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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple Airpods Max offers superior noise isolation and are great for air travel, but are heavier and less portable than the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ. The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ are also highly capable, with better sound quality for gaming and watching TV and video. They are more portable and better optimized for exercise with sweatproof certification. If budget is a concern, the Beoplay EQ are typically less expensive while still delivering excellent features. However, for immersive music listening and noise cancellation in a headphone format, the Airpods Max is the premium choice, albeit at a higher cost. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods Max
- Good for music
- Excellent for air travel
Advantages of the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
7.3
6.8
The Apple Airpods Max is good for music, while the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is only fair.
Gaming
5.5
8.4
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is very good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods Max is poor.
Phone Calls
6.6
7.2
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is good for phone calls, while the Apple Airpods Max is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.0
8.8
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ and Apple Airpods Max are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is somewhat better.
TV and Video
5.7
7.8
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods Max is poor.
Noise Reduction
10.0
7.0
The Apple Airpods Max is best in class for noise reduction, while the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is good.
Battery
21.0 Hours
6.5 Hours
The Apple Airpods Max has 21 hours of battery life. The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ has 6.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$549
$176
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Max has a price of $549 and the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ costs $176.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
9.0
8.9
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods Max to have excellent build quality, while the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ has very good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods Max and the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Max | Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$549 | $176 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Bang and Olufsen | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2020 | August 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.4/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.6/10 | 7.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 8.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.2/10 | 6.4/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 21 Hours | 6.5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 20 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 10/10 | 7/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 385.5 Grams | 8 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods Max
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Adam Molina | July 2023
"Objectively, the AirPods Max is a spectacular pair of headphones. I appreciate the smart features like auto-pause and the transparency mode are super practical. It also sounds great, is well-built, and has solid battery life."
Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ
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Dig into reviews and images
PC Mag
Tim Gideon | March 2022
"Bang & Olufsen’s audio products prioritize style and function just as much as sound quality. The company’s latest Beoplay EQ noise-cancelling true wireless earphones combine strong, accurate-leaning audio with solid noise cancellation in an exceedingly classy design."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods Max or the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
About Bang and Olufsen
Bang and Olufsen is an almost century-old electronic goods manufacturer based in Denmark with a very special focus on design. Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen created the first AC radio in 1925 and went on to develop televisions, telephones and, of course, headphones and loudspeakers. Today, they are partnered with several companies, like Audi, BMW and Aston Martin, to provide very high-quality audio solutions.
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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