Noise-Canceling Showdown: AirPods Max vs. Sony XM5 vs. Bose 700

The competition for the top slot in the high-end noise-cancelling headphone market has never been fiercer. In fact, it’s not surprising that the top three rivals, AirPods Max, Sony XM5, and Bose 700, have been dominating conversations and search inquiries as music lovers and regular travelers continually search for the greatest audio experience. Consequently, if you’re looking for the best noise-canceling headphones, you’ve found the ideal location.

Over time, there has been an exponential increase in demand for high-quality noise-canceling headphones as individuals prioritize comfort, style, and performance to improve their listening experience. The AirPods Max vs. Sony XM5 vs. Bose 700 comparison is undoubtedly worthwhile taking into account, whether you’re a business professional trying to block out noise on lengthy flights or a music enthusiast who values sharp, immersive sound. We will examine in-depth the features, sound quality, design, and pricing of these three industry leaders in this thorough comparison so you can confidently select the headphones that exactly match your preferences and requirements.

AirPods Max vs. Sony XM5 vs. Bose 700: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	AirPods Max	Sony XM5	Bose 700
Price	$549	$400	$379
Active Noise Cancellation	Yes	Yes	Yes
Battery Life	20 hours	30 hours	20 hours
Charging Time	2 hours	3 hours	2.5 hours
Fast Charging	Yes	Yes	Yes
Weight	384g	250g	254g
Bluetooth Version	5.0	5.2	5.1
Audio Codec Support	AAC, SBC	LDAC, AAC, SBC	AAC, SBC
Adjustable ANC Levels	Yes	Yes	Yes
Transparency Mode	Yes	Yes (Ambient Sound)	Yes (Conversations)
Multi-Device Connectivity	Yes	Yes	Yes
Voice Assistant	Siri	Google Assistant, Alexa	Google Assistant, Alexa
Foldable Design	No	Yes	No
Water Resistance	No	Yes (IPX4)	No
Warranty	1 year	1 year	1 year

AirPods Max vs. Sony XM5 vs. Bose 700: Product Breakdown

We’ll give a brief overview of each of the three noise-canceling headphones in this section. Before we compare each product in depth, this will offer you a quick rundown of the important features and highlights of each model.

AirPods Max

Apple’s foray into the premium noise-cancelling headphones market is the AirPods Max. It has a distinct and upscale design, an all-metal construction, and a mesh headband. The Adaptive EQ technology and Apple’s H1 processor also contribute to the headphones’ excellent sound quality. The AirPods Max are undoubtedly a top pick for those who value design and compatibility with the Apple ecosystem due to its customizable active noise cancellation levels and exceptional call quality. However, some users can see issues in its comparatively expensive cost and lack of water resistance.

Sony XM5

The most recent model in Sony’s well-known WH-1000X series is the Sony XM5. It boasts exceptional active noise-cancellation capabilities and high-resolution audio playback with LDAC codec support. In addition, the XM5 is a great option for frequent travelers and audiophiles because to its foldable design, plush ear cups, and projected 30-hour battery life. Additionally, its IPX4 water resistance grade increases its adaptability. Its call quality might not be as outstanding in noisy surroundings as the other two options, though.

Bose 700

The Bose 700 noise-canceling headphones are a chic and cozy pair that have a distinctive stainless steel headband design. Additionally, it produces a balanced and natural sound profile that is appropriate for a variety of musical genres. Its outstanding call quality and noise cancellation skills are its best feature. It is therefore a great option for business people or those who frequently make calls in noisy environments. Despite having a shorter battery life than the Sony XM5, many customers find it to be an appealing alternative due to its lower cost and programmable active noise cancelling levels.

AirPods Max vs. Sony XM5 vs. Bose 700: What s the Difference?

We’ll examine the main distinctions and features of the AirPods Max, Sony XM5, and Bose 700 in this part. We then strive to give you a deeper idea of each model’s strengths and limitations by delving into their design, sound quality, noise cancellation, battery life, and extra features. When it comes to headphones, everyone has distinct wants and desires. So, investigating each device can help you determine which one to buy, whether you’re searching for a gadget with a sleek design and comfortable earbuds or one with a more substantial build and good audio quality.

Design

The AirPods Max have a distinctive and striking design with an all-metal construction and a mesh headband that offers both fashion and comfort. However, at 384g, they are the heaviest of the three. The Bose 700 and Sony XM5, on the other hand, feature more traditional designs, with the XM5 being the most portable and lightest (at 250g). The Bose 700 weighs just 254g and boasts a unique stainless steel headband.

Sound Quality

All three headphones offer good audio performance in terms of sound quality. First, with the aid of Apple’s H1 chip and Adaptive EQ technology, the AirPods Max provide rich and immersive sound. The Sony XM5 then excels with its LDAC audio codec support, giving audiophiles access to high-resolution audio playback. Last but not least, the Bose 700 has a balanced and natural sound signature that makes it suitable for a variety of musical genres.

