Apple AirPods Max 2: 5 of 8 decision facts sourced.
Apple AirPods Max: 5 of 8 decision facts sourced.
| Apple AirPods Max 2 | Apple AirPods Max | |
|---|---|---|
| Price today | $499 | Price not yet checked |
| Noise cancelling | Up to 1.5x more Active Noise Cancellation than the previous generation apple.com | Active Noise Cancellation apple.com |
| Battery life | 20 hours bestbuy.com | 20 hours bestbuy.com |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 bestbuy.com | 5.3 bestbuy.com |
| Weight | 0.85 pounds bestbuy.com | 0.85 pounds bestbuy.com |
| Starting MSRP | $549.00 bestbuy.com | $549.00 bestbuy.com |
Not yet sourced — Apple AirPods Max 2: Codecs, Multipoint, Water resistance. Apple AirPods Max: Codecs, Multipoint, Water resistance. No manufacturer, official or retailer source we read publishes these yet; we don't estimate them.
Verdict: Pick Apple AirPods Max if you are satisfied with excellent sound and solid ANC without needing the newer chip. Neither publishes codecs, multipoint or water resistance yet.
Apple AirPods Max 2 lists at $499 while Apple AirPods Max lists at $549.99 — Apple AirPods Max 2 undercuts Apple AirPods Max by $50.99 (10%).
Our take: Based on expert reviews and verified owner feedback, the Apple AirPods Max stands out for breathable knit mesh headband with stainless steel frame. This is the kind of difference you feel in daily use — not just on a spec sheet.
Winner: Apple AirPods Max
Apple AirPods Max 2: 8.2/10
Apple AirPods Max: 7/10
| Apple AirPods Max 2 | Apple AirPods Max | |
|---|---|---|
| Noise cancelling | Up to 1.5x more Active Noise Cancellation than the previous generation | Active Noise Cancellation |
| Battery life | 20 hours | 20 hours |
| Quick charge | Cable | Cable |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Type | Over-the-Ear | Over-the-Ear |
| Weight | 0.85 pounds | 0.85 pounds |
Our pick: Apple AirPods Max.
The AirPods Max offer superior spatial audio and seamless Apple ecosystem integration but cost $549 versus the XM4's $348. The Sony WH-1000XM4 provide stronger noise cancellation, longer 30-hour battery life, and better multipoint Bluetooth than the AirPods Max.
The AirPods Max offer superior spatial audio and seamless Apple ecosystem integration at $549, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 deliver better noise cancellation and 30-hour battery life for $398. The Sony edges out in overall value for most users due to its lower price and stronger ANC performance.
The Apple AirPods Max offers superior sound quality and seamless Apple ecosystem integration at $549, while the Jabra Evolve2 85 provides better battery life of up to 37 hours and stronger ANC for office use at around $400. The AirPods Max has a more premium build but is heavier, whereas the Evolve2 85 excels in call clarity with its boom mic.
The AirPods Max offer superior build quality, spatial audio with head tracking, and seamless Apple ecosystem integration at $549, while the Bose QC 700 provides stronger noise cancellation, better call quality, and 20-hour battery life at $379. The Bose edges out for pure ANC performance and value, but AirPods Max win for sound detail and features if you're in the Apple ecosystem.
The Apple AirPods Max (2024) offers superior spatial audio with dynamic head tracking and seamless Apple ecosystem integration at $549, while the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 delivers stronger noise cancellation and better battery life (up to 24 hours) for $429. Sound quality is more neutral and detailed on the Bose, but the AirPods Max has a wider soundstage and higher build quality.
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