Macworld
The best over-ear headphones for an iPhone, iPad or Mac need more than good sound. Comfort, effective noise cancellation, battery life and useful connections all matter – and Apple’s AirPods Max aren’t the only option.
AirPods Max 2 is our pick for dedicated Apple users, combining excellent sound and noise cancellation with seamless integration across Apple devices. But its weight and price mean it won’t suit everyone. Our recommendations below include alternatives for different budgets and priorities, whether you want a lighter design, longer battery life or better value.
Drawing on our reviews, we explain how each pair sounds, how comfortable it feels and what you gain or give up compared with Apple’s headphones.
Prefer something smaller? See our best earbuds for iPhone. We also cover wired and USB-C headphones and compare every AirPods model.
Best Over-Ear HeadphonesHere are our recommended over-ear headphones for iPhone, iPad and Mac users, with advice on sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort and connectivity – and how each compares with AirPods Max.
1. Apple AirPods Max 2 – Best for dedicated Apple usersPros
- Excellent sound and ANC
- Seamless Apple device integration
- Lossless audio over USB-C
Cons
- Heavy for everyday movement
- Expensive against strong alternatives
Sound quality and noise cancellation
When we reviewed Apple’s second generation AirPods Max we rated sound quality, active noise cancellation and Transparency mode among the AirPods Max 2’s strongest attributes. Apple claims ANC is up to 1.5 times more effective than the previous generation. Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness add flexibility to everyday listening.
Comfort and design
At 13.6 ounces, these are substantial headphones, and our reviewer found their weight noticeable when moving around. Portability remains a weakness. The controversial Smart Case returns, along with power management that prevents you from simply switching the headphones off manually.
Battery life and connectivity
Apple rates battery life at up to 20 hours with noise cancellation enabled. USB-C supports lossless and ultra-low-latency wired audio. Apple device integration remains a major attraction, while the H2 chip brings Voice Isolation and Live Translation alongside the new listening features.
Who should buy them?
Choose AirPods Max 2 if you specifically want premium Apple over-ear headphones and value their integration enough to accept the price and weight. Compared with the original, you gain H2 features and improved claimed ANC, while retaining familiar design compromises. AirPods Pro 3 offer many similar features for less than half the price.–Jason Cross
Read our full Apple AirPods Max 2 review
2. Sony WH-1000XM6 – Best for noise cancellationPros
- Powerful, clear sound
- Outstanding noise cancellation
- Folding design for travel
Cons
- Comfort trails some Bose models
- Limited improvements over XM5
Sound quality and noise cancellation
In their tests of the Sony WH-1000XM6 our colleagues at PC-WELT found powerful bass, clear mids and clean highs, with little audible change from the previous generation (the XM5). Noise cancellation was the strongest the reviewer had experienced, combining a close-fitting seal with improved suppression of low-frequency noise. Sound quality and isolation are compelling reasons to choose these headphones.
Comfort and design
The XM6 sits comfortably, although PC-WELT found it less comfortable than Bose’s 700 and QC35 II. The restored folding mechanism makes packing easier, and a carrying case is included. Fit remains worth checking before committing to long listening sessions.
Battery life and connectivity
Sony quotes up to 30 hours with noise cancellation enabled. It also claims three hours’ playback from a three-minute charge using a compatible USB-PD adapter. USB-C handles charging, while the included analog cable provides wired listening. Bluetooth multipoint supports two connected devices, useful for an iPhone and Mac.
Who should buy them?
Choose the XM6 for excellent isolation, strong sound and travel practicality. Against AirPods Max, the folding design and longer rated ANC endurance are attractions; weigh those against Apple’s ecosystem integration. Existing XM5 owners have less reason to upgrade, since PC-WELT found the improvements modest.
Read our full Sony WH-1000XM6 review
3. Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 – Best premium soundPros
- Superb detail and bass
- Comfortable, luxurious build
- Versatile wired audio connections
Cons
- Higher price than AirPods
- Noise cancellation trails rivals
Sound quality and noise cancellation
The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 deliver deep, reverberating bass without sacrificing the clarity of violins and violas. Our listening revealed an atmospheric presentation that handles delicate electronic textures convincingly. Noise cancellation effectively suppresses aircraft-engine rumble, but some higher-frequency noise remains audible. We felt that the AirPods Max and Bose QuietComfort headphones provided stronger isolation, though.
Comfort and design
At 310g, the Px8 S2 is lighter than the AirPods Max and comfortable for extended listening. Padded earcups and a headband wrapped in soft Nappa leather feel luxurious, while sturdy aluminum arms inspire confidence in durability. A hard-shell carrying case is included for travel.
Battery life and connectivity
B&W specifies 30 hours with noise cancellation enabled, plus seven hours’ playback from a 15-minute charge. AAC supports Bluetooth listening on iPhone and Mac. USB-C supports wired high-resolution audio, with USB-C and 3.5mm-to-USB-C cables included.
Who should buy them?
Choose the Px8 S2 if rich, detailed stereo sound and premium construction justify a substantial outlay. Compared with the AirPods Max, you gain a lighter design and longer stated battery life, but pay more and give up some noise-canceling effectiveness.-Cliff Joseph
Read our full Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 review
4. Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 – Best midrange optionPros
- Clear, spacious sound
- High-resolution USB-C audio
- Competitive price and endurance
Cons
- Voices penetrate noise cancellation
Sound quality and noise cancellation
The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 keeps complex arrangements clear, separating percussion, guitars and horns without losing their energy. Delicate strings sound expressive, with a spacious presentation that gives instruments room to breathe. Noise cancellation suppresses low-frequency rumble well, but airport chatter still leaks through. AirPods Max and Bose QC Ultra block background noise more effectively.
