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Bowers & Wilkins Px8 vs Apple AirPods Max

The Px8 is the better-sounding headphone for critical listening, with carbon cone drivers, aptX Adaptive and a 24-bit DSP that give it a richer, more detailed presentation. The AirPods Max is the easier pick for iPhone and Mac owners, with tighter Apple integration, spatial audio and a lighter-feeling fit for long sessions. Build goes to Bowers & Wilkins on materials (die-cast aluminum, Nappa leather), while Apple wins on battery life and ecosystem convenience.

  • Choose the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 if you want the best sound quality in this pair and listen across Android, iPhone or a wired source.
  • Choose the Apple AirPods Max if you live in Apple's ecosystem and want seamless switching, spatial audio and a comfortable all-day fit.

Prices

  • Bowers & Wilkins Px8: $350.00 at Whatnot (checked today)
  • Apple AirPods Max: $31.00 at vipoutlet.com (last seen Nov 5)
  • Difference: the Apple AirPods Max is $319.00 cheaper than the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 at the latest prices (Nov 5 and Nov 9)
Bowers & Wilkins
Bowers & Wilkins Px8

Bowers & Wilkins Px8

4.8(184 ratings)
$350.00at WhatnotObserved at 8:25 AM
See all prices and details
Visit Whatnot
Pros
  • Carbon cone drivers with angled placement for a wide soundstage
  • aptX Adaptive and 24-bit DSP for high-resolution wireless
  • Nappa leather and aluminum build that feels premium
  • 30-hour battery with a fast 15-minute top-up
  • USB-C audio plus an included 3.5mm cable
Cons
  • Heavier than most over-ear models
  • ANC trails the AirPods Max
  • No Apple spatial audio or auto-switching
Apple
Apple AirPods Max

Apple AirPods Max

4.6(12,000 ratings)
$31.00at vipoutlet.comObserved Nov 5, 2026, 11:08 AM
See all prices and details
Visit vipoutlet.com
Pros
  • Best-in-class active noise cancellation
  • Seamless pairing and switching across Apple devices
  • Spatial audio with head tracking on Apple content
  • Comfortable mesh headband for long wear
  • Strong resale and a large owner base
Cons
  • 20-hour battery is shorter than the Px8
  • AAC only; no hi-res codec for Android users
  • Wired listening needs a separate cable
  • Smart Case is required to enter low-power mode

What separates them

Bowers & Wilkins Px8Apple AirPods Max
Battery lifeUp to 30 hours with ANCUp to 20 hours on a single charge
Quick charge15-minute charge gives up to 7 hoursNo comparable fast-charge claim
Codec supportaptX Adaptive and 24-bit DSP for hi-res wirelessAAC only; hi-res and spatial audio limited to Apple devices
MaterialsDie-cast aluminum arms, Nappa leather, memory foamAluminum cups, mesh canopy, memory foam cushions
Ecosystem integrationStandard Bluetooth 5.2 pairingInstant pairing, auto-switching and spatial audio across Apple devices
Weight and comfortHeavier than most over-ear rivalsLighter feel with a mesh headband that spreads pressure
Wired listeningUSB-C audio and included 3.5mm cableLightning-to-3.5mm cable sold separately
Noise cancellationSix-mic ANC, strong but not class-leadingBest-in-class ANC praised by reviewers

Price history

$550.00$16.00
Oct 27Nov 9
  • Bowers & Wilkins Px8: lowest $350.00 on Nov 9 at Whatnot.
  • Apple AirPods Max: lowest $16.00 on Nov 4 at vipoutlet.com; $189.96 on Nov 9.

Prices at every store

Bowers & Wilkins Px8

  • Audio AdviceNew

    In stock

    $699.00Free shippingObserved at 8:25 AM
    Visit Audio Advice
  • WhatnotNew

    Availability unknown

    $350.00Observed at 8:25 AM
    Visit Whatnot
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknown

    $485.00Observed at 8:25 AM
    Visit eBay
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $520.00Free shippingObserved at 8:24 AM
    Visit Amazon

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All 13 stores and price history →

Apple AirPods Max

  • Jay BrokersNew

    In stock

    $189.96Observed at 8:24 AM
    Visit Jay Brokers
  • vipoutlet.comNew

    Availability unknown

    $31.00Observed Nov 5, 2026, 11:08 AM
    Visit vipoutlet.com
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by jwz8w43 (0% positive, 0 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $250.00+ $7.04 shippingObserved at 8:23 AM
    Visit eBay
  • PayMore GreenacresNew

    Availability unknown

    $329.99Observed Nov 5, 2026, 4:33 PM
    Visit PayMore Greenacres

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay
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  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart

