I did the same quest and I'm happy with the AirPods Max. I remember reading Apple originally wanted to make them better but they would have been more expensive so they didn't, I wish they had.
I have more expensive headphones than the AirPods Max but these are what I use the most.
I owned two Boses (QC35II and 700) and two of the best that Sony has to offer (XM4 & XM5).
The AirPods Max blow both out of the water in comfort, usability and ANC.
I did the same quest and I'm happy with the AirPods Max. I remember reading Apple originally wanted to make them better but they would have been more expensive so they didn't, I wish they had.
I have more expensive headphones than the AirPods Max but these are what I use the most.