Comfort and design
Slimmer, lighter earcups make the Px7 S3 more suitable for extended listening and travel than its predecessors. Its minimalist design looks sleek, while the included hard-shell case protects the headphones in transit.
Battery life and connectivity
B&W rates battery life at 30 hours; the review specifies use with noise cancellation but provides no measured rundown result. AAC supports wireless listening on iPhone and Mac. USB-C handles charging and wired audio up to 24-bit/96kHz, making it useful for high-resolution Apple Music listening. USB-C and 3.5mm audio cables are included.
Who should buy them?
Choose the Px7 S3 if musical detail and stereo sound matter more than maximum isolation. Compared to the AirPods Max, you gain a lower price and higher-resolution USB-C support, but sacrifice some noise-canceling effectiveness. Frequent travelers who prioritize quiet should consider stronger alternatives.-Cliff Joseph
Read our full Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 review
5. Sennheiser HDB 630 – Best for hi-res listening on Apple devicesPros
- Detailed, expressive sound
- Included USB-C wireless transmitter
- Long claimed battery life
Cons
- Noise cancellation trails rivals
- Touch controls aren’t customizable
Sound quality and noise cancellation
When we reviewed the Sennheiser HDB 630 we enjoyed more forceful strings and richer, resonant cellos using the included BTD 700 transmitter than through our iPad’s standard Bluetooth connection. Dense rock retained fine percussion detail. Noise cancellation strongly suppressed simulated aircraft rumble, but higher-frequency airport sounds leaked through. AirPods Max and Bose QuietComfort Ultra offered slightly better isolation.
Comfort and design
Our colleagues at PC-WELT’s review found the HDB 630 comfortable enough to wear all day despite its 310g weight. The headphones have an elegant design and come with a sturdy carrying case and an airline adapter for travel.
Battery life and connectivity
Sennheiser claims up to 60 hours with ANC enabled and six hours’ playback from a 10-minute charge. Our reviewer reported around 45 hours when using the transmitter. AAC provides ordinary Bluetooth listening on Apple devices; the included USB-C transmitter adds higher-resolution wireless audio to compatible Macs, iPhones and iPads. USB-C and analog cables support wired listening.
Who should buy them?
The HDB 630 suits Apple users who prioritize sound quality and flexible connections. Compared with the AirPods Max, it offers longer stated endurance, a lower price and the bundled transmitter, while sacrificing some noise-canceling effectiveness. Initial transmitter pairing proved confusing, although switching connections became straightforward afterward.-Cliff Joseph
Read our full Sennheiser HDB 630 review
6. Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless – Best for long journeysPros
- Powerful bass, clear highs
- Comfortable for extended listening
- Excellent noise cancellation
Cons
- Awkward replacement audio cable
- Pricier than previous model
Sound quality and noise cancellation
The Sennheiser Momentum 5 delivers deep, firm bass, clear high frequencies and an atmospheric soundstage. When we tested them, heavy guitar riffs had power, percussion sounded precise, and complex arrangements remained balanced. Noise cancellation matches AirPods Max at suppressing low-frequency rumble, such as aircraft engines. Higher-frequency sounds are also reduced effectively, although Apple retains an advantage here.
Comfort and design
Thickly padded earcups and a 290g weight make these headphones comfortable for extended listening. They’re substantially lighter than the 386g AirPods Max. A sturdy carrying case provides protection when traveling.
Battery life and connectivity
The manufacturer claims 57 hours battery life with noise cancellation enabled, which is considerably better than Apple’s AirPods Max at 20 hours. USB-C and analog audio cables are included for wired listening, while AAC supports Bluetooth listening on Apple devices. The analog cable uses a 2.5mm headphone connector, potentially complicating replacement.
Who should buy them?
Frequent travelers seeking powerful sound, effective noise cancellation and long battery life should consider the Momentum 5. Against AirPods Max, you gain a lighter design, considerably longer reported battery life and a lower price. You give up some effectiveness against higher-frequency noise. Buyers prioritizing price should also consider the discounted Momentum 4. –Cliff Joseph
Read our full Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless review
7. Beats Studio Pro – An affordable AirPods Max alternativePros
- Clean, balanced sound
- USB-C and analog audio
- Useful Apple ecosystem features
Cons
- Stiff headband limits comfort
- No automatic ear detection
Sound quality and noise cancellation
When we tested the Beats Studio Pro, we experienced clean, balanced sound, with bass matching the clarity and punch of the AirPods Max, plus noticeably crisper highs. Adaptive noise cancellation impressed, although we felt AirPods Pro 2 performed better. Noise cancellation is unavailable when listening through USB-C.
Comfort and design
At 260g, Studio Pro is considerably lighter than AirPods Max, but we found it less comfortable. The stiff headband and less luxurious ear cushions are the main compromises. The headphones fold for travel and include a proper carrying case.
Battery life and connectivity
Beats claims up to 24 hours of battery life with noise cancellation enabled. We got around four hours’ playback from a 10-minute charge. USB-C supports charging and lossless audio, alongside a 3.5mm input. Apple features include one-touch and iCloud pairing, hands-free Siri, Find My and personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking, but no instant device switching.
Who should buy them?
Studio Pro suits Apple users seeking versatile wired connections and a cheaper,