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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
Choosing between the Apple AirPods (2nd generation) and the Apple AirPods Max depends on your priorities. The AirPods Max offer better overall sound quality, active noise cancelling, and are built sturdier, suited for immersive experiences and air travel. However, they're heavier and less portable compared to the much lighter and pocket-friendly AirPods (2nd generation). If you're active or need something convenient for calls and casual listening without breaking the bank, the 2nd generation AirPods are more appropriate. But if you prefer superior audio and isolation for focused listening environments, consider investing in the AirPods Max despite the higher cost. 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 Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
- The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has no clear advantages over the Apple Airpods Max.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods Max
- Good for music
- Excellent for air travel
Key differences
Music
5.8
7.3
The Apple Airpods Max is good for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
4.8
5.5
The Apple Airpods Max and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for gaming, though the Apple Airpods Max is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
2.5
10.0
The Apple Airpods Max is best in class for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Battery
4.0 Hours
21.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The Apple Airpods Max has 21 hours of battery life.
Cost
$130
$380
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $130 and the Apple Airpods Max costs $380.
Build Quality
7.6
9.0
The Apple Airpods Max has excellent build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
6.9
6.6
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and Apple Airpods Max are both only fair for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
8.0
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and Apple Airpods Max are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks.
TV and Video
5.4
5.7
The Apple Airpods Max and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for TV and video.
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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the Apple Airpods Max compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | Apple Airpods Max |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$130 | $380 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Apple | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | December 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 4 Hours | 21 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | N/A | |
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 | No | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 385.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
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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 Apple Airpods (2nd generation) 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.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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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