Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) vs Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black)
If you're in the market for headphones, the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) is the premium option here, offering unrivaled Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and seamless Apple ecosystem integration. In real-world use, the AirPods Max weighs in at a hefty 0.85 lb, which might be cumbersome for long listening sessions. On the flip side, the ACCENTUM Plus at 8.0 oz is significantly lighter and comes with customizable sound profiles to enhance your listening experience.
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Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black)
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) vs Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black)
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black)
| Criterion | Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) | Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(3,079)Amazon | ★4.1(1,285)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0; USB-C (charging + lossless wired audio) | Bluetooth 5.2 + USB-C (Audio/Charging) + 2.5mm Jack (Analog input on earcup) |
Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
Codecs | AAC, SBC (Wireless); ALAC (Wired via USB-C) | aptX™ Adaptive, aptX™, AAC, SBC, mSBC, CVSD |
ANC | Yes (Pro-level Active Noise Cancellation) | Yes (Adaptive Hybrid ANC) |
Transparency | Yes (Transparency mode) | Yes (Transparency Mode) |
Drivers | 40mm Apple-designed dynamic driver | 37mm dynamic drivers (Angled) |
Frequency Response | Not officially specified | 10 Hz – 22,000 Hz |
Microphones | 9 mics (8 for ANC, 3 for voice pickup - 2 shared) | 2 beamforming microphones (Speech) + ANC microphones |
Battery Life | Up to 20 h (with ANC/Spatial Audio) | Up to 50 hours (Bluetooth + ANC) |
Battery Life | N/A (Smart Case preserves battery, does not charge) | N/A (No charging case) |
Charging | USB-C | USB-C; ~3.5 hours full charge; 10 min rapid charge = 5 hours playback |
Multipoint | Automatic Switching (Apple ecosystem only) | Yes (2 devices) |
Low Latency Mode | Ultra-low latency via USB-C (wired) | Yes (via aptX Adaptive) |
Wired Mode | Yes (Lossless digital audio via USB-C cable) | Yes (USB-C Digital Audio + Analog via included 2.5mm to 3.5mm cable) |
Water Resistance | None | None (No IP rating) |
Weight | 0.85 lb (385 g) | 8.0 oz (227 g) |
Controls | Digital Crown (volume/control), Noise Control button | Touch pad (Right earcup: Volume, Play/Pause, Skip, ANC toggle) + Physical Power/Pairing button |
App Eq | iOS Settings (Headphone Accommodations) | Sennheiser Smart Control app (5-band EQ, Sound Personalization, Sound Zones) |
Extras | Personalized Spatial Audio; Find My support; Smart Case (low power mode) | Smart Pause (Wear detection); Wind Noise Reduction; Carrying case included; 3.9' USB-C cable & 4.2' audio cable |
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Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
✓ Pros:
- • Seamless switching and integration within Apple ecosystem
- • Class-leading ANC and Transparency modes
- • Native Lossless Audio support via USB-C cable
- • Premium build quality with breathable mesh canopy
✗ Cons:
- • Heavier than most competitors (385g)
- • Smart Case offers minimal physical protection
- • Retains older H1 chip (misses Adaptive Audio/Conversation Awareness)
- • Expensive MSRP ($549) unchanged
- • No official water resistance rating
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Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black)
✓ Pros:
- • Impressive 50-hour battery life with ANC enabled reduces charging anxiety
- • Sound Personalization feature creates a custom audio profile for your hearing
- • Supports high-resolution wired audio via USB-C (plug-and-play with PC/phones)
- • Includes a robust carrying case (unlike the standard Accentum model)
- • Touch controls are responsive and intuitive for playback/volume adjustments
✗ Cons:
- • Earcup input is 2.5mm (sub-standard size), making replacement cables harder to find
- • Clamp force can feel slightly tight on larger heads due to the compact headband
- • Lacks an official IP rating for water or sweat resistance
- • Design does not fold completely for compact storage (earcups swivel flat only)
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Which one is better?
Grab the AirPods Max if you need class-leading ANC and are deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem - it offers seamless connectivity that’s hard to beat.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) if: you prioritize top-notch Active Noise Cancellation, you need seamless integration with Apple devices, or you want lossless audio via USB-C. (13.58 oz weight)
Choose the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black) if: you value long battery life with up to 50 hours, you desire a customizable sound experience, or you want a lighter option for extended wear.
Conclusion
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) and Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black) are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) excels if you value seamless switching and integration within apple ecosystem. Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black) is better if you prioritize impressive 50-hour battery life with anc enabled reduces charging anxiety. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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