Introduction
Apple AirPods Max headphones are considered one of the top over-ear options on the market, but they come with a significant price tag, especially in Saudi Arabia. The AirPods Max have gained acclaim for their premium design, exceptional audio quality, and advanced noise-canceling technology. However, these features come at a price that may not be within everyone’s budget. Fortunately, there are plenty of more affordable alternatives that offer impressive sound quality and noise-canceling capabilities. This guide will explore some of the best Apple AirPods Max alternatives available in Saudi Arabia, all offering excellent performance without the hefty price tag.
The Apple AirPods Max are priced at SAR 2,058. Even though discounts might bring the price down slightly, it remains a substantial investment. Therefore, we have compiled a list of top alternatives that you can purchase in Saudi Arabia for significantly less. These alternatives include options like the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless, which have been thoroughly reviewed to ensure they meet high standards.
For those in search of high-quality alternatives to the AirPods Max, this guide will also highlight some premium Bluetooth headphones and earbuds available in Saudi Arabia that cater to different needs and budgets.
Sony WH-1000XM5: Sony’s Best Noise-Canceling Headphones
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is a prime example of how a product can evolve while maintaining its core appeal. As the fifth generation in the 1000X series, which began in 2016, these headphones have undergone significant changes. While the price in Saudi Arabia is around SAR 1,062, the enhancements in noise-canceling technology, sound quality, and voice-calling performance make it a worthy investment.
Sony has made bold design changes with the WH-1000XM5, and while some users may prefer the previous model's aesthetic, the improvements in functionality are undeniable. The new design, combined with enhanced features, has earned the WH-1000XM5 recognition, including a CNET Editors' Choice Award.
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality
- Enhanced noise-canceling and voice-calling features
- Impressive battery life
- Personalized sound settings
Cons:
- The design may not appeal to everyone
- Priced higher than some competitors
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless: The Best Sennheiser Noise-Canceling Headphones
Sennheiser's Momentum 4 Wireless headphones are a solid contender in the high-end headphone market in Saudi Arabia, priced at approximately SAR 751. These headphones have seen a significant upgrade from their predecessors, particularly in noise-canceling and voice-calling performance. The new design is more subdued, moving away from the distinctive metal headband of earlier models, but the performance enhancements more than make up for the aesthetic changes.
With up to 60 hours of battery life, the Momentum 4 Wireless offers one of the best battery performances in this category. The headphones also feature a transparency mode, custom sound profiles, and Sennheiser's Smart Control app for both iOS and Android, making them highly customizable.
Pros:
- Improved sound quality and noise-canceling capabilities
- Excellent voice-calling performance
- Long battery life
- High-quality sound with well-defined bass and smooth treble
Cons:
- Lack of ear-detection sensors
- Design may be too subtle for some tastes
Beats Studio Pro: The Best Beats Over-Ear Headphones
The Beats Studio Pro headphones, priced at SAR 1,205, are a popular choice in Saudi Arabia, especially for those who appreciate the blend of style and performance. These fourth-generation headphones have retained the iconic Beats look while incorporating significant internal improvements. Although not as premium as the AirPods Max, the Beats Studio Pro offer a more affordable alternative with impressive sound quality and noise-canceling features.
These headphones are particularly suitable for users who are looking for a robust build and compatibility with both iOS and Android devices. The inclusion of the aptX Adaptive audio codec is a bonus for Android users, offering higher quality sound streaming.
Pros:
- Enhanced comfort and sound quality
- Better noise-canceling and voice-calling performance
- Sturdy design
- Support for aptX Adaptive audio codec
Cons:
- Still on the pricier side for some users
- Slightly heavy compared to other options
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2: Next-Gen Bowers & Wilkins Noise-Canceling Headphones
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones, available in Saudi Arabia for around SAR 367, offer a luxurious feel with significant improvements over the first-generation model. These headphones are lighter, more comfortable, and provide better sound and noise-canceling performance. While the PX7 S2 may not surpass Sony's WH-1000XM5 in comfort, they certainly hold their own with a sturdy design and excellent sound quality.
The PX7 S2 headphones are also available in various colors, allowing users to choose a style that suits their preferences. With enhanced voice-calling performance and upgraded microphones, these headphones are a great option for those who need both excellent sound and reliable communication capabilities.
Pros:
- Luxurious design with improved comfort
- Excellent sound quality
- Better noise-canceling and voice-calling performance
- Available in multiple color options
Cons:
- Slightly heavier than some competitors
- Higher price point may deter some buyers
Sony CH-720N: Top Value Sony Midrange Noise-Canceling Headphones
For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Sony CH-720N headphones, priced at SAR 936, offer great value without sacrificing too much on quality. While these headphones have a more plastic feel and budget-friendly design, they deliver a surprisingly good sound quality and effective noise-canceling performance.
