AirPods Max vs. Wireless Headphones Drop + THX Panda

We compared AirPods Max with several other competing headset sets from companies like Bose, Sennheiser and Sony, but recently, the Drop + THX Panda wireless headphones have received some attention, so we thought we’d see how they measure up to the headphones over-ear Apple.

Priced at $ 400, the Drop + THX Panda wireless headphones are the first headphones to offer THX AAA amplification, for what Drop says is “the lowest possible level of distortion in the world.” They are also equipped with “ribbon drivers” for extra resistance to distortion and a more realistic sound and are supposed to be very comfortable with plush foam headphones wrapped in leather.

These weren’t on our radar until we started hearing from the YouTube community, so they’re not as familiar as other more popular brands, but they have some impressive features. That being said, they are no better than the AirPods Max, which is not unexpected given the difference in price points.

When it comes to sound, MacRumors Videographer Dan, who tested the headphones, said that the Drop + THX Pandas are “really dead” with “AirPods Max” in terms of sound quality and maybe even a little better.

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

Compared to ‌AirPods Max‌, Drop + THX Panda headphones lack Active Noise Cancellation, but there is enough seal around the head to drown out most outside noises.

The Drop + THX Panda headphones come with a solid case that fits with the headphones plus extra cables and come with a USB-C charging cable and a 3.5mm audio cable if you want to use them at a wired capacity. In comparison, irAirPods Max‌ have Smart Case, which is not particularly protective.

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

Overall, the Drop + THX Panda headphones can be ideal for those who want good sound quality and don’t mind the lack of active noise cancellation, but ‌AirPods Max‌ gains in comfort, ANC capabilities, spatial audio, head detection, and ease in use with Apple devices thanks to the H1 chip that allows quick pairing and quick switching of the device.