Compare Apple AirPods Max vs Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 SE Headphones

Regularly placed in the top tier, especially for commuting and office noise; some comparisons say Sony or Bose may edge it for constant aircraft rumble. Controls mainly toggle ANC and Transparency, with limited granular level control compared with rivals; configuration is easiest on iOS.

ANC is generally rated as strong for the price and improved versus the original P100 in several comparisons, but most reviewers still stop short of calling it class-leading versus Sony or Bose. Reviewers note multiple ANC strength levels plus quick switching via button/app, making it easy to tailor noise reduction to the environment.

They pair to Android, but reviews emphasize missing smart features and less compelling value outside Apple's ecosystem.

No standalone app; controls live in iOS settings, which is seamless for Apple users but limited for others.

The Melomania app is typically described as clean and functional for firmware, battery, ANC and EQ; the SE adds DynamEQ, and most find it easy to navigate.

Explicitly called out as unsupported in some reviews, limiting hi-res options on many Android devices.

aptX support (including Adaptive/Lossless where source devices allow) is consistently mentioned as a key differentiator at this price.

Bluetooth latency is typical for wireless cans, but multiple reviews highlight wired and USB-C paths plus newer updates as improving low-latency editing and sync.

Low-latency or gaming mode is mentioned as helpful for video and gaming, reducing perceived lip-sync issues to a generally acceptable level.

Generally punchy and controlled with good sub-bass presence; some note it is not the bassiest option and can feel less impressive than certain rivals.

Bass is commonly described as impactful and powerful, especially with DynamEQ, but a few reviewers find it can get boomy or overpowering on the stock SE tuning and can vary by track.

Most sources cite roughly 20-hour class battery life, which is acceptable but behind 30–60 hour competitors.

Across reviews, battery life is repeatedly described as class-leading and is often verified in real use: around 60 hours with ANC on and up to 100 hours with ANC off. The user-replaceable battery is repeatedly singled out as a big longevity and sustainability win, uncommon among mainstream ANC headphones.

Connectivity is typically solid, but a few reports mention occasional glitches or routing quirks; wired use removes Bluetooth latency concerns.

Bluetooth connectivity is generally stable in daily use, though a few reports mention pairing friction when switching between the original P100 and the SE model.

Metal build and overall fit-and-finish are repeatedly described as luxurious and durable, albeit contributing to weight.

Build quality is repeatedly described as premium and sturdy for the price, with only occasional mentions of minor creaking.

The Digital Crown and dedicated mode button are repeatedly described as intuitive and among the best control schemes.

Physical button controls are consistently praised for being responsive and reliable, with clear mappings for playback, volume, ANC modes and assistant access.

Included cables are generally described as good quality and part of a well-considered accessory bundle.

The Smart Case is widely criticized for minimal protection and odd design, with many recommending third-party cases.

The hard travel case is frequently described as sturdy and premium, with helpful cable storage, but it can be larger than rivals because the headphones do not fold especially small.

Charging is straightforward, with quick-charge notes in some reviews; however, the sleep-mode and lack of a true off switch can complicate power management.

Fast charging is consistently highlighted as useful, with claims of a brief charge (around 5 minutes) delivering multiple hours of playback depending on ANC use.

Fit is usually secure, but at least one long-term review flags clamp pressure as the main comfort downside.

Clamping force is commonly described as well-judged or slightly reduced on the SE, though a few listeners still find the fit snug.

Limited to AAC and SBC in the reviews, which is fine on iOS but restrictive for hi-res and many Android use cases.

Codec support is repeatedly cited as a strength, with broad compatibility including aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless alongside standard Bluetooth codecs.

Many find them comfortable thanks to deep pads and a weight-distributing headband, but extended sessions can be affected by heat, clamp, or headband aging.

Comfort is generally good and improved with the SE headband updates for some users, but weight and a sometimes-stiff headband cushion can create pressure over long sessions.

Premium, distinctive Apple styling and materials are consistently praised, though some dislike the bulk and the case.

Design is usually described as clean and upscale with a new blue option, but at least one reviewer finds the headband look wide or goofy when worn.

Included wired options (USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to 3.5mm) are viewed as convenient for travel and hi-res playback without relying on Bluetooth.

Ear cushions are generally praised as plush and breathable, with some preferring leather-style pads for warmth and feel.

Earpads are described as plush and spacious with a good seal; a recurring minor note is that they can get warm during long listening.

Earcup rotation is frequently praised as flexible enough to lie flat and to fit a range of head shapes comfortably.

Lack of a full user EQ is a recurring complaint; Adaptive EQ and a few iOS presets exist but do not replace a real EQ.

EQ control is repeatedly called effective and highly responsive, enabling meaningful tuning changes; a minor recurring gripe is limited granularity/labeling of EQ steps.

Find My support is noted as useful for locating the headphones, with power-saving behavior affecting tracking over time.

Impressions suggest an overall agreeable tuning, but not strictly reference-flat; fit and Adaptive EQ can shift the response.

Tonal balance is often described as slightly warm rather than strictly neutral; DynamEQ and the SE retune can shift bass/treble balance, so accuracy depends on settings.

Telescoping arms and the mesh canopy are described as smooth and effective, though long-term elasticity concerns appear in some anecdotes.

Adjustability is reported as sufficient for a range of head sizes, but comfort outcomes depend more on headband cushioning and weight distribution than on range.

Hinges and mechanisms are described as solid and premium, with a durable feel versus many plastic competitors.

