Shure Aonic 40 Vs. Apple Airpods Max Review In Detail

Weight

Apple AirPods Max 384.8g

Shure Aonic 40 311g

Shure Aonic 40 have a weight of 311g, these weigh below 320g, which we consider as the highest average a headphone should weigh for comfort during long use. We consider a lower weight better for the reason that lighter devices are more comfortable to carry.

The Apple AirPods Max, at 384.8g are heavier than the Shure Aonic 40 with a difference 73.8g

Has A Detachable Cable

Apple AirPods Max ✗

Shure Aonic 40 ✓

Detachable cables are cables that have connectors on both ends. One end goes into your headphone earpieces, while the other end is inserted into an audio source. Some new headphones, and not just the expensive ones, are coming with detachable cables, Shure Aonic 40 are one of those.

Can Be Folded

Apple AirPods Max ✗

Shure Aonic 40 ✓

Shure Aonic 40 are foldable, which makes them more portable. Foldable headphones are easier to transport and take up less storage space.

Has A Tangle Free Cable

Apple AirPods Max ✗

Shure Aonic 40 ✓

Twisted headphone cables can be a great source of annoyance and inconvenience, Shure Aonic 40's cable is designed to minimize tangling. Constant twisting of the cables can also lead to bends in the copper wires, affecting sound quality, or completely damaging your headphones.

Has An Over-The-Ear Foam

Apple AirPods Max ✓

Shure Aonic 40 ✓

Over-ear headphones have larger earpads that fit around your entire ear Shure Aonic 40 have a comfortable full-size form with earcups that fully enclose your ears. This design is loved for its increased sound isolation and the fact that it won't leak sound to your neighbors.

Apple AirPods Max with this design offer potential for maximum bass and loudness levels.

Has Stereo Speakers

Apple AirPods Max ✓

Shure Aonic 40 ✓

Shure Aonic 40 have stereo speakers, devices with stereo speakers deliver sound from separate channels on both left and right sides, this creates a richer sound and a better listening experience.

The Apple AirPods Max also have stereo speakers

Apple AirPods Max
See price on Amazon

Has Active Noise Cancellation (Anc)

Apple AirPods Max ✓

Shure Aonic 40 ✓

Active noise cancellation uses more advanced technology to reduce unwanted ambient sounds. How it works, it detects and analyzes the sound pattern outside and inside the earbud and then inverts the soundwaves to cancel it out. In simple terms, it's like taking +1 outside (noise from your surrounding) and adding -1 inside (counter sound within the device) to make zero resulting in a reduced level of noise.

Shure Aonic 40 allow you to listen at lower volume levels, causing less ear fatigue as you don't have to crank up the volume to overcome background noise.

Apple AirPods Max too have active noise cancellation making both devices ideal for plane rides and morning commutes. Each may work with different noise cancellation modes, pick the setting, mode, or noise cancellation type that suits your commute or that enhances your relaxation time.

Has Passive Noise Reduction

Apple AirPods Max ✓

Shure Aonic 40 ✓

Passive Noise Cancellation uses well-designed ear cups to seal out environment noise. This is used for both in-ear earphones and over-ear headphones where the headphone itself will keep surrounding noise out. The Shure Aonic 40 sits tightly in place, creating an acoustic seal that reduces background noise and prevents your music from leaking out.

Both of these devices have passive noise reduction which means that also the Apple AirPods Max isolates you from ambient noise instead of actively using technology to cancel it out.

Lowest Frequency

Apple AirPods Max 20Hz

Shure Aonic 40 20Hz

Low-frequency response measures if and how well an audio device reproduces low audible frequencies and if it makes any changes to the signal while at it. Shure Aonic 40's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, the lower the low-frequency response, the stronger and juicier the bass.

Apple AirPods Max's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this implies that both devices produce equal bass

Highest Frequency

Apple AirPods Max 20,000Hz

Shure Aonic 40 20,000Hz

High frequency response measures if and how well a particular audio device reproduces high audible frequencies and if it changes to the signal on the way through. Shure Aonic 40's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, the higher the high-frequency response, the clearer and crispier the treble.

Apple AirPods Max's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, this implies that both devices produce equal treble

Sound Pressure Level

Apple AirPods Max 109dB/mW

Shure Aonic 40 ✗

Sound pressure is the average variation in atmospheric pressure caused by the sound, the sound level .i.e how loud something is can be perceived differently by different people so we need to have a way of getting an objective measurement of sound level expressed in numerical terms.

The sound pressure level, SPL, is the pressure level of a sound, measured in decibels, dB, Apple AirPods Max's measurement is 109dB/mW. Devices with a higher sound pressure level are generally louder when supplied with any given audio source.

Driver Unit Size

Apple AirPods Max 40mm

Shure Aonic 40 40mm

The driver unit is the component that produces sound in the device, its size dictates the loudness of the headphone. Shure Aonic 40 driver unit is 40mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful and can produce better bass.

