Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 vs Apple AirPods Max 2
Get the B&W Px8 S2. They sound more open and detailed, fold into a real case and last half as long again. The AirPods Max 2 are quieter and slicker with an iPhone, and their case is a joke.
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Which one is for you?
B&W Px8 S2
Get the Px8 S2 if this sounds like you: sound first, Android or several brands, a real travel case.
Is the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 worth it?AirPods Max 2
iPhone, iPad and Mac, stronger noise cancelling, spatial audio? The AirPods Max.
Is the Apple AirPods Max 2 worth it?Key differences
Sound
Noise cancelling
Battery
Case
Apple features
What owners say
Verified buyers only; every 1–3 star review read by us. How we do this
B&W Px8 S2
100%of 5 verified buyer ratings give it 4 or 5 stars
The few verified owners so far praise the sound and how beautifully made they are. No complaints yet.
- Clear, engaging sound
- Beautifully made
Nothing came up often enough to list.
AirPods Max 2
86%of 98 verified buyer ratings give it 4 or 5 stars
Owners love the sound, the noise cancelling and the premium build. Complaints are rare.
- Great, clear sound
- Excellent noise cancelling
- Premium build and feel
- Not worth the price, or over the first model
Related pages
How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: RTINGS, RTINGS, What Hi-Fi, manufacturer specifications.
Owner reports for the B&W Px8 S2: 5 verified buyer ratings at Takealot (South Africa), read October 2026.
Owner reports for the AirPods Max 2: 98 verified buyer ratings at Currys, Target (US), Otto (Germany), LDLC (France), Harvey Norman (NZ, Australia), Takealot (South Africa), Boulanger (France) and Costco (Canada), read November 2026.