Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) Alternatives

The Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) is one of our top headphones picks of 2026 ($549.00 · 4.5/5), 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 (USB-C) for typical buyers.

By The Tech Showdown Editorial TeamUpdated April 27, 2026How we research

#1Cheaper and higher-rated

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

$283.35★ 4.7/5

At $283.35 the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones costs $265.65 less than the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) 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 (USB-C).

Compare Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones →Read full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones review →

#2Cheaper and higher-rated

Bose QuietComfort 45

$229.00★ 4.7/5

At $229.00 the Bose QuietComfort 45 costs $320.00 less than the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) 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 (USB-C).

Compare Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) vs Bose QuietComfort 45 →Read full Bose QuietComfort 45 review →

#3Cheaper and higher-rated

Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones

$346.83★ 4.6/5

At $346.83 the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones costs $202.17 less than the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) while still scoring 4.6/5 in our research synthesis. Worth a serious look if you do not need every premium feature on the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C).

Compare Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones →Read full Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones review →

#4Save $399.01

Anker Soundcore Space Q45

$149.99★ 4.5/5

At $149.99 the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 costs $399.01 less than the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) 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 (USB-C).

Compare Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) vs Anker Soundcore Space Q45 →Read full Anker Soundcore Space Q45 review →

#5The budget-conscious pick

Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless

$299.95★ 4.4/5

At $299.95 the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless costs $249.05 less than the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) 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 (USB-C).

Compare Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) vs Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless →Read full Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless review →

#6The budget-conscious pick

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300

$399.00★ 4.4/5

At $399.00 the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 costs $150.00 less than the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) 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 (USB-C).

Compare Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) vs Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 →Read full Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 review →

#7The budget-conscious pick

JBL Tour One M2

$199.95★ 4.3/5

At $199.95 the JBL Tour One M2 costs $349.05 less than the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) 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 (USB-C).

Compare Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) vs JBL Tour One M2 →Read full JBL Tour One M2 review →

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