With many aspects of life going remote, either because of COVID or because of technological innovations, the simultaneous need to block everything out whilst having crystal clear audio is on the rise. Luckily, a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones can perform both functions, and more. However, choosing the right pair of headphones can be a real challenge with so many options. Despite the volume of headphones available, the Apple AirPods Max and Bose 700 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones standout in terms of performance, comfort and sound quality. Keep reading this in-depth comparison to learn more about both of these headphones and which one is right for you.
The AirPods Max are Apple’s flagship over-ear headphones. With industry leading noise-cancelling technology and a unique design, these headphones are sure to impress those who use them as well as those who see them being worn. These headphones are ideal for anyone who likes a big sound with thumping bass. They’re especially useful if you use multiple Apple devices and want to be able to switch between them seamlessly.
Apple AirPods Max
Apple
amazon.com
$479.00
AirPods Max pros
As you may expect from Apple, the AirPods Max are much easier to connect to your phone than the Bose 700 Headphones are. All you need to do to connect the AirPods to an iPhone is simply turn the headphones on near your phone and a pop-up on your phone will prompt you to connect them.
Although the AirPods Max are heavier than the Bose 700 Headphones, the innovative design makes them quite comfortable. Plus, the weight gives the AirPods a high quality feel that the Bose slightly lacks in comparison.
The AirPods Max contain Apple’s proprietary H1 chip, which gives these headphones more than enough power. Not only is the sound quality stellar, Apple’s active noise-cancelling (ANC) technology outperforms that of Bose at both low and high frequencies. In fact, the AirPods Max can make some frequencies as much as four times quieter. Another cool feature of the AirPods Max is that they have a transparency mode that allows certain audio, such as voices, to be let in when you’re using it.
Airpods Max cons
Right off the bat, and even in comparison to Bose, which isn’t exactly known for its affordability, the Apple AirPods Max are quite expensive. The headphones are undeniably unique in their design, but many wearers still find the whooping $549 price tag too high. Rather surprisingly, especially given the price tag, the AirPods Max only feature tactile controls, which can be difficult to use with gloves or in cold weather. The Bose 700 Headphones, on the other hand, features touch panels and can even be programmed with custom gesture shortcuts.
On another note, the AirPods Max requires Apple’s unique lightning port for charging, which means that you’re less likely to find someone who can lend you a charger in a pinch. This is especially true since more and more Apple products are switching to the USB-C, which is the charging port that the Bose 700 Headphones feature.
Although this may not matter to most Apple users, the AirPods Max are not entirely compatible with Android phones. While you can still connect them to an Android with the Bluetooth 5.0 technology, you will need to connect the AirPods Max to someone’s iPhone to get firmware updates.
What are the Bose 700 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones?
Bose has been at the forefront of the audio industry for decades, and their 700 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones offer all of the technology and performance Bose can fit into a single pair of headphones. As their flagship headphones that feature a sleek design, lightweight construction and superb sound quality, the Bose 700 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones pack a serious punch.
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
Bose
amazon.com
$379.00
Bose 700 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones pros
One of the best features of the Bose 700 Headphones, other than the superb sound quality, is the fact that they can be worn all day without causing discomfort. Bose added extra plush ear pads on the latest model of the 700 Headphones, which makes them even more comfortable than before. Plus, because the battery lasts a full 21 hours, these headphones are not only comfortable, but also powerful enough to be worn for an entire day. Thankfully, despite its size, the battery charges quickly and you can expect to get over 240 minutes of use out of a 15 minute charge.
Although the ANC on the Bose 700 Headphones isn’t quite as good as what the AirPods Max offers, the Bose are definitely the better choice for anyone who places a premium on portability. First off, the 700 Headphones can fold nearly flat, thanks to the fact that the actual ear cups rotate inwards. Additionally, the 700 Headphones come with a sturdier carrying case than the AirPods Max do.
The Bose 700 Headphones are made from high quality metal, which is a departure from earlier models that were entirely plastic. The metal constructions means these headphones are less prone to breaking, especially during transit. Business professionals who commute will also appreciate the astounding microphone quality on the Bose 700 Headphones.
Bose 700 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones cons
Unfortunately, while Bose excels in all things sound quality and functionality, they don’t provide the same level of design appeal as the AirPods Max. There’s no denying the Bose 700 Headphones are sleek, but they could offer more colors.
Another drawback of the Bose 700 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones is that they don’t offer as many technological features as the AirPods Max do. For example, while the AirPods Max have adaptive EQ and spatial sound, the Bose 700 Headphones lack both. Also, the Bose 700 Headphones won’t seamlessly integrate with your device, regardless of whether it’s an Android or iPhone.
Although the Bose 700 Headphones provide a more balanced sound quality than the AirPods Max do, they lack the depth of bass that many listeners, especially those who like hip-hop, electronic and rock music, want.
Should you get the AirPods Max or Bose 700 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones?
All in all, choosing between the Apple Airpods Max and the Bose 700 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones is a challenge. Both offer premium ANC technology, superb durability and great sound. However, there are few major divergences that you should pay attention to before purchasing a new pair of headphones. First and foremost, the price. If you are on a budget or prone to breaking or losing your headphones, it’s best to stick to the cheaper and equally impressive Bose 700 Headphones. These are also the right headphones for anyone that wants to use them for phone calls or Zoom meetings. However, the Apple AirPods Max are ideal for anyone who wants to seamlessly integrate their headphones across their Apple devices. Furthermore, the AirPods Max are definitely the choice if you want your headphones to double as a fashion accessory. Thankfully, you can’t really go wrong in choosing between these two since both are excellent headphones.
