Oh I've been to Bandos too MOS
The two are quite different, neither necessarily better. Many of the reefs in the Maldives have died or been badly damaged and are not the same as they were some years ago. It does depend which island and I would recommend you check out on trip advisor where is still good. The more pristine reefs on the islands in the further afield atolls may be better. ( if I remember rightly, Bandos is an island in the middle of the North Male atoll and was protected somewhat from the worst of the damage, the outer islands were hit worse.)
The area around Sharm and Ras Mohammed offers brilliant snorkelling. The water is colder so not as pleasant. You will have to walk out to the reefs on floating jetties so as not to damage the coral. The drop offs beyond the reefs are not as breathtaking but the coral is very, very good.
I'm speaking as a diver, but still do lots of snorkelling. My Favorite place in the world is the Maldives, and if money were no object I would pick there every time. Saying that, we have had 6 holidays to Sharm, because it's a 1/4 of the price, the hotels and weather are fantastic, the diving and snorkelling world class, just stay away from Sharm centre as its like Blackpool and you are constantly hassled.