AirPods Max vs. Wireless Headphones Drop + THX Panda

We compared the AirPods Max with other headset sets from companies like Bose, Sennheiser and Sony, but recently the Drop + THX Panda wireless headphones have caught our eye, so we thought about how we would see how they measure up to Apple’s over-ear headphones.

Priced at $ 400, the Drop + THX Panda wireless headphones are the first headphones to offer THX AAA amplification, as Drop says it’s the “lowest level of distortion in the world possible”. They’re also equipped with “flat tape controllers” for more distortion resistance and a more realistic sound, and they’re supposed to be very comfortable with plush foam pads wrapped in leather.

They weren’t on our radar until we started listening to the YouTube community, so they’re not as familiar as other popular brands, but they have some awesome features. That said, they’re no better than the AirPods Max, which isn’t unexpected given the price disparity.

As for the sound, MacRumors Videographer Dan, who tested the headphones, said Drop + THX pandas are “even dead” with the irAirPods Max‌ in terms of sound quality, and maybe even a little better.

The irAirPods Max‌ are more comfortable than the Drop + THX Panda headphones, with the latter exerting more pressure on the temples and cheeks, while the irAirPods Max‌ can distribute the weight better. IrAirPods Max‌ mesh headphones are also more comfortable than leather headphones, as the skin along with the tight seal can be warmed.

Compared to irAirPods Max‌, Drop + THX Panda headphones do not have active noise cancellation, but there is enough seal around the head that drowns out most external noise.

Drop + THX Panda headphones include a hard case that fits the headphones, as well as additional cables, and include a USB-C cable for charging and a 3.5mm audio cable if you want to use them with capacity by cable. In comparison, irAirPods Max‌ have the Smart Case, which is not particularly protective.

In terms of battery life, Drop + THX Panda headphones can last up to 30 hours, which is 10 hours longer than irAirPods Max‌. As for the controls, the Drop x THX pandas have a small joystick that can be used to skip tracks and control playback.

All in all, the Drop + THX Panda headphones may be ideal for those who want good sound quality and don’t mind the lack of active noise cancellation, but the irAirPods Max‌ gain in comfort, ANC capabilities, space audio, head detection, and ease of use with Apple devices thanks to the H1 chip that allows quick pairing and quick device change.