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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for high sound quality and effective noise isolation, consider the Apple AirPods Max, which also offers active noise cancellation for better immersion and focus, especially during air travel. However, the AirPods Max is notably pricier. On the other hand, the Shokz OpenMove, being more affordable, has a unique bone conduction design that allows you to remain aware of your surroundings, which can be safer for outdoor activities or exercise. Also, the OpenMove is lighter and more compact for portability, plus it's sweatproof, making it ideal for active users. There's a sacrifice in sound quality and noise isolation but gains in situational awareness and exercise suitability. 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
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Shokz OpenMove
- Good for phone calls
- Good for exercise
Key differences
Music
7.3
4.8
The Apple Airpods Max is good for music, while the Shokz OpenMove is poor.
Gaming
5.5
4.9
The Apple Airpods Max and Shokz OpenMove are both poor for gaming, though the Apple Airpods Max is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
6.6
7.8
The Shokz OpenMove is good for phone calls, while the Apple Airpods Max is only fair.
TV and Video
5.7
5.0
The Apple Airpods Max and Shokz OpenMove are both poor for TV and video, though the Apple Airpods Max is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
10.0
2.5
The Apple Airpods Max is best in class for noise reduction, while the Shokz OpenMove is poor.
Battery
21.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods Max has 21 hours of battery life. The Shokz OpenMove has 6 hours of battery life.
Cost
$549
$80
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Max has a price of $549 and the Shokz OpenMove costs $80.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Apple Airpods Max has excellent build quality, while the Shokz OpenMove has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.0
7.9
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods Max to be very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Shokz OpenMove is good.
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How the Apple Airpods Max and the Shokz OpenMove compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Max | Shokz OpenMove |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$549 | $80 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Shokz | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2020 | September 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.4/10 | 4.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.6/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.2/10 | 7.1/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 21 Hours | 6 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.1 | |
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 | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 385.5 Grams | 29 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 5 | |
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."
Shokz OpenMove
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz | May 2023
"The Shokz OpenMove are a bit more affordable than the company's other bone conduction headphones, making them a more appealing option for athletes on a budget. These headphones support premium features like multipoint connectivity and a durable build, but you lose other niceties like fast charging and a long battery life. Still, for less than $80, these are nice bone conduction headphones that will keep you safe when exercising."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods Max or the Shokz OpenMove
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.
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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.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
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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