
Anker
$79

Apple
$549
Anker Soundcore Q45 clearly outperforms the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) in the headphones category, particularly in performance, scoring 7.6/10 vs 5.6/10. If you want the better overall performer, Anker Soundcore Q45 is the clear pick.
Scores are relative within the headphonescategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✓ Pros
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
| Spec | Anker Soundcore Q45W | Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40mm | 40mm |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz | — |
| Impedance | 16 Ohm | — |
| Sensitivity | 95 dB/mW | — |
| ANC | true | true |
| Transparency Mode | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) | Yes (Transparency Mode) |
| EQ App | Soundcore App | Apple Settings (Personalized Spatial Audio) |
| Touch Controls | Yes (touch panel) | Yes (Digital Crown, button) |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant, Alexa, Siri | Siri |
| Battery Life | 40hrs✓ | 20hrs |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC |
| Multipoint | true | false |
| Water Resistance | — | IPX4 |
| Foldable | Yes | No |
| Weight | 248g✓ | 385g |
| Colors | Black, White | Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, Orange |
| Price | 79$✓ | 549$ |
Buy Anker Soundcore Q45 if…
Buy the Anker Soundcore Q45 if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Buy Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) if…
The Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Who do you think wins this matchup?
Anker Soundcore Q45 clearly outperforms the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) in the headphones category, particularly in performance, scoring 7.6/10 vs 5.6/10. If you want the better overall performer, Anker Soundcore Q45 is the clear pick.
Yes, Anker Soundcore Q45 scores higher overall (6.2 vs 5.1).
Anker Soundcore Q45 is cheaper at $79 vs $549 for the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C).
Buy the Anker Soundcore Q45 if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
The Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Anker Soundcore Q45 has a larger battery (4,000mAh vs 2,400mAh for the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)), which generally means longer use between charges.
Anker Soundcore Q45 lasts longer with 40 hours vs 20 hours for the other.
Anker Soundcore Q45 is lighter at 248g vs 385g.