# Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) vs Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) (Apple) and Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 (Bowers & Wilkins) among over ear headphones. Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 is the cheaper of the two at $449.

## Side by side

| Spec | Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) | Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $549 | $449 |
| Brand | Apple | Bowers & Wilkins |
| Released | 2024-09 | 2025-04 |
| ANC | Yes | Yes |
| Driver (mm) | 40 | — |
| Battery hr | 20 | 30 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless |
| Wired option | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (g) | 386 | 300 |

## Key differences

- Battery hr: Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) 20 vs Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 30
- Codecs: Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) SBC, AAC vs Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless
- Weight (g): Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) 386 vs Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 300

## What reviewers say

**Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)** — SoundGuys' measured review of the USB-C AirPods Max verifies fantastic active noise canceling and very solid wireless sound quality, with tested battery life reaching roughly 21 hours (ANC on or off). Their verdict: a great-sounding, well-built pair that is nonetheless overpriced. The USB-C model measures slightly more high-end than the Lightning version. (1 sourced review.)

**Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3** — All four whitelisted reviews of the exact Px7 S3 (SoundGuys, What Hi-Fi, TechRadar, Engadget) survived verification; every quote and the single measured figure were confirmed as literal text, none dropped. All four praise the premium build and comfortable, lighter 300g fit, and all agree the reworked ANC is improved but still trails Bose. Only SoundGuys published lab data (an average 83-84% reduction in perceived loudness); the other three are qualitative listening reviews. (4 sourced reviews.)

## Sources

- Apple AirPods Max (USB-C): https://www.apple.com/airpods-max/specs/ (apple.com, verified 2026-06-15)
- Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3: https://www.headphonecheck.com/test/bowers-wilkins-px7-s3 (headphonecheck.com, verified 2026-06-15)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/over-ear-headphones/apple-airpods-max-usb-c-vs-bowers-wilkins-px7-s3/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) ($549) vs Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 ($449) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/over-ear-headphones/apple-airpods-max-usb-c-vs-bowers-wilkins-px7-s3/
License: CC BY 4.0.