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AirPods Max — Over-ear · 2020
Apple

AirPods Max

Over-ear · 2020

88
/ 100
From $549
VS
AirPods Max wins by 1
Sonos Ace · Navy Blue — Over-ear · 2024
Sonos

Sonos Ace · Navy Blue

Over-ear · 2024

87
/ 100
From $449
Specdex verdict

AirPods Max takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Max lands at 88 and Sonos Ace · Navy Blue at 87. That puts AirPods Max ahead by 1 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick AirPods Max if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)

Pick Sonos Ace · Navy Blue if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Tie

Tuning, detail, and staging

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Noise cancelling

Tie

ANC strength for commute and travel

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Comfort

Tie

Long-session wearability

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

Sonos Ace · Navy Blue

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Sonos Ace · Navy Blue more score per dollar ($449 vs $549).

AirPods Max 88
vs
87 Sonos Ace · Navy Blue

Score breakdown

AirPods Max
88
anc 86
sound 88
comfort 87
battery 82
features 84
Sonos Ace · Navy Blue
87
anc 85
sound 87
comfort 86
battery 82
features 83

Specs side-by-side

AirPods Max versus Sonos Ace · Navy Blue — full spec comparison
Spec AirPods Max Sonos Ace · Navy Blue
Type
Over-ear
Over-ear
Release year
2020
2024

AirPods Max

Pros
  • +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • +Premium build
  • +Active noise cancellation (most models)
Cons
  • −Battery varies by codec
  • −Some are Bluetooth-only
  • −Price creep vs previous gen

Sonos Ace · Navy Blue

Pros
  • +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • +Premium build
  • +Active noise cancellation (most models)
Cons
  • −Battery varies by codec
  • −Some are Bluetooth-only
  • −Price creep vs previous gen

FAQ: AirPods Max vs Sonos Ace · Navy Blue

Which is better, AirPods Max or Sonos Ace · Navy Blue? +

AirPods Max scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 1. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is AirPods Max worth the price? +

At $549, AirPods Max delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.

Is Sonos Ace · Navy Blue worth the price? +

At $449, Sonos Ace · Navy Blue delivers a Specdex score of 87 — strongest in sound.

Does AirPods Max or Sonos Ace · Navy Blue last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is the better value, AirPods Max or Sonos Ace · Navy Blue? +

Sonos Ace · Navy Blue — more score per dollar ($449 vs $549). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.