AirPods Max vs. Bose 700/Sony WH-1000xM4：Which will win?

[macnmac]

Same. I just got finished going back and forth between the Max and XM4. The Max are truly in another class when it comes to sound. Just clearer, more resolving, and detailed. The XM4 has more bass and that's it. I can see someone who only listens to Hip Hop, EDM, and Electronic Music only maybe preferring the XM4 when it comes to sound. And that's even a stretch in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, the XM4s don't sound bad, and I disagree with people who say they're horrible or trash. I've heard trash. For their price and what they are, they are very good sounding headphones in my opinion. It's just the Max are on another level.

I will say the XM4 still wins for portability and battery life. They also have some very convenient features like speak to chat and awareness that I sometimes miss with the Max. Overall though, yeah, the Max are the better headphone overall.

comfort is much better for me on the APM even though they are heavier

the mic on the xm4s sucks apparently, never used them on mine

another issue i havent heard anyone bring up is the terrible sound leak the xm4s have, the APM are much better at containing the music within the ear cups vs the xm4s

 

[suisse]

For me, Transparency Mode makes the Max's worth the extra cost. It is incredible compared to my X4's.

@Ds6778

As a X4 owner, can you answer me two questions:

1. confort vs Sony XM4
2. ANC vs Sony XM4

Many thx

 

[petterihiisila]

@Ds6778

As a X4 owner, can you answer me two questions:

1. confort vs Sony XM4
2. ANC vs Sony XM4

Many thx

1. Comfort is similar. Both have too small ear cups for my left ear. The right ear is doing just fine thanks. Both ears fit into Boses. The cans are heavier and XM4s but the weight is distributed more evenly. I almost can't feel the headband through my corona haircut. (My ears look normal and similar, but apparently aren't exactly mirror images of each other.)
2. ANC is largely on par between these two. One sometimes performs better than the other, varies by situation. Max is definitely no worse and often better. Overall I'd give it 10-9 to Max, using MMA scoring.
3. Multi-device connectivity and mic quality during calls is way better with the Max, if paired with an all-Apple ecosystem and especially with more than 2 devices. This is the primary differentiator for me, and worth the extra, because I spend hours every day in Teams calls. (I wonder who doesn't these days.)
4. Max is neutral with deep bass when the mix contains subsonic sounds. XM4 is bass-heavy with deep bass that can't quite be neutralized. XM4 sounds darker, which works for some songs but not all. Max has no real EQ, but luckily Spotify has. I've set mine off though, it gives the overall best sound for a genre-hopping music taste.

There's an important perk with Apple's implementation of multi-device support: The secondary (and tertiary) device doesn't jump in and out when I move in and out of its coverage area. If I leave the iPad and the Mac inside and go fetch the mail, the secondary device would keep connecting and disconnecting after every corner of the house, which is distracting. "iPad disconnected. iPad connected. iPad disconnected..."

Also, connecting to the third device is just as easy as connecting to the first. No need to disconnect one of the two others or activate a pairing mode. Usually the cans can automatically connect to the device I happen to be using. Auto-switching isn't 100% reliable, but it works pretty well between my 3 devices.

There are many other little perks like that. A bit like with a Retina screen: doesn't sound like much when reading about it on paper, but it's hard to let go of it once the personal experience with it sinks in. A good Transparency Mode is really nice to have if wearing headphones practically throughout the day, for example.

That is to say: it doesn't come cheap, but there's a lot of value if the cans are used daily and almost constantly. And I expect the resell value to hold itself pretty well, as long as there are no dents and the battery can handle 300 or 600 cycles without requiring the Apple-proprietary replacement service. Other than the thin mesh, these cans are built like a shed.

 

[suisse]

thx @petterihiisila

 

[LongWayHome]

Is the Smart Case ridiculous? Probably. Is it a deal breaker for anyone willing to spend $550 on a pair of headphones? Probably not. If travel storage is an issue, there will be no shortage of 3rd party manfacturers that will sell you a hard case that can fully protect your investment. There are plenty of $15 cases for non-folding headphones on Amazon.

I've never really understood this take. So because Apple is charging $550 for these then that $550 doesn't account for everything in the box? At that price Apple could at the very least include a charging brick, braided cables, and a case that isn't the laughing stock of the tech world. Other manufacturers that sell headphones for less than Apple provide much better and more accessories. Apple should really be held to the same standard and not just be allowed to throw garbage in a box and be given a pass because 3rd parties will make better accessories.

