Airpod Max ANC compared to Sony/Bose?

[eclipse01]

Maybe i've missed it in my research, but i'm wondering how well Apple ANC cancels out background noise compared to the competition?

 

[jazz1]

Maybe i've missed it in my research, but i'm wondering how well Apple ANC cancels out background noise compared to the competition?

Well I can state that the AirPods Max's ANC is better than my Bowers & Wilkins PX7. Not that I don't like the PX7, but the AirPods Max is superior in that way. Also the "transparency" hear through is like super hearing!

 

[PhoenixDown]

I haven't compared but I really like the Sony XM4's

 

[mackya99]

Maybe i've missed it in my research, but i'm wondering how well Apple ANC cancels out background noise compared to the competition?

It beats out all the other over the ear bluetooth headphones I have tried. Also, the transparency mode is really something special.

 

[Otflyer]

I have the QC 35 and xm4’s. To my ears the Max’s anc is the best. If you’re in the Apple eco system they can’t be beat.

 

[CyBeRino]

I'd say the noise cancellation is in the same league as the Sony's is, one slightly ahead of the other depending on situation, but Apple's transparency mode is ridiculously far ahead.

 

[Cashmonee]

As the others said, the transparency is really in a class of its own. It is at as good at ANC as well. However, for myself, I have found the pressure the APM produce to aid ANC is pretty hefty. They certainly can cause me to feel sick. YMMV.

 

[Telesmurfen]

I own both the AirPods Max and the Sony WH-1000XM4, and to me the XM4s have better ANC.
The reason is that with my APM, I get a small gap beneath my ears when I turn my head, which affects the ANC a lot. Getting a good seal is alpha and omega to good noise cancellation, and as long as I sit perfectly still, or don't turn my head, the ANC of the APM is great! But, as soon as I turn my head, there's this gap that lets the noise in. I've tried just about "every trick in the book", without finding a good solution. But, I wish I did, as I prefer the sound (and the spatial audio) from the APM for longer listening sessions.
And, as others have said, the transparency mode of the APM is way better than the XM4s.
But, I find myself reaching for my Sonys most often when I want some over-ear headphones when out and about.
They fit perfectly, which again makes the ANC better (to me), and they have a more "fun" sound than the more neutral APM, when I want some extra bass and punch to the music (which I often prefer when I go for a walk).

 

[anticipate]

I have the Bose QC35 and tried the Sonys. The ANC is the best on the APMs but the others are close. However Apple's seems just to be a little better/well tuned. I have a solid fit though.

The transparency mode is better than the rest by far (the QC35 don't even have it I don't recall)

 

[Otflyer]

I have the Bose QC35 and Sony XM4’s. Overall, I like the AirPods Max best and rarely use the others anymore. To me the AirPods Max are more comfortable, sound better and have better anc though they are not as portable As Sony and Bose.

 

[eclipse01]

Thank you everyone!