Compare Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 SE Headphones vs Apple AirPods Max

3.5mm analog input availability was a recurring complaint because reviewers wanted the cable or adapter included and found the lack inconvenient.

ANC is generally judged good or improved, though not always elite; reviewers praised effectiveness while noting Sony/Bose-class options can still outperform it.

ANC was one of the strongest points across the review set, with most reviewers calling it excellent, top-tier, or best-in-class, though a few found newer rivals stronger in some scenarios.

Advanced software features such as DynamEQ and app changes are useful but taste-dependent, with some reviewers liking the added energy and others preferring simpler original tuning.

Advanced software features were valuable for iOS users but mixed overall because reviewers also noted quirks, limited feature depth, or Apple-only behavior.

Aesthetics split reviewers: some liked the clean design and blue color, while another found the wide look silly when worn.

One reviewer praised the minimalist, beautiful look, supporting a high aesthetics score.

Background noise reduction is viewed as improved and effective, but not the quietest in the class according to comparison-focused reviewers.

ANC background noise level was praised as clean and natural, with little hiss or artificial pressure in reviewer comments.

ANC's effect on the sound signature is mixed: one review praised the lack of tonal shift, while another found ANC-on tuning messier on the SE.

ANC sound impact is similarly split, with TechRadar praising tonal consistency and RecordingNow hearing a more problematic change with ANC on.

Reviewers noted ANC can slightly change the sound, either by relieving pressure cleanly or by softening punch and dynamics.

Android setup worked smoothly in the tested pairing flow, with the reviewer connecting quickly to a Samsung foldable device.

Android compatibility was consistently weak because reviewers said Android and Windows users lose key smart features.

The app is widely praised for EQ, controls, and clean layout, though one reviewer wanted clearer EQ frequency labeling.

aptX Lossless support is treated as part of the impressive specification.

aptX support was criticized as missing in the SoundGuys review.

Gaming/low-latency performance was judged snappy and suitable for videos and fast-paced games.

Latency was viewed positively when wired or in normal video use, with reviewers noting no video delay and a useful low-latency update.

Wear-detection auto play/pause mostly worked but showed a brief audio cutout in one hands-on test.

Wear detection and auto-pause were praised as simple and effective when used with supported devices.

Auto on/off reliability was a repeated frustration because reviewers disliked the lack of a real power button and dependence on the case.

RecordingNow gave the product a strong S-Tier expert score, reflecting award-style recognition in that review.

Bass earns strong praise for impact and EQ potential, but some reviewers found the SE tuning too bass-forward or not fully controlled.

Bass was generally described as controlled, punchy, deep, and less boomy than some rivals, with the main criticism coming from reviewers who wanted more sub-bass or dynamics.

Battery life is one of the clearest strengths, repeatedly called excellent, incredible, extraordinary, or best-in-class.

Battery life was mixed to negative: some reviewers found it acceptable or impressive, but many called 20 hours weak versus competitors.

Bluetooth-related experiences were largely positive where judged through pairing and multipoint behavior.

Bluetooth reliability was viewed positively, with reviewers noting strong connection strength, no dropouts, and later updates improving connectivity issues.

Build quality is consistently praised as sturdy, premium, or strong for the price, with only minor creaking noted in one review.

Build quality was a major strength, with reviewers repeatedly praising metal materials, solid construction, durability, and premium assembly.

USB-C lossless and low-latency audio was viewed as a useful update for wired editing or production use.

Physical button controls are praised for usability and responsiveness.

Physical controls were widely praised, especially the Digital Crown and button layout, which reviewers found tactile, smooth, intuitive, and easy to use.

Cable quality receives a positive note for the included USB-C and 3.5mm cables.

The hard case is generally sturdy and solid, but its size hurts compactness.

The Smart Case was the clearest recurring complaint, with reviewers calling it ineffective, unprotective, pointless, or terrible.

Channel matching or imaging was criticized in one technical review, which found image separation and distinction poor.

Charging convenience was mixed, with one long-term reviewer linking battery preservation to the case and still finding charging part of the convenience problem.

Clamping force is mostly acceptable or well judged, though one review found the fit snug compared with rivals.

Clamping force drew criticism from reviewers who felt pressure from the clamp or sides of the head.

Codec support is praised through aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless support, but wireless LDAC absence is a separate limitation.

Codec support was a recurring weakness because reviewers noted reliance on AAC/SBC and lack of higher-end Bluetooth codec support.

Comfort is mixed: some reviewers found it comfortable or improved, while others criticized weight, snugness, or headband pressure over time.

