Review / Bang & Olufsen’s Beoplay HX vs Apple’s Airpods Max: we tried both headphones, so which came out on top for sound quality, battery life, comfort and connectivity?

Apr 28 , 2021

The Airpods Max and Beoplay HX go head-to-head – which headphones have the best features for you? Photos: handout

The B&O HX boasts an equaliser app and adaptive ANC, which is superior to the AirPods Max, but Apple’s offering looks sleeker and offers easier iOS connectivity

More expensive than the Sony WH-1000XM4 but cheaper than the flagship Beoplay H95, which model is the best investment for the US$600 price mark?

When Apple first released the Airpods Max last December, it was a little hard to compare them to similar headphones. Marketed in Hong Kong at a recommended retail price of HK$4,598 (US$592), Apple’s offering was placed in a limbo between more popular headsets such as the Sony WH-1000XM4 – which cost about HK$2,500 (US$322) – and higher-end options such as the Beoplay H95, which rings in around HK$7,000 (US$900).

So now, with the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX – or H10 as it is read – retailing at HK$4,599 (US$592), it’s finally an apple-versus-apple comparison (no pun intended).

Is an Apple Watch really better than a Swiss timepiece?

Beoplay HX vs Airpods Max: which design would you pick? Photo: Jerrie Lo

So when the new HX – a special edition Year of the Ox set, no less – landed on our desks, we were excited to put them on for a spin to see if they would challenge the Airpods Max that had quickly become a favourite for sound, comfort, and ease of use, after our review.

New Beoplay HX headphones for the Year of the Ox. Photo: handout

The Beoplay HX is part of the Bang & Olufsen’s Moment collection and the special edition comes in dark maroon, which actually borders on a rich chocolate tone. This edition differs from the normal HX with the engraving of the Chinese zodiac of the ox on the left disc, and the B&O logo on the right. For those who want a collectable edition but prefer in-ear buds, the Beoplay E8 also comes in a Year of the Ox version in maroon.

Which looks cooler and fits better?

Beoplay HX vs Airpods Max – time to pick a side? Photo: Jerrie Lo

Apple has always been at the edgier forefront when it comes to innovative design. The Airpods Max are no different. From the coloured cushions and top knot mesh canopy balance to the aluminium rectangular earcups, Apple managed to push the envelope once again. Despite the irregularity of the earcup shapes, I have found them really comfortable for my larger ears, which could fit fully inside with no weight pushing onto my lobes. Despite the heavy weight (385g), the canopy balance is so good that I can wear the AirPods Max for hours without pain or discomfort.