Apple AirPods Max driver unit is 40mm in diameter, making both devices similar in how loud their sound gets , many people have a misconception that driver units of a bigger size automatically produce better sound quality.

However, large drivers usually have difficulty reproducing high frequencies so it's true that, larger drivers are capable of generating louder sound, but this does not mean that they produce better sound.

Impedance

Apple AirPods Max 47Ohms

Shure Aonic 40 ✗

Defined as the device's resistance to the electromagnetic current, as electricity flows through a conductor, it faces electrical resistance that counters the flow of current. The resistance of a conductor is measured in ohms. Apple AirPods Max's impedance is 47Ohms, the lower the impedance, the easier it is to get higher volume and requires less power.

Has A Neodymium Magnet

Apple AirPods Max ✓

Shure Aonic 40 ✗

Neodymium magnets when used in audio devices produce a higher sensitivity and substantial sound output while using less power. They can help produce music at quite a high sound pressure level, SPL, with the use of high magnetic flux. The Apple AirPods Max have this type of magnet.

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Battery Life

Apple AirPods Max 20hours

Shure Aonic 40 25hours

If your headphones play wirelessly, cancel ambient noise, or enhance your listening experience with active features, their battery life will reduce over time. The device's battery life is given by the manufacturer, with longer battery life, you get to use it for longer and have to charge the device less often. Shure Aonic 40's battery life is 25 hours

Apple AirPods Max's battery life is 20 hours. Each time you recharge your headphones, they get a little less listening time. The effect is barely noticeable at first. But over a few years, you may find that your device, no longer plays for long like it used to.

Charge Time

Apple AirPods Max 2hours

Shure Aonic 40 ✗

It takes 2 hours to fully charge the Apple AirPods Max's battery. It is recommended to fully charge the battery before using the headphones for the first time or when they have been unused for extended periods.

Has A Battery Level Indicator

Apple AirPods Max ✓

Shure Aonic 40 ✗

Apple AirPods Max have a battery level indicator, an indicator shows you when the device has a low battery. The battery indicator lights show the charging status of your headphones.

Battery Power

Apple AirPods Max 664mAh

Shure Aonic 40 ✗

Battery power, or battery capacity, represents the amount of electrical energy that a battery can store. Apple AirPods Max's battery power is 664mAh, more battery power can be an indication of longer battery life.

Has A Rechargeable Battery

Apple AirPods Max ✓

Shure Aonic 40 ✓

A rechargeable battery is a type of electrical battery that can be charged, discharged into a load, and recharged many times, as opposed to a disposable or primary battery, which is supplied fully charged and discarded after use. Shure Aonic 40's battery can be recharged and used over again.

The Apple AirPods Max too have a rechargeable battery.

Apple AirPods Max
See price on Amazon

Can Be Used Wirelessly

Apple AirPods Max ✓

Shure Aonic 40 ✓

Shure Aonic 40 can be used wirelessly, wireless devices allow you more freedom of movement.

The Apple AirPods Max also can be used wirelessly

Bluetooth Version

Apple AirPods Max v5

Shure Aonic 40 v5

Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows data transfers between devices placed in close proximity, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves. Shure Aonic 40 has a v5

Apple AirPods Max has a Bluetooth version of v5. Newer versions provide faster data transfers.

Has Bluetooth Aptx

Apple AirPods Max ✗

Shure Aonic 40 ✓

Shure Aonic 40 support APTX, a codec used for transmitting audio wirelessly with Bluetooth. It is developed by Qualcomm and supports 16-bit audio at a bit rate of 384kbps.

Has Aac

Apple AirPods Max ✓

Shure Aonic 40 ✓

Shure Aonic 40 support AAC, a codec that is used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Because it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it can provide better results than other codecs at a similar bit rate.

The Apple AirPods Max support AAC as well. Designed to be the successor of the MP3 format, AAC generally achieves higher sound quality than MP3 encoders at the same bit rate.

Maximum Bluetooth Range

Apple AirPods Max 10meters

Shure Aonic 40 ✗

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology standard that is used for exchanging data between fixed and mobile devices over short distances. The Apple AirPods Max can connect at a 10meters distance via Bluetooth or infrared to another device.

Has A 3.5Mm Male Connector

Apple AirPods Max ✗

Shure Aonic 40 ✓

Being an industry standard audio plug, a standard 3.5mm male connector is suitable for use with all MP3 players and computer sound cards. This means that it is commonly used in stereo headphones to your phone or connecting your phone to an external amplifier, sound bars, your car radio, etc. Shure Aonic 40 has this connector giving it a wider range of connectivity with most of the sound devices out there. All plugs have at least a tip and sleeve with the number of rings that stand as a differentiating factor.

