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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 16, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerBowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e vs Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e vs Apple AirPods Max (USB-C): which is the right fit? We cover performance, value, and use cases to make the call easier.
Ratings: 4.4★ vs 4.6★
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
★4.4
(1,676)•Amazon
Form Factor:Over-ear (closed-back)
Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.2 + USB-C Digital Audio + 3.5mm Analog (via included USB-C cable)
Bluetooth Version:Bluetooth 5.2
Codecs:aptX™ Adaptive, aptX™ HD, aptX™, AAC, SBC
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Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
★4.6
(3,079)•Amazon
Form Factor:Over-ear (closed-back)
Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.0; USB-C (charging + lossless wired audio)
Bluetooth Version:5.0
Codecs:AAC, SBC (Wireless); ALAC (Wired via USB-C)
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Comparison: Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e vs Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
★4.4(1,676)Amazon
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
★4.6(3,079)Amazon
| Criterion | Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e | Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(1,676)Amazon | ★4.6(3,079)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2 + USB-C Digital Audio + 3.5mm Analog (via included USB-C cable) | Bluetooth 5.0; USB-C (charging + lossless wired audio) |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.2 | 5.0 |
Codecs | aptX™ Adaptive, aptX™ HD, aptX™, AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC (Wireless); ALAC (Wired via USB-C) |
ANC | Yes (Hybrid Noise Cancellation with 4 sensing mics) | Yes (Pro-level Active Noise Cancellation) |
Transparency | Yes (Ambient Pass-Through) | Yes (Transparency mode) |
Drivers | 2 x 40mm Dynamic Full Range Bio-Cellulose Drivers | 40mm Apple-designed dynamic driver |
Frequency Response | 10 Hz – 30,000 Hz | Not officially specified |
Microphones | 6 Microphones total (4 for ANC + 2 for clear telephony) | 9 mics (8 for ANC, 3 for voice pickup - 2 shared) |
Battery Life | Up to 30 hours | Up to 20 h (with ANC/Spatial Audio) |
Battery Life | N/A (No charging case) | N/A (Smart Case preserves battery, does not charge) |
Charging | USB-C Fast Charge; 15 min charge = 7 hours playback; Full charge ~2 hours | USB-C |
Multipoint | Yes (Simultaneous connection to 2 devices) | Automatic Switching (Apple ecosystem only) |
Low Latency Mode | No (Relies on aptX™ Adaptive dynamic latency) | Ultra-low latency via USB-C (wired) |
Wired Mode | Yes (Supports both USB-C digital audio and 3.5mm analog sources via included cables) | Yes (Lossless digital audio via USB-C cable) |
Water Resistance | No (No IP rating) | None |
Weight | 10.8 oz (307 g) | 0.85 lb (385 g) |
Controls | Physical Buttons (Volume, Play/Pause, Power Slider, Quick Action Button) | Digital Crown (volume/control), Noise Control button |
App Eq | Bowers & Wilkins Music App (Basic Bass/Treble tone controls only) | iOS Settings (Headphone Accommodations) |
Extras | Wear-Detection Sensor; 24-bit DSP Engine; Hard-shell carrying case included | Personalized Spatial Audio; Find My support; Smart Case (low power mode) |
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As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
Rating:★4.4(1,676)Amazon
Form Factor:Over-ear (closed-back)
Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.2 + USB-C Digital Audio + 3.5mm Analog (via included USB-C cable)
Bluetooth Version:Bluetooth 5.2
Codecs:aptX™ Adaptive, aptX™ HD, aptX™, AAC, SBC
ANC:Yes (Hybrid Noise Cancellation with 4 sensing mics)
Transparency:Yes (Ambient Pass-Through)
Drivers:2 x 40mm Dynamic Full Range Bio-Cellulose Drivers
Frequency Response:10 Hz – 30,000 Hz
Microphones:6 Microphones total (4 for ANC + 2 for clear telephony)
Battery Life:Up to 30 hours
Battery Life:N/A (No charging case)
Charging:USB-C Fast Charge; 15 min charge = 7 hours playback; Full charge ~2 hours
Multipoint:Yes (Simultaneous connection to 2 devices)
Low Latency Mode:No (Relies on aptX™ Adaptive dynamic latency)
Wired Mode:Yes (Supports both USB-C digital audio and 3.5mm analog sources via included cables)
Water Resistance:No (No IP rating)
Weight:10.8 oz (307 g)
Controls:Physical Buttons (Volume, Play/Pause, Power Slider, Quick Action Button)
App Eq:Bowers & Wilkins Music App (Basic Bass/Treble tone controls only)
Extras:Wear-Detection Sensor; 24-bit DSP Engine; Hard-shell carrying case included
✓ Pros:
- • Luxurious build quality with memory foam and fine fabric detailing
- • Sophisticated 24-bit DSP tuning offers a significant sonic upgrade over the standard S2
- • Support for high-quality codecs (aptX™ Adaptive/HD) ensures fidelity on Android
- • USB-C port functions as a direct digital audio interface for computers
- • Physical buttons provide reliable control without accidental touches
✗ Cons:
- • App EQ is restricted to simple Bass and Treble sliders (no multi-band equalization)
- • Active Noise Cancellation is effective but trails behind top-tier Sony and Bose models
- • No official water resistance rating (IP) warns against use in rain or heavy workouts
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
Rating:★4.6(3,079)Amazon
Form Factor:Over-ear (closed-back)
Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.0; USB-C (charging + lossless wired audio)
Bluetooth Version:5.0
Codecs:AAC, SBC (Wireless); ALAC (Wired via USB-C)
ANC:Yes (Pro-level Active Noise Cancellation)
Transparency:Yes (Transparency mode)
Drivers:40mm Apple-designed dynamic driver
Frequency Response:Not officially specified
Microphones:9 mics (8 for ANC, 3 for voice pickup - 2 shared)
Battery Life:Up to 20 h (with ANC/Spatial Audio)
Battery Life:N/A (Smart Case preserves battery, does not charge)
Charging:USB-C
Multipoint:Automatic Switching (Apple ecosystem only)
Low Latency Mode:Ultra-low latency via USB-C (wired)
Wired Mode:Yes (Lossless digital audio via USB-C cable)
Water Resistance:None
Weight:0.85 lb (385 g)
Controls:Digital Crown (volume/control), Noise Control button
App Eq:iOS Settings (Headphone Accommodations)
Extras:Personalized Spatial Audio; Find My support; Smart Case (low power mode)
✓ 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
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) is stronger in specific features, but Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e could still be the better pick if you value its unique advantages.
Who should buy each?
For performance and polish: Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e (Luxurious build quality with memory foam and fine fabric detailing, Sophisticated 24-bit DSP tuning offers a significant sonic upgrade over the standard S2)
For value or versatility: Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) (Seamless switching and integration within Apple ecosystem, Class-leading ANC and Transparency modes)
Conclusion
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e and Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) 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?
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e excels if you value luxurious build quality with memory foam and fine fabric detailing. Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) is better if you prioritize seamless switching and integration within apple ecosystem. 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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