 

[AppleRobert]

Which wins? Well the Razor Opus is SEVERELY underrated and right now only $149 at Amazon.

Put them on and you would think ANC is already engaged much like the Sony. 90% of outside noise is already eliminated.

The Razor Opus sound great, both wireless and wired.

Thank me later, hehe.

 

[ftaok]

I've never really understood this take. So because Apple is charging $550 for these then that $550 doesn't account for everything in the box? At that price Apple could at the very least include a charging brick, braided cables, and a case that isn't the laughing stock of the tech world. Other manufacturers that sell headphones for less than Apple provide much better and more accessories. Apple should really be held to the same standard and not just be allowed to throw garbage in a box and be given a pass because 3rd parties will make better accessories.

No one's giving them a pass. By all accounts, the case is ridiculous. That's not the point.

If the headphones are amazing and I'm looking for that level of sound quality, I'm not going to let a crappy case stop me from purchasing the headphones. It's not a deal killer, when I could easily purchase a case for $15. If I want something that's not included, I go out an buy it. Sure, it would be better if it was included, but I'm still going to buy it if the headphones are what I want in the first place.

 

[cardfan]

Much ado about nothing here. I consider bose travel headphones. Cheap pair for the plane. Small case. And here you guys are comparing sound quality..lol. APM should sound better since they aren’t for travel. But as with all apple products they aren’t worth msrp. Maybe at 399...but its still with a lot of limitations

 

[mashinhead]

I have the XM4's and the 3's before them. I liked them a lot. For me XM4's auto switching is a nightmare a complete disaster.

 

[yegon]

I have both. For me it breaks down like this, all subjective, all my personal opinion.

AirPods Max beat the XM4's hands down in home use, sound quality, call quality, transparency, switching between devices, physical controls (my preference).

XM4's beat the AirPods Max hands down in portability*, comfort**, battery life and general versatility (passive wired, any old 3.5mm to 3.5mm lead, although the SQ takes a big hit passive). I don't have a great issue with no power button, but I lean towards the XM4 in this regard, every time I come back to them the battery life is exactly how I left them (barring miniscule unnoticable wastage, for the pedants).

ANC I find hard to judge, they're both great. Use the XM4's a lot at work, around the railway. The APM have never left the house or been used in a particularly noisy environment. My guess is that they're roughly the same.

*XM4's fold down super small relatively, which can never happen with the APM

**Bose QCII's beat them both, ha!

I really like them both, the APM are wonderful for home use (the always on is great in this regard), the XM4's live in my work bag and I use them every day at work (key worker).

Edit: I should mention the Bose 700. Tried them and returned them, not a fan. Good ANC, decent call quality, more reliable switching than the XM4's but didn't like the sound they put out, the minimal ability to fold, the way they adjust for fit, less battery life than the XM4's.

 

[kht410]

I have both. For me it breaks down like this, all subjective, all my personal opinion.

AirPods Max beat the XM4's hands down in home use, sound quality, call quality, transparency, switching between devices, physical controls (my preference).

XM4's beat the AirPods Max hands down in portability*, comfort**, battery life and general versatility (passive wired, any old 3.5mm to 3.5mm lead, although the SQ takes a big hit passive). I don't have a great issue with no power button, but I lean towards the XM4 in this regard, every time I come back to them the battery life is exactly how I left them (barring miniscule unnoticable wastage, for the pedants).

ANC I find hard to judge, they're both great. Use the XM4's a lot at work, around the railway. The APM have never left the house or been used in a particularly noisy environment. My guess is that they're roughly the same.

*XM4's fold down super small relatively, which can never happen with the APM

**Bose QCII's beat them both, ha!

I really like them both, the APM are wonderful for home use (the always on is great in this regard), the XM4's live in my work bag and I use them every day at work (key worker).

Edit: I should mention the Bose 700. Tried them and returned them, not a fan. Good ANC, decent call quality, more reliable switching than the XM4's but didn't like the sound they put out, the minimal ability to fold, the way they adjust for fit, less battery life than the XM4's.

I second this. I have the XM4 and I’ve had the AirPods Max for a week. XM4 is hands down better for travel use and on the go. I’d also add to your list that it is also noticeably lighter than the APM and feels nicer having it around the neck when not in use.

