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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize sound quality and an expansive soundstage for immersive listening, especially at home, the AKG K712 Pro may be better. They have an open design providing a natural sound but offer limited noise isolation, not ideal for noisy environments. Conversely, if you need versatility, including active noise cancelling for travel and good sound across various content types, the Apple Airpods Max would be suitable. They're wireless with controls on the headset, have a sturdy build, and support Apple's ecosystem, but they're heavier and less ideal for long listening sessions due to lower comfort scores. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the AKG K712 Pro
- Good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
Advantages of the Apple Airpods Max
- Excellent for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Gaming
7.0
5.5
The AKG K712 Pro is good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods Max is poor.
Phone Calls
4.9
6.6
The Apple Airpods Max is only fair for phone calls, while the AKG K712 Pro is poor.
TV and Video
8.4
5.7
The AKG K712 Pro is very good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods Max is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
10.0
The Apple Airpods Max is best in class for noise reduction, while the AKG K712 Pro is poor.
Battery
N/A
21.0 Hours
The AKG K712 Pro does not have a battery. The Apple Airpods Max has 21 hours of battery life.
Cost
$659
$549
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The AKG K712 Pro has a price of $659 and the Apple Airpods Max costs $549.
Build Quality
8.5
9.0
The Apple Airpods Max has excellent build quality, while the AKG K712 Pro has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.7
7.3
The AKG K712 Pro and Apple Airpods Max are both good for music.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.8
8.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods Max to be very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the AKG K712 Pro is good.
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How the AKG K712 Pro and the Apple Airpods Max compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| AKG K712 Pro | Apple Airpods Max |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$659 | $549 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | AKG | Apple | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | July 1, 2013 | December 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.8/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.9/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.5/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.4/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 21 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 10/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.4/10 | 7/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 235 Grams | 385.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
AKG K712 Pro
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Dig into reviews and images
Headfonics
Michael | October 2013
"AKG has created a mini-masterpiece in my opinion. I enjoy this headphone a great deal and it will become my go-to reference headphone for the time being. She is slick, sexy, well-balanced, and crazy comfortable."
Apple Airpods Max
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Sound Guys
Adam Molina | July 2023
"Objectively, the AirPods Max is a spectacular pair of headphones. I appreciate the smart features like auto-pause and the transparency mode are super practical. It also sounds great, is well-built, and has solid battery life."
Get a great deal on the AKG K712 Pro or the Apple Airpods Max
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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