Noise Cancellation

Top-notch active noise-cancellation (ANC) capabilities are present in all three versions. Users may customize their listening experience using the AirPods Max and Bose 700’s ANC settings. Without a doubt, the Sony XM5 rivals the performance of the other two candidates in terms of noise cancelling. However, it is important to keep in mind that the Sony XM5’s noise-cancelling qualities may differ based on the setting and fit.

Battery Life

The Sony XM5 leads the pack in terms of battery life, with a remarkable 30 hours of playback when ANC is on. The battery life of the AirPods Max and Bose 700 is 20 hours, which is still decent, but it is not as long as the Sony XM5. All three headphones, however, offer quick charging. As a result, consumers can listen for hours with just a brief charging time.

Comfort and Fit

Given that headphones are frequently worn for extended durations, comfort is important. Although some users may find the AirPods Max to be a little weighty, they have a mesh headband and memory foam ear cups that offer a pleasant fit. The Sony XM5, on the other hand, has padded headband and soft, plush ear cups, providing a pleasant fit for most users. Finally, the Bose 700 boasts a distinctive design with soft ear cups that offer a secure and comfortable fit and a stainless steel headband that uniformly distributes weight across the head.

Call Quality

Another crucial factor to take into account is call quality, particularly for users who place numerous calls on their headphones. For consumers who require crystal-clear and uninterrupted communications, the AirPods Max is a superb option because to its superior call quality and noise reduction. The Sony XM5 works similarly in terms of call quality, but some users have noted some issues in noisy settings. Last but not least, the Bose 700 is renowned for its superb call quality and noise-cancelling features. This makes it a great option for business people or those who frequently make calls in noisy environments.

Additional Features

All three models support voice assistants, multi-device connectivity, and transparency or ambient sound settings. However, the Sony XM5 has an advantage over the competition because to its folding form and IPX4 water resistance rating, which make it easier to use and more suited for an active lifestyle.

In conclusion, each of the AirPods Max, Sony XM5, and Bose 700 offers a distinct range of features and functionalities that are tailored to individual needs and tastes. However, you may confidently choose which set of noise-canceling headphones is the ideal match for you by evaluating the design, sound quality, noise cancellation, battery life, and other features of each model.

AirPods Max vs. Sony XM5 vs. Bose 700: Must-Know Facts

• AirPods Max excels in seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem
• Sony XM5 offers the longest battery life of the three, with 30 hours of playback
• Bose 700 stands out for its exceptional call quality and noise reduction
• AirPods Max has a unique, premium design, but is the heaviest option
• Sony XM5 supports high-resolution audio playback with LDAC codec
• Bose 700 uses a balanced sound profile that works well with various music genres
• All three models offer adjustable active noise cancellation levels
• Sony XM5 is the only option with a water resistance rating (IPX4)
• AirPods Max is the most expensive option, while Bose 700 is the most affordable of the three
• Comfort and fit vary among the models, with each offering different design elements for user preferences

AirPods Max vs. Sony XM5 vs. Bose 700: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Use?

We’ll go through the advantages and disadvantages of the AirPods Max, Sony XM5, and Bose 700 models in this part so you can decide which is best for your individual requirements. Simply put, consider this a decision-making exercise that will assist you in sorting out your possibilities. Additionally, because all three models fall on the more expensive end of the price spectrum, it’s crucial to weigh your alternatives and make a well-informed choice.

AirPods Max Pros

• Unique and premium design with a metal build
• Exceptional sound quality with Adaptive EQ technology
• Highly effective and adjustable active noise cancellation
• Comfortable fit with memory foam ear cups and a mesh headband
• Excellent call quality and noise reduction
• Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem

AirPods Max Cons

• Heaviest of the three models
• Expensive compared to the other two options
• No water resistance rating
• Non-foldable design

Sony XM5 Pros

• High-resolution audio playback with LDAC codec support
• Excellent active noise cancellation performance
• Foldable design for easy portability
• Impressive 30-hour battery life with ANC enabled
• Water resistance rating of IPX4
• Comfortable fit with plush ear cups and padded headband

Sony XM5 Cons

• Noise-cancellation performance may vary depending on fit and environment
• Occasional difficulties with call quality in noisy environments
• The price is still relatively high compared to the Bose 700

Bose 700 Pros

• Balanced and natural sound profile suitable for various music genres
• Exceptional call quality and noise reduction capabilities
• Adjustable active noise cancellation levels
• Comfortable fit with a stainless steel headband and soft ear cups
• Unique and stylish design
• Slightly more affordable than the other two options

Bose 700 Cons

• Non-foldable design
• Battery life falls short compared to the Sony XM5
• No water resistance rating

After weighing the benefits and drawbacks of the AirPods Max, Sony XM5, and Bose 700, it is evident that each device has particular advantages and disadvantages. Your ultimate decision will therefore be based on your unique preferences and requirements. For instance, the AirPods Max can be your best pick if you value luxury design, easy connection with Apple products, and exceptional call quality. On the other hand, the Sony XM5 is a great option if you value high-resolution audio playback, a long battery life, and a folding design. The Bose 700 may be the ideal choice if you’re looking for a comfy, fashionable pair of headphones with excellent call quality at a lower price.