The weight of the APM, while not as heavy as some reviewers make it out to be, is definitely noticeable when you’re walking around. It kind of bounces and slides around my head personally. It’s more ideal when you’re just sitting down working while listening to music, etc.

Also, the sound stage is definitely better on the APM. I really like it. It’s just hard to justify the price tag if I can’t travel with it :/

 

[Marli]

The XM4 hands down. Same sound, better NC, more features, longer battery life, better looking, better case, and you can turn them off. Less than half the ridiculously inflated price.. Im not sure it would be comfortable being seen in these.. 900 AUD.. for run of the mill headphones.. really..

And that case.. who would be seen dead holding that case.. You have to carry it as they dont fold.. its like an extra piece of carry on luggage.. cant wait until I am flying again.. all the giggles as someone walks past holding the APM in that case.. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

 

[puckhead193]

I'm really liking my AirPods Max's but I find the ear cups are too big for my head/ears. Anyone know how big the Sony ear cups are compared to the Max's?

 

[petterihiisila]

I'm really liking my AirPods Max's but I find the ear cups are too big for my head/ears. Anyone know how big the Sony ear cups are compared to the Max's?

This is from memory, but they feel approximately the same in terms of depth inside and the inner diameter of the earcups. Bose QC35 and NC700 have roomier cups. My head is large, so I'd rather take the Max for technology and Bose for the size, if they could have a child...

Sony is slightly worse than all of them in almost every factor I can think of — except for strong but muddy bass and low mids. Some people prefer that, they say. I've had all 4 during 2020, sticking with the Max. NC700 would be my second choice, because of the more neutral sound stage overall, which can then be tuned with EQ if necessary. NC700 is also more reliable and faster to use with multi device connections, which is important for calls and meetings. Sony has a terrible microphone.

For a smaller head and for music, Sony is totally fine, they all sound great. All of them have excellent ANC. Max is the most versatile overall, Sony does really well with talking heads in a cafe.

 

[Pmperry]

The XM4's are literally half the price of the APM and considered best in class currently. Even if the APM potentially sound better, the enormous price difference alone is a dealbreaker for most. Plus the case for the APM is a joke for travel.

Yep, that’s what the audiophiles and experts are saying. The APM are the more natural sounding headphones, but they’re not sure if they’re $200 better. They say that depends on if the build materials is important to you, and if you’re in the Apple Ecosystem.

 

[Pmperry]

Have you tried the Sennheiser HD450B? I’ve heard they’re almost as good as the $300-$400 range for $150 but I don’t know anyone personally that’s used them.

 

[LongWayHome]

Yep, that’s what the audiophiles and experts are saying. The APM are the more natural sounding headphones, but they’re not sure if they’re $200 better. They say that depends on if the build materials is important to you, and if you’re in the Apple Ecosystem.

I don't really get how being in the Apple ecosystem justifies a higher price. Why is it always said that "oh its worth it due to the integration within the Apple ecosystem." How is that a justification? This argument is literally "Apple made a product that works with their devices so its justifiable that they charge more for it." I've just never understood this argument. Yes its nice that they work well together, but they are supposed to and its not really a justification for charging a higher price. The Apple ecosystem is a benefit of buying Apple products but not a justification for Apple to charge a higher price in my opinion.

 

[Pmperry]

I don't really get how being in the Apple ecosystem justifies a higher price. Why is it always said that "oh its worth it due to the integration within the Apple ecosystem." How is that a justification? This argument is literally "Apple made a product that works with their devices so its justifiable that they charge more for it." I've just never understood this argument. Yes its nice that they work well together, but they are supposed to and its not really a justification for charging a higher price. The Apple ecosystem is a benefit of buying Apple products but not a justification for Apple to charge a higher price in my opinion.

Well...

Siri, automatic management and connectivity of the headphones across Apple devices, and better noise cancellation for the mic maybe? There are benefits to them, how much you value that depends on you.

 

[LongWayHome]

Well...

Siri, automatic management and connectivity of the headphones across Apple devices, and better noise cancellation for the mic maybe? There are benefits to them, how much you value that depends on you.

Siri works with any device, not just Apple devices. The is up to the OEM to provide it, which most now do. Connectivity across all devices is nice, but again I don't see how that is a justification for paying more money for a product.

