(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample: 1,070 ratings.
SoundGuys' best-ANC pick (about 89% of noise removed), and Tom's Guide raves about the sound. But it weighs nearly a pound, the battery is still about 20 hours, the case barely protects it, and most features need an Apple device.
Top complaints
- Heavy, with a tight clamp
Wirecutter says they are about 1.5 times as heavy as the Sony WH-1000XM6 with a snug clamp, and its reviewer took them off with a headache after about 30 minutes. SoundGuys weighed them at 385.6 g and calls the clamp 'quite strong'. Tom's Guide says they weigh nearly a pound. Amazon owners are mixed on weight and fit, with some finding them too tight.
- Short battery and a flimsy case
Tom's Guide lists the 'unimproved 20-hour battery life' and calls the case awful. SoundGuys measured about 21 hours. Wirecutter says the bra-like case doesn't protect the headband or keep debris out, and the headphones only enter Deep Sleep inside it. SoundGuys notes there is no power button. Amazon owners are split, with some saying the battery drains quickly.
- Apple-only features and few changes
SoundGuys says most features, including multipoint and firmware updates, need an Apple device, and there's no LDAC, aptX or custom EQ. Tom's Guide says the missing updates stand out more than the new ones, and a 1-star Walmart review says there are no improvements over the first Max. Walmart's lowest-rated reviews also warn of counterfeit units from third-party sellers.
What owners love
- The strongest ANC measured
SoundGuys measured about 89.4% noise attenuation and names it the best ANC pick. Wirecutter measured 27 dB, the most of any over-ear headphones in its chart.
- Superb sound
Tom's Guide praises 'fantastic sound across the entire frequency range'. SoundGuys lists great sound quality as a pro, and Amazon owners praise the sound.
- Great calls and premium, serviceable build
Wirecutter found call quality excellent and likes the replaceable battery ($79 service fee). SoundGuys scores the aluminum build 8.0.
- You use Android
- Heavy or tight headphones give you headaches
- You need more than about 20 hours per charge
- iPhone and Mac users who want seamless switching and Apple features
- Listeners who put sound and ANC ahead of weight
- Wired hi-res listening over USB-C
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- SoundGuys: Best ANC (roundup updated 2026-04-17) and 7.8 in its review. The cons are that it feels heavy, has subpar battery life, Apple-exclusive features and a high price.
- Tom's Guide: 'Also tested' in the roundup: better sound and ANC than before, but 20-hour battery and the same awful case. The review praises the sound and lists weight and battery as cons.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Recommended for Apple devotees willing to pay more for top ANC. It is hefty with a snug clamp, and the case is poor.