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All 33 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecBowers & Wilkins Px8Apple AirPods Max
Headphone Cup TypeOver-EarOver-ear
Body Part UseEars, HeadEar, Head
Noise Cancellation TypeActiveActive
Max Battery Life30 Hours20 hours (on a single charge)
Rechargeable BatteryYesYes
Standby TimeAdjustable standby timer18 days
Earpad MaterialNappa leather, Memory foamMemory foam
Wireless TypeBluetoothBluetooth
Driver Size40 mm40 mm
Frequency Response20 Hz20 kilohertz (maximum)
Headphone Impedance8 Ohms16 ohm
Sensitivity20 Hz100 decibels adjusted
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecBowers & Wilkins Px8Apple AirPods Max
Sound OutputStereoSurround sound
Total Harmonic Distortion<0.1% (1 kHz/10mW)Ultra-low distortion
WirelessYesY
MicrophoneYesYes
BluetoothYesYes
Battery Time (in use) (h)30.020.0
NFCNoNo
Buttons & ControlsAnswer/Hang Up, Skip Song, Volume, Play/PauseAnswer/Hang Up, Skip Song, Volume, Play/Pause
Water ResistantNoNo

What reviewers say

Bowers & Wilkins Px8

  • 4.8 / 5184 ratings

Owners and reviewers praise the Px8 for its striking build, comfortable fit and detailed, vocal-forward sound. Noise cancellation is rated among the best in its class. The main complaint is weight compared with rival over-ears.

What people mention
  • Design and buildPraisedOwners describe a striking, sculpted headphone made from sturdy, high-quality parts.
  • ComfortMixedWeight distribution is called excellent, but the headphone is heavier than most over-ear rivals.
  • SoundPraisedAngled drivers produce detailed highs and a charming midrange with forward vocals.
  • Noise cancellationPraisedActive noise cancellation is rated best-in-class.

Apple AirPods Max

  • 4.6 / 512,000 ratings

Reviewers rate the AirPods Max highly, at 4.6 out of 5 from about 12,000 ratings. They single out the noise cancelling, sound quality and battery life, while noting that Apple's own design choices keep it short of perfect.

What people mention
  • Noise cancellingPraisedOwners call the ANC best-in-class and a match for the top over-ear rivals.
  • Sound qualityPraisedReviewers praise the frequency response and overall audio performance.
  • Battery lifePraisedTwenty hours per charge is seen as long enough for travel and full workdays.
  • ComfortPraised
Reviews
  • The Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones for 2026
  • Best Headphones We've Tested - CNET
  • The Best Wireless Headphones for 2026
  • The best wireless headphones of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed - ZDNET
  • The best over-ear headphones of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed - ZDNET
  • Best AirPods in 2025: Which Apple Earbuds Should You Buy?

Questions and answers

Which has better noise cancellation?
The AirPods Max. Reviewers consistently rate its ANC as best-in-class, and it handles low-frequency drone better than the Px8's six-mic system.
Which sounds better for critical listening?
The Px8. Its carbon cone drivers, angled mounting and aptX Adaptive support give it more detail and a wider stage, especially from Android or a wired source.
Which lasts longer on a charge?
The Px8, at up to 30 hours with ANC versus 20 hours for the AirPods Max. The Px8 also adds 7 hours from a 15-minute charge.
Is the AirPods Max worth stepping up to from a cheaper pair?
If you own an iPhone or Mac and want the best ANC plus spatial audio, yes. If sound quality and battery matter more, the Px8 is the stronger step up.
Can I use the AirPods Max with Android?
Yes, over standard Bluetooth, but you lose instant pairing, auto-switching and spatial audio. The Px8 gives Android users aptX Adaptive, which the AirPods Max cannot match.
Which is more comfortable for long wear?
The AirPods Max, thanks to its lighter feel and mesh canopy. The Px8 is heavier, though its weight distribution is well regarded.

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Simulated Surround Sound
No
Yes
Weight (oz)11.313.6
FoldableNoNo
Type of HeadphoneOver-EarOver-Ear
Wi-FiNoNo
Manufacturer ColorBlackSky Blue
Suitable for TrainingNoNo
Speaker Configuration2.0 (stereo)2.0 (stereo)
ColorBlackBlue
Construction & ElementsDynamicDynamic
Detachable CableYesNo
Battery Time with Noise Cancelling (h)30.020.0
MultipointNoNo
Noise CancellingActive Noise CancellingActive noise cancelling (ANC)
Wireless TechnologyBluetoothBluetooth
Recharge Time15 minute charge for 7 hours playback—
Connectivity TechnologyWireless—
Bluetooth Version5.2—
Compatible DevicesTablets, Computers—
The memory foam earpads and fit are described as comfortable for long sessions.
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