirPods Max 2 at $599 and earns a 4.5/5 rating. Justifiable only if its specific strengths line up with your use case.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Priced within a few dollars of the Apple AirPods Max 2 at $449 with a 4.4/5 rating, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones is the closest direct comparable in the category.
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 sits $300 above the Apple AirPods Max 2 at $749 and earns a 4.4/5 rating. Justifiable only if its specific strengths line up with your use case.
Still want the Apple AirPods Max 2?
Read the full review and current price.
Back to the Apple AirPods Max 2 Review