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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple Airpods Max offer superior overall sound quality, active noise cancellation, and are highly rated for use during air travel due to their noise isolation. They have a more premium build, and better controls on the device itself. However, they are heavier and may not be as suitable for exercise due to their over-ear form factor. Conversely, the Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones, while having significantly lower sound quality and no noise cancellation, are much lighter, sweatproof, dustproof, and are better suited for exercise. They also utilize an open design which allows you to stay aware of your surroundings, making them safer for outdoor activities. If sound quality and noise isolation are top priorities, and you don't mind the higher price, go for the Airpods Max. If you're looking for something more affordable, suited for physical activities, and that keeps you aware of your environment, consider the Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones. 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 Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones
- Good for exercise
Key differences
Music
7.3
4.8
The Apple Airpods Max is good for music, while the Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones is poor.
Gaming
5.5
4.9
The Apple Airpods Max and Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones are both poor for gaming, though the Apple Airpods Max is somewhat better.
TV and Video
5.7
5.1
The Apple Airpods Max and Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones 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 Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones is poor.
Battery
21.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods Max has 21 hours of battery life. The Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones has 8 hours of battery life.
Cost
$549
$36
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Apple Airpods Max has a price of $549 and the Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones costs $36.
Build Quality
9.0
8.0
The Apple Airpods Max has excellent build quality, while the Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
6.6
6.5
The Apple Airpods Max and Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones are both only fair for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.0
8.2
The Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones and Apple Airpods Max are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks.
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How the Apple Airpods Max and the Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Max | Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$549 | $36 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Youthwhisper | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2020 | June 1, 2022 | |
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 | 6.6/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.2/10 | 7.4/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 21 Hours | 8 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | Unknown | |
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 | 6/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
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 | 4 | |
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."
Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones
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Dig into reviews and images
Stozz Audio
Stozz Audio | October 2023
"If you're looking for a pair of headphones that can be worn while running or cycling, these Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones are a great alternative to more expensive models. They're lightweight and compact, so they won't get in the way when wearing them while exercising. Plus, they have a built-in microphone so you can take calls during your workout without having to stop and fumble with your phone. The sound quality is great for this style of headphones, and it has many other cool features."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods Max or the Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones
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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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.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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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.
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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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