These headphones are a step up from their predecessor, the CH-710N, and offer a comfortable fit with lightweight construction. They may not match the premium features of the WH-1000XM5, but they provide solid performance at a much lower price point.
Pros:
- Affordable price for the quality
- Decent noise-canceling performance
- Lightweight and comfortable design
Cons:
- Plastic construction may not feel as premium
- Sound quality is good but not on par with higher-end models
Bose QuietComfort 45: Latest Bose Noise-Canceling Headphones
Bose has long been known for its noise-canceling technology, and the QuietComfort 45 headphones, priced at SAR 932, continue this tradition. These headphones retain the comfortable design of their predecessor, the QuietComfort QC35 II, while making subtle but significant improvements. The addition of a USB-C charging port and enhanced microphone configuration makes these headphones even more user-friendly.
The QuietComfort 45 headphones excel in noise-canceling and are excellent for making calls, thanks to the improved microphone setup. With a total of six microphones, these headphones provide clear voice pick-up and reduce background noise, making them ideal for use in noisy environments.
Pros:
- Highly comfortable design
- Top-notch noise-canceling capabilities
- Improved voice-calling performance
- Multipoint Bluetooth pairing
Cons:
- Design remains largely unchanged
- Priced higher than some alternatives
Apple AirPods Pro 2: Even Better Apple Noise-Canceling Wireless Earbuds
For those who prefer earbuds over headphones, the Apple AirPods Pro 2, available in Saudi Arabia for around SAR 673, offer best-in-class noise-canceling and sound quality. Powered by Apple's H2 chip, these earbuds deliver improved sound clarity and depth, along with enhanced noise-canceling capabilities.
The AirPods Pro 2 also feature a longer battery life compared to the original AirPods Pro, now offering up to six hours of listening time with noise canceling on. The case also includes a speaker that works with the Find My feature, making it easier to locate your earbuds if they are misplaced.
Pros:
- Exceptional sound quality with enhanced noise canceling
- Comfortable and secure fit
- Improved voice-calling performance with better noise reduction
Cons:
- Pricey for wireless earbuds
- Lacks wireless charging capability
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2: Best Noise Canceling with Top-Notch Sound
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2, priced at SAR 562, are a significant upgrade from their predecessors, offering 30% smaller earbuds and a 40% smaller case. These earbuds feature Bose's new CustomTune sound calibration system, which customizes the sound to fit your ears, providing a personalized listening experience.
The noise-canceling capabilities of these earbuds are also top-notch, making them an excellent choice for those who need effective noise reduction in a compact form factor. The new Fit Kit system offers better comfort and a secure fit, making these earbuds ideal for extended use.
Pros:
- Superior noise canceling and sound quality
- Customizable fit with the Fit Kit system
- Improved voice-calling performance
Cons:
- Higher price point
- No wireless charging
Soundcore by Anker Space Q45: Premium Noise-Canceling Headphones for Less
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly alternative to high-end noise-canceling headphones, the Soundcore by Anker Space Q45, priced at SAR 561, offers an excellent balance between price and performance. These headphones provide a comfortable fit with padded ear cups and a dual-hinge folding design.
The Soundcore Space Q45 delivers good sound quality and effective noise canceling, making it a solid choice for those who want a premium experience without the premium price. The headphones also offer long battery life, with up to 50 hours of playback on a single charge.
Pros:
- Great value for the price
- Comfortable fit with padded ear cups
- Good noise-canceling performance
- Long battery life
Cons:
- May not fit smaller heads well
- Lacks some of the premium features of higher-end models
Conclusion
While the Apple AirPods Max remains a top choice for those seeking premium over-ear headphones, there are plenty of alternatives available in Saudi Arabia that offer similar performance at a fraction of the price. From the Sony WH-1000XM5 to the Bose QuietComfort 45, these alternatives provide excellent sound quality, effective noise canceling, and comfortable designs, making them worthy contenders for your next headphone purchase.
FAQs
1. What are the best alternatives to Apple AirPods Max in Saudi Arabia? The best alternatives to Apple AirPods Max in Saudi Arabia include Sony WH-1000XM5, Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless, and Beats Studio Pro. These headphones offer similar performance at a lower price.
2. How much do Apple AirPods Max cost in Saudi Arabia? The Apple AirPods Max are priced at approximately SAR 2,058 in Saudi Arabia.
3. Are there budget-friendly noise-canceling headphones available in Saudi Arabia? Yes, budget-friendly options like the Sony CH-720N and Soundcore by Anker Space Q45 offer good noise-canceling performance and sound quality at a lower price.
4. Which headphones have the best battery life among the alternatives? The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless offers up to 60 hours of battery life, making it the best option for extended use.
5. Can I use these alternatives with both iOS and Android devices? Yes, most of the alternatives mentioned are compatible with both iOS and Android devices, offering features like multipoint Bluetooth pairing and support for various audio codecs.
