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Aipod Max Alternative?
- Thread starter kp98077
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I leave my AirPods max at home for home use. My alternative is the AirPods Pro. I just don’t like wearing over the ear type in public. Looks weird imo.
I also use my AirPods Max within the home only. I take my AirPods Pro any time I leave the house as they are much easier to put in my pocket when not in use.
I second this, but might suggest the XM4's instead. I upgraded from a pair of Sony WH-1000XM2's to the AirPods Max. Comparing the two, the XM2's folded really nicely, had a great case, and came with a 3.5mm jack adapter (among other adapters). The AirPods Max have some superiority in terms of comfort, overall build quality, seamless operation with Apple devices, and noise cancelation (as you'd expect, comparing a modern device with something that came out about five years ago).
However, the differences aren't huge between the Max and the WH-1000XM2. The WH-1000XM5 is the latest iteration, and when I checked reviews it seemed quite mixed as to which one was regarded as being superior. Sony unfortunately changed the design with the XM5 so that it no longer folds to be quite as compact, which is why I recommend the previous iteration (XM4) instead, as it seems to still have the folding design. Sound-wise, and considering noise cancelation, the latest will always be the best... but if the XM2's were fantastic, I have no doubt that the XM4's are probably strong performers as well.
I don't regret the AirPods Max purchase, but I do recognize that it was the less practical one. I'm enjoying them, but unless Apple makes some changes to their portability and standby modes, when they die I'll probably return to what ever XM-number Sony is on.
Every time I see someone wearing AirPod Max headphones in public I always think of Cybermen from Dr Who.
AirPod Pros for me, though currently one is broken.
AirPod Pros for me, though currently one is broken.
i think use-context is important and mines is mainly for online meetings and vacations (when they occur). I’ve previously used the XM4 and Bose NC700.
I am potentially swapping out my Max with the XM5 because people have said I sound significantly better over phone and online meetings. NC seems on-par though transparency is about 90% natural of the Max. Sound stage is also on-par. Bc I have larger ears, the Max cups my ears extremely well but they’re just a tad heavy as well as the clamping force. My ears touch the cups of the XM5 a lot but not uncomfortable. I contribute a slight amount of warmth to the touching but not sweaty ears like the XM4 or Bose.
Traveling with my Max in a generic case was a PITA. I had it in the main compartment of my Peak Design 20L Everyday bag. Trying the XM5s, they’re slightly better, but not by much.
Update: 7/17/22
After more testing, I'm starting to lean back towards the Max because my ears are relatively larger and like the "in ear" cup design of than the "on ear" of the XMS5. But the clamping force of the Max is truly greater and prefer the MX5. XM5's sound stage sounds better but not to a point where it's significant enough for me to switch. The transparency of the Max is top-tier and while the Sony has made great improvement, it's still a noticeably artificial with the "pumped in" feeling but natural enough. I believe it's about 85% of the Max and software could get it closer. The headband bar of the XM5 is probably my biggest gripe. You can really feel it and it's kind of annoying.
I am potentially swapping out my Max with the XM5 because people have said I sound significantly better over phone and online meetings. NC seems on-par though transparency is about 90% natural of the Max. Sound stage is also on-par. Bc I have larger ears, the Max cups my ears extremely well but they’re just a tad heavy as well as the clamping force. My ears touch the cups of the XM5 a lot but not uncomfortable. I contribute a slight amount of warmth to the touching but not sweaty ears like the XM4 or Bose.
Traveling with my Max in a generic case was a PITA. I had it in the main compartment of my Peak Design 20L Everyday bag. Trying the XM5s, they’re slightly better, but not by much.
Update: 7/17/22
After more testing, I'm starting to lean back towards the Max because my ears are relatively larger and like the "in ear" cup design of than the "on ear" of the XMS5. But the clamping force of the Max is truly greater and prefer the MX5. XM5's sound stage sounds better but not to a point where it's significant enough for me to switch. The transparency of the Max is top-tier and while the Sony has made great improvement, it's still a noticeably artificial with the "pumped in" feeling but natural enough. I believe it's about 85% of the Max and software could get it closer. The headband bar of the XM5 is probably my biggest gripe. You can really feel it and it's kind of annoying.
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Sony XM4's are 35% off for Amazon Prime Day if you can still snag it. I love mine but for on the go, I do tend to prefer my AirPod Pro's.
XM5 with 2 chips has improved noise canceling and microphones for calls. That said, the XM4 is no joke either.
Bose 700s have better pairing for bluetooth and have that Bose sound that really works for most people. Probably the best call quality.
Apple kinda botched it with the weight and wired support for high res music.
I hop between a pair of XM5s and the AirPods Max.
Bose 700s have better pairing for bluetooth and have that Bose sound that really works for most people. Probably the best call quality.
Apple kinda botched it with the weight and wired support for high res music.
I hop between a pair of XM5s and the AirPods Max.
