Too Close to Call
VS
Score Comparison
Criteria
Apple AirPods Max
Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2
Overall Score
8.8
8.7
Sound Quality
9.5
9.5
Noise Cancellation
9.0
8.2
Comfort
8.5
8.5
Features
8.5
8.5
Build Quality
9.5
8.8
Pricing & Features
Specification
Apple AirPods Max
Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2
Price
$549
$399
Making Your Decision
When to Choose Apple AirPods Max
Apple ecosystem users who want premium materials and seamless device switching
Apple AirPods Max offers exceptional build quality and sound for Apple users, but its high price, weight, and poor case design make it a luxury rather than a practical choice.
Strengths
- Premium aluminum and stainless steel construction
- Excellent sound quality with Apple's H1 chip
- Seamless integration with Apple ecosystem
- Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
Limitations
- Highest price in the category
- Heavy compared to competitors (384g)
- Poor case design doesn't protect well
When to Choose Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2
Musicians and audio professionals who prioritize sound accuracy
Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 brings professional audio quality to wireless headphones with exceptional wired performance, though consumer ANC features take a back seat to sound purity.
Strengths
- Studio-quality sound from legendary audio brand
- Exceptional wired audio quality with included cable
- LDAC and aptX HD codec support
- 45-hour battery life
Limitations
- ANC not as aggressive as consumer-focused brands
- Design is more functional than fashionable
- Controls can be confusing initially