Comfort over long use was split: some reviewers found them extremely comfortable for hours, while others reported fatigue, clamp, heat, or long-session discomfort.

Wired listening options are appreciated as part of the broader connectivity package.

Design is usually viewed positively, especially the clean lines and color options, although the look is not universally loved.

Design was praised as beautiful, minimal, and distinctively Apple.

Dolby Atmos and head tracking were praised as accurate, cinematic, and especially good for movies and supported content.

Durability is judged positively through solid materials and a reviewer description of the headphones as durable overall.

Long-term durability evidence was mixed, with one reviewer reporting headband wear over years and another saying the headphones still looked new.

Ear cup padding and space are generally praised for plushness, roominess, and comfort.

Ear cup padding was mostly praised for softness, breathability, depth, and replaceability, though one reviewer disliked the material preference.

Ear cup rotation is judged useful and flexible where reviewed.

One reviewer heard slight creaking during movement, but described it as minor.

Apple ecosystem integration was strongly praised for seamless pairing, easy device switching, and daily-use convenience.

EQ customization is a major strength, with reviewers praising the seven-band EQ and how well the headphones respond to tuning.

EQ customization was a consistent weakness because reviewers wanted a real user EQ or disliked Apple removing choice through Adaptive EQ.

Feature coverage is viewed positively, with reviewers noting modern ANC-headphone features and useful app-based controls.

Launch and refresh feature evidence was negative, with reviewers calling the limited update disappointing and asking for fixes in a future generation.

Frequency-response impressions are mixed because the SE sounds warmer and less flat than the original, even though the tonal balance can be adjusted.

Frequency-response evidence was mixed: some reviewers found the tuning balanced or close to preference targets, while one considered it only acceptable.

Headband adjustability was not evaluated directly beyond factual mechanism mentions.

Headband padding is one of the more divisive comfort points, ranging from improved and comfortable to stiff or not meaningfully changed.

Headband padding and mesh were mixed, with one reviewer worried about long-term fabric wear and another finding it breathable and comfortable.

Hinge feel and arm construction are praised for tightness, friction, and premium movement.

One reviewer singled out the hinge design as rock solid and highly durable.

Immersion is praised through wide, effortless soundstage comments, even without spatial audio.

Immersive audio quality was praised for cinematic, surround-like experiences and convincing spatial effects.

Included accessories are appreciated, especially the case and cable management touches.

Included accessories were criticized because reviewers wanted essential wired-use adapters or cables included at the price.

Detail retrieval and instrument separation are praised in both written and hands-on listening tests.

Several reviewers praised instrument separation and layering, but one technical review criticized image separation and fine detail as weak.

Microphone quality is good in quiet conditions, but noise suppression is less impressive in background noise.

The integrated microphone was judged inconsistent, especially when paired with the wrong device.

LDAC is a clear omission for reviewers who expect high-res wireless codec support.

LDAC support was criticized as missing in the SoundGuys review.

Clarity at higher volume is praised, with reviewers noting strong clarity and no distortion at raised levels.

One reviewer found the AirPods Max stayed clean at higher volumes with basically no distortion.

Microphone noise reduction is weaker than some competitors, with one reviewer saying it does not filter as much background noise.

One reviewer praised wind-noise reduction during calls, noting that callers could still hear the voice well.

Microphone quality itself is good in quiet conditions, even if background noise filtering is less strong.

Call microphone quality ranged from okay to good, with several reviewers finding it usable and one calling headset performance strong.

Mids are frequently praised as clear, rounded, and strong with vocals or instruments.

Midrange clarity drew strong praise from several reviewers, especially for vocals, but one technical review found the mids somewhat muted and veiled.

Multi-platform compatibility was limited; reviewers emphasized that non-Apple users miss many unique features.

Multipoint generally works, but switching can require pausing and there is no automatic switching in one test.

Passive noise isolation is a notable strength, with reviewers praising how much noise is blocked before ANC.

Passive isolation was mixed, with some reviewers praising the seal and others finding it weaker than expected for certain head shapes.

Overall recommendations are very positive, especially for sound-first buyers and value seekers, with caveats around ANC, comfort, and bulk.

Overall recommendations were positive but conditional: reviewers admired the sound, ANC, and Apple integration while warning about price, weight, case, and rival value.

Portability is a weakness because the headphones and case are not especially compact.

Portability and foldability were weak because reviewers noted bulk, lack of folding, and reluctance to carry them outside.

Premium feel is praised through materials, finish, and comparisons to more expensive headphones.

