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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If superior sound and a wide, open soundstage are your main preferences, the HifiMan Sundara headphones would be a better choice as they excel in overall sound quality and are particularly noted for their high performance in music listening. However, they lack built-in controls, a microphone for calls, and features like active noise cancelling and wireless capabilities that the Apple AirPods Max offer. The AirPods Max are also very good for noise isolation, making them more suitable for air travel and use in noisy environments, and they provide user convenience with features like ear detection and an integrated microphone. If you're looking for conveniences such as wireless use, active noise cancelling, and call quality, and are willing to pay a premium, the AirPods Max are the way to go. If budget is a concern and your focus is on exceptional music quality for at-home listening, the Sundara may be preferable despite their open design not being ideal for noisy environments or air travel. 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
- Excellent for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the HifiMan Sundara
- Excellent for music
- Good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
7.3
9.3
The HifiMan Sundara is excellent for music, while the Apple Airpods Max is good.
Gaming
5.5
7.2
The HifiMan Sundara is good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods Max is poor.
Phone Calls
6.6
4.9
The Apple Airpods Max is only fair for phone calls, while the HifiMan Sundara is poor.
TV and Video
5.7
8.8
The HifiMan Sundara is very good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods Max is poor.
Noise Reduction
10.0
2.5
The Apple Airpods Max is best in class for noise reduction, while the HifiMan Sundara is poor.
Battery
21.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods Max has 21 hours of battery life. The HifiMan Sundara does not have a battery.
Cost
$549
$279
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Max has a price of $549 and the HifiMan Sundara costs $279.
Build Quality
9.0
8.2
The Apple Airpods Max has excellent build quality, while the HifiMan Sundara has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.0
7.8
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods Max to be very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the HifiMan Sundara is good.
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How the Apple Airpods Max and the HifiMan Sundara compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Max | HifiMan Sundara |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$549 | $279 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | HifiMan | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2020 | May 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.4/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.6/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 7.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.2/10 | 4.5/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 21 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 10/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 385.5 Grams | 394.6 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
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."
HifiMan Sundara
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Christian Thomas | July 2023
"The HiFiMan Sundara is the set of headphones to get if you want high-end audio, but don't want to shell out a king's ransom for it. These planar magnetic headphones are comfortable, straightforward, and excellent performers."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods Max or the HifiMan Sundara
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 HifiMan
HiFiMAN is a Chinese, high-end, audio product manufacturer, with 20 years of experience, that specializes in amplifiers, digital audio players and planar magnetic headphones, some of which have become a staple in the audiophile community such as the entry-level Sundara, the midrange Edition X, and the very well-regarded, high-end, Arya.
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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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Chandradeep Chowdhury
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.
Luis Torres
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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