 

[stiwi]

Siri works with any device, not just Apple devices. The is up to the OEM to provide it, which most now do. Connectivity across all devices is nice, but again I don't see how that is a justification for paying more money for a product.

Well, people could also buy Toyota Highlander and not Lexus RX for instance. Why pay more? Both have 4 wheels and will take you to the same destination, maybe even in the same time... I have been holding for a very long time since I bought Bose QC15. I was almost ready to pull a trigger for Montblanc MB 01 as they feel premium, support latest Qualcomm chipset, multi device support etc. But the ear cups are leather and this tends to make the ears sweat. I tried X2, X3, X4, I don't like their plastic cheap feeling. Yes, it is light, so great for travel, but that was not my intention.

For me APM ticks all the boxes. It feels premium. Ear cups are mesh - breathable and magnetic - innovative and cool. Being heavily in Apple ecosystem it definitely make it worth to pay premium for painless integration across devices.

 

[falainber]

Well, people could also buy Toyota Highlander and not Lexus RX for instance. Why pay more? Both have 4 wheels and will take you to the same destination, maybe even in the same time... I have been holding for a very long time since I bought Bose QC15. I was almost ready to pull a trigger for Montblanc MB 01 as they feel premium, support latest Qualcomm chipset, multi device support etc. But the ear cups are leather and this tends to make the ears sweat. I tried X2, X3, X4, I don't like their plastic cheap feeling. Yes, it is light, so great for travel, but that was not my intention.

For me APM ticks all the boxes. It feels premium. Ear cups are mesh - breathable and magnetic - innovative and cool. Being heavily in Apple ecosystem it definitely make it worth to pay premium for painless integration across devices.

There is nothing breathable about APMs. I do not think any NC headphones ,which are supposed to block sound, can let the moisture out. There have been multiple reports about condensation issues with APMs. Here is an example:

 

[Pmperry]

Siri works with any device, not just Apple devices. The is up to the OEM to provide it, which most now do. Connectivity across all devices is nice, but again I don't see how that is a justification for paying more money for a product.

Like I said, it depends on how much you value the product. I’m not sure I value them that much myself And I do not yet have them, so I’m not sure I’ll ever get them. As for Sony, never been impressed by their audio and Bose are nice, but I prefer Sennheiser’s tuning over most others.

 

[Pmperry]

There is nothing breathable about APMs. I do not think any NC headphones ,which are supposed to block sound, can let the moisture out. There have been multiple reports about condensation issues with APMs. Here is an example:

The problem is that this tends to be the same 3 or 4 people being quoted. Believe me, when Apple has an issue it gets much larger than 3 or 4 people, but it’s possible we won’t hear it blowing up until the weather gets warmer and the AC starts coming on for most people.

 

[scott99]

@Ds6778

As a X4 owner, can you answer me two questions:

1. confort vs Sony XM4
2. ANC vs Sony XM4

Many thx

I have the XM3s. I think the comfort is equal, but everyone’s heads and ears are different. As far as ANC, shockingly I think the APMs are slightly better.

But where it matters most, sound, I think the sound is much more superior in the APMs. Not gonna say the XM3s/XM4s sound bad, not at all, they sound excellent. But the APMs are on another level. The clarity, the soundstage, which to me, is a huge difference, the Sonys punch you in the face, but everything sounds more bunched together, whereas the APMs, the soundstage is phenomenal, the separation is incredible. I’ve heard things that I never caught on the XM3s.

The price in the APMs is ridiculous, but if the XM4s are worth $349, and I truly believe they are worth it, the APMs are worth the $549. There is a difference that if you love music, you can tell. Add in build quality, ease of use in the Apple ecosystem, and incredible sound. WOW.

I use this analogy. If you were around during the original iPhone, and then when the first Android phone came out, yes you can do more with that Android phone, but the overall experience of the iPhone was so much better. Same with the Sonys vs APMs, you can do more with the Sony app for your headphones, but me personally, I hardly EVER used the app. The sound out of the box for the APMs is amazing. And I didn’t even go through that alleged “burn through” period yet that people say most headphones have.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

If I was in the market for more expensive headphones than I use currently, I’d probably opt for the Sony’s out of these three. Priced nicely and a good history in manufacturing headphones.