Five Budget Headphones to Consider Instead of the $549 AirPods Max 2
Engadget identifies five over-ear headphones that offer significant savings over the $549 AirPods Max 2, ranging from $100 to $359. The guide highlights the Anker Soundcore Space 2 Pro as the best overall value, Bose QuietComfort for noise cancellation, Beats 360 for workouts, Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT for budget buyers, and Fender Mix as an honorable mention. While these alternatives lack deep iOS integration, they provide strong performance in sound quality, battery life, and comfort for users willing to trade Apple-specific features for lower prices.
Key points
- The AirPods Max 2 costs $549, making it one of the most expensive headphones reviewed by Engadget, but alternatives can save hundreds of dollars.
- Anker Soundcore Space 2 Pro is recommended as the best overall alternative at $200, featuring an AI chip for noise cancellation and 30 hours of battery life.
- Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd gen) are suggested for superior noise blocking at $359, offering spatial audio features without the premium price tag.
- Beats 360 is highlighted for fitness use due to IPX4 sweat resistance and 12 hours longer battery life than the AirPods Max 2, while retaining Apple ecosystem integration.
- Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT is the budget pick under $100, offering 60 hours of battery life and warm sound quality, though it lacks active noise cancellation.
- Fender Mix is an honorable mention at $299, featuring a lossless Bluetooth dongle, replaceable battery, and 52 hours of battery life with ANC enabled.
Background
Apple recently launched AirPods 5 and discounted older models, including the AirPods Max 2, which dropped to $449 in September 2026. This price reduction, alongside the release of new Apple audio devices, has intensified competition in the premium headphone market. Engadget’s guide addresses consumers looking for high-quality audio without the full price of Apple’s latest flagship over-ear headphones, noting that while Apple devices offer deep integration, third-party options provide substantial savings and specialized features like sweat resistance or extended battery life.
Why it matters
For consumers seeking premium audio experiences, the high price of Apple’s AirPods Max 2 may be prohibitive. This guide demonstrates that significant savings are possible without sacrificing core audio performance, battery life, or comfort. It highlights that while Apple-specific features like Personalized Spatial Audio and Live Translation are unique, third-party brands offer compelling alternatives in noise cancellation, fitness durability, and budget-friendly options, allowing buyers to prioritize their specific needs over brand loyalty.
What to watch
Engadget may update its selections as new products are announced and reviewed. Consumers should monitor for potential price drops on Apple’s AirPods Max 2, which recently saw a discount to $449, and consider testing alternatives like the Anker Soundcore Space 2 Pro, which is currently being reviewed by Engadget. The release of new Apple devices, including potential updates to the AirPods lineup, could further influence pricing and feature sets in the premium headphone market.
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