Hinges and moving parts are generally viewed as robust, though a small number of users report slight creaks when moving around.

Included accessories are routinely noted as generous for the price, especially the hard case plus multiple cables and documentation.

Commonly rated strong and easy to place elements, but one audiophile review notes separation can blur in busy passages.

Instrument separation and layering are highlighted as strong, contributing to a more hi-fi style presentation and easy-to-follow mixes.

Also noted as unsupported, so Android users cannot take advantage of LDAC sources.

Multiple reviewers explicitly note there is no LDAC support, which may matter to users invested in that ecosystem.

At higher volumes, clarity is generally reported as holding up well with strong dynamics and little audible strain or distortion.

Wind and background-noise handling is generally strong in major reviews, though results can vary by source device and environment.

Background noise reduction for calls is described as decent but behind top rivals, with some reviewers noting more noise leaks through in loud settings.

Call performance ranges from good to just okay depending on device, with several noting clear voice pickup overall.

Call quality is usually rated as good in quiet environments and acceptable overall, though not typically viewed as best-in-class.

Frequently praised for vocal-forward, detailed mids; some listeners hear a slightly recessed or hazy mid presentation compared with more reference-tuned headphones.

Midrange is widely described as clear and well-rounded, keeping vocals present and intelligible even with elevated bass.

Works across platforms as basic Bluetooth headphones, but the feature set is strongest on Apple devices and limited elsewhere.

Multi-device use across iOS, Android and computers is reported as smooth overall, helped by Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint and app support on both mobile platforms.

Not true multipoint in the typical sense, but Apple-device switching is repeatedly praised; non-Apple switching can require manual steps.

Multipoint is widely reported to work, but switching behavior is sometimes manual (for example, pausing on one device before playing on another) and auto-switching is not always present.

Passive isolation is frequently praised thanks to the seal and pads, with some reviewers saying it blocks a lot even before ANC is enabled.

They do not fold, and the included case is slim but not protective, making travel packing less convenient than foldable rivals.

Portability is a mixed point: the headphones can travel fine in the included case, but limited foldability and case size make them less packable than some competitors.

Preset EQ profiles are seen as useful starting points, though some reviewers say differences can be subtle and custom EQ is where the headphones shine.

Magnetic, user-replaceable ear cushions are praised for cleaning and longevity, though replacements cost extra.

Replaceable earpads are called out as easy to swap, supporting long-term comfort and maintenance.

Wear-detection and other sensors enable auto-pause and head-tracking behaviors, but several features are iOS-dependent.

Wear detection/sensors are generally convenient and responsive, but a few users report occasional pause/resume glitches.

Sidetone/voice passthrough during calls is mentioned as an area for improvement, with at least one reviewer wanting clearer amplification of their own voice.

Setup and software are usually described as straightforward, but there are a few reports of pairing or sensor quirks that may require firmware updates or re-pairing.

Across reviews, the sound is described as crisp, balanced, and spacious, with especially strong performance on Apple devices; a few audiophile-leaning takes call it consumer-tuned and not the last word in detail. Wired listening can improve fidelity and reduce latency, but may require extra cables or adapters depending on model and source.

Sound quality is a standout theme: detailed, engaging, and competitive with more expensive headphones; however, several note the SE stock tuning can lean bass-forward and benefits from EQ to taste. Wired listening via USB-C (and via included USB-C to 3.5mm cable) is described as a strong option, often sounding excellent and sometimes driving higher volume than Bluetooth.

Most reviewers hear a notably wide, open stage for a closed-back ANC headphone, enhanced further by Spatial Audio; a few call it only average by high-end standards.

Many reviews describe a wide, immersive stage, though a minority characterize the presentation as more intimate than the widest options in the category.

Spatial Audio with head tracking is regularly called a highlight for movies and supported music, though preferences vary and some leave it off for stereo purity.

Spatial audio is commonly noted as absent, but several reviewers say the natural soundstage is wide enough that many listeners may not miss it.

Sustainability is a recurring positive: recyclable packaging, recycled materials, and end-user replaceable battery/earpads are emphasized.

Consistently singled out as best-in-class for natural, conversational awareness, with features like Conversation Boost mentioned.

Transparency mode is considered usable and sometimes very natural, but multiple reviewers say it is not as airy/clear as top competitors and can suffer from wind noise.

Often described as clear and crisp without harshness, though a minority report uneven treble or extra sizzle depending on firmware and fit.

Treble performance is repeatedly praised for clarity and detail, with some noting extra sparkle/brilliance when DynamEQ is enabled.

Later refreshes add USB-C, viewed as more future-proof and enabling certain wired use cases, though some are disappointed it came without a broader hardware update.

USB-C is the core port for charging and wired audio; reviews generally like the flexibility, though some note it means there is no traditional analog 3.5mm jack on the headphone itself.

Voice assistant integration is available via button shortcuts and is generally reported to work as expected.

Overall loudness is usually sufficient and can get very loud, but some reviewers still wish for a bit more headroom over Bluetooth compared to wired use.

No meaningful water or sweat rating is emphasized, and condensation or moisture inside cups is mentioned, so they are not ideal for wet workouts.

At least one reviewer notes there is no water/sweat resistance rating, so these are not ideal for workouts or wet conditions.

Nearly all reviewers mention the heft; comfort is good for the weight, but it is still heavier than key rivals.

Weight is repeatedly cited around 330g, which is heavier than many peers and can impact comfort for those sensitive to top-of-head pressure.