Premium feel was one of the strongest consensus positives, with reviewers emphasizing metal materials, luxury presentation, and high-quality feel.

Preset and DynamEQ-style tuning are useful but taste-dependent; some presets are usable while DynamEQ can be divisive.

Replaceable earpads and battery-related serviceability are repeatedly praised as longevity-friendly.

Replaceable earpads were praised because reviewers found the magnetic pads easy to remove and replace.

Replaceable components receive praise where reviewers focus on the user-replaceable battery as a long-term ownership benefit.

Sensor performance is mostly positive through wear-detection testing, though resume behavior had a minor glitch in one review.

Sidetone/voice passthrough needs improvement according to one reviewer who wanted clearer, louder self-voice feedback.

Smart listening features such as DynamEQ are useful for low-volume listening but not universally preferred.

Smart listening features were useful and practical for some reviewers, but Adaptive EQ and related smart behavior also drew criticism for needing improvement.

Smart Pause works quickly in hands-on testing, though one reviewer observed a brief audio glitch when resuming.

The off-white finish receives a small positive note for resisting a dirty-looking appearance over time.

Setup and software are generally smooth, clean, and intuitive, with fast firmware and app interactions noted.

Sound leakage evidence was mixed, with one reviewer saying leakage was low and another saying people nearby could hear at higher volumes.

Sound quality is the strongest repeated praise, described as detailed, clear, engaging, and high value for the price.

Reviewers broadly praised the AirPods Max sound as clear, refined, balanced, spacious, or even outstanding, though one audiophile-focused review found it merely competitive.

Soundstage is generally wide and spacious, though one reviewer heard it as more intimate than wide.

Most reviewers found the soundstage wide or spacious for closed-back wireless ANC headphones, while one technical review considered it only slightly above average.

Spatial audio is absent, which some reviewers list as a limitation, though others say the natural soundstage reduces the sting.

Spatial audio was one of the most praised software features, especially for movies, supported Apple content, Dolby Atmos, and head-tracked experiences.

One reviewer reported strong Bluetooth stability, including no dropouts while moving away from the source device.

Sustainability and repairability are praised thanks to recyclable packaging, recycled materials, user-replaceable batteries, and removable pads.

Sustainability materials earn praise from TechRadar, especially the recycled plastic and driver material claims.

Transparency mode ranges from natural and useful to merely acceptable and less airy than competitors.

Transparency mode received unusually strong agreement, with reviewers repeatedly calling it natural, clear, best-in-class, or among the best they had heard.

Travel friendliness is mixed: battery life is excellent for long trips, but the large case and limited folding hurt portability.

Travel friendliness was limited by flight-ANC doubts, bulk, case issues, and the tendency to keep the headphones at home or in the studio.

Treble is often praised for detail, shine, and sparkle, but DynamEQ can make the sound more aggressive for some listeners.

Treble was often described as crisp, clear, detailed, and non-fatiguing, though one technical review found the treble uneven and occasionally unpleasant.

USB-C connectivity is positively mentioned as part of the wired-listening and cable package.

USB-C was welcomed for lossless or low-latency wired use, though one reviewer still framed the refresh as disappointing because little else changed.

Value is one of the strongest themes, with reviewers repeatedly calling the P100 SE well priced or exceptional for sound quality per dollar.

Value for money was the biggest tradeoff: reviewers often liked the headphones but criticized the high price, especially against cheaper rivals.

Voice assistant access worked cleanly in hands-on testing.

Siri worked well for one reviewer, who preferred voice activation over manually using the crown.

Voice prompts stand out positively, especially the Matt Berry/Southwark option.

Volume output is mixed: some found it loud enough or very loud, while another wanted more Bluetooth/3.5mm loudness.

The headphones can play loud, but one reviewer noted they do not get incredibly loud.

Water resistance is a weakness because one reviewer warns users to be careful due to no rating.

Water or sweat resistance was criticized because reviewers found the lack of protection a miss for a portable product.

Wear-detection auto-pause is fast, though the broader wear-detection behavior was not flawless.

Wear detection performed quickly but had a resume-side glitch that the reviewer wanted fixed.

Weight comfort is mixed to negative, with one reviewer calling it among the heaviest in class while another found it substantial but acceptable.

Weight comfort was the most divided comfort issue: some praised the distribution, while many called the headphones heavy or tiring over time.

Wind handling is mixed: one review criticized wind noise in transparency mode, while another found ANC outdoor wind handling very good.

Wind-noise handling was praised in call or ANC microphone contexts, especially for white noise and outdoor calls.