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Number Of Microphones

Apple AirPods Max 9only

Shure Aonic 40 ✗

Apple AirPods Max have only 9 microphones, more microphones result in better sound quality and enable the device to filter out background noise.

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

Apple AirPods Max ✓

Shure Aonic 40 ✗

Apple AirPods Max use a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are designed to filter out background noise from the desired sound. Especially useful in noisy environments.

Apple AirPods Max
See price on Amazon

Has Ambient Sound Mode

Apple AirPods Max ✓

Shure Aonic 40 ✗

Apple AirPods Max support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to pass through ambient noises so that they can still be heard. It’s useful when you want to listen to music but also be aware of what’s happening around you, for example when you’re having a jog but would still want to be able to hear traffic.

Has In/On-Ear Detection

Apple AirPods Max ✓

Shure Aonic 40 ✗

Apple AirPods Max support in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the device can detect when they are removed from your ears so that the music is paused, saving battery life and improving your listening experience while at it.

Has A Mute Function

Apple AirPods Max ✓

Shure Aonic 40 ✗

Apple AirPods Max have a mute function, they have an option to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device. The mute function means that you unilaterally turn off the microphone, but you can still hear the other party's voice.

Multipoint Count

Apple AirPods Max 2only

Shure Aonic 40 ✗

Apple AirPods Max support multipoint, which allows you to link to more Bluetooth devices and switch between them. For example, you can easily switch calls from one device to another without having to manually disconnect and reconnect.

Control Panel Placed On A Device

Apple AirPods Max ✓

Shure Aonic 40 ✓

There is a control panel on the Shure Aonic 40 body, so you can easily access the volume control or remote without having to interact with a cable or another device it's connected to.

The Apple AirPods Max too have a control panel on them.

Can Be Used As A Headset

Apple AirPods Max ✓

Shure Aonic 40 ✓

Shure Aonic 40 can be used as a headset. A headset is one headphone or pair with a built-in microphone. Headsets can be used for apps that require communication i.e. Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, games with voice chat, mobile phones, etc.

Apple AirPods Max can be used as a headset. since they have a built-in microphone

Warranty Period

Apple AirPods Max 1years

Shure Aonic 40 ✗

The period of time that warrant free repair and adjustment services in case of a malfunction occurring under normal use that has followed instruction manuals. When covered under the manufacturer’s warranty it is possible to get a replacement in the case of a malfunction. Apple AirPods Max have a warranty period of 1 years

Travel Bag Is Included

Apple AirPods Max ✓

Shure Aonic 40 ✓

Carrying headphones without a case, or putting them in bags without a casing can easily put them at risk of getting damaged. The Shure Aonic 40 come with their own special case or pouch, which is useful for safe transportation.

Apple AirPods Max too have a travel bag or case included.

Has Dolby Atmos

Apple AirPods Max ✓

Shure Aonic 40 ✗

Dolby Atmos is a surround sound technology that allows sounds to be interpreted as three-dimensional objects. Apple AirPods Max have Dolby Atmos, which allows them to have immersive, 360-degree sound.

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Category	Features	Apple AirPods Max	Shure Aonic 40
DESIGN	weight	384.8g	311g
	has a detachable cable	✗	✓
	can be folded	✗	✓
	has a tangle free cable	✗	✓
	has an over-the-ear foam	✓	✓
	has stereo speakers	✓	✓
SOUND QUALITY	has active noise cancellation (anc)	✓	✓
	has passive noise reduction	✓	✓
	lowest frequency	20Hz	20Hz
	highest frequency	20,000Hz	20,000Hz
	sound pressure level	109dB/mW	✗
	driver unit size	40mm	40mm
	impedance	47Ohms	✗
	has a neodymium magnet	✓	✗
POWER	battery life	20hours	25hours
	charge time	2hours	✗
	has a battery level indicator	✓	✗
	battery power	664mAh	✗
	has a rechargeable battery	✓	✓
CONNECTIVITY	can be used wirelessly	✓	✓
	bluetooth version	v5	v5
	has bluetooth aptx	✗	✓
	has aac	✓	✓
	maximum bluetooth range	10meters	✗
	has a 3.5mm male connector	✗	✓
MICROPHONE	number of microphones	9only	✗
MICROPHONE	has a noise-canceling microphone	✓	✗
EXTRAS	has ambient sound mode	✓	✗
	has in/on-ear detection	✓	✗
	has a mute function	✓	✗
	multipoint count	2only	✗
	control panel placed on a device	✓	✓
	can be used as a headset	✓	✓
	warranty period	1years	✗
	travel bag is included	✓	✓
	has dolby atmos	✓	✗
		See price on Amazon	See price on Amazon

Shure Aonic 40 Vs. Apple Airpods Max Review

Reasons why you might like the Apple AirPods Max

Reasons why you might like the Shure Aonic 40