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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple AirPods Max offers superior sound quality and noise cancellation, ideal for an immersive audio experience in noisy environments. However, they're bulkier and far more expensive. On the other hand, Apple AirPods (3rd generation) are more affordable and compact, suitable for everyday use, with good sound quality for the price, but they lack active noise cancellation. If you're looking for portability and don't need noise cancellation, the AirPods (3rd gen) are a cost-effective choice. Choose the AirPods Max if you prioritize maximum audio fidelity and noise isolation, and are fine with a higher price and larger size. 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 (3rd generation)
- Good for phone calls
- Good for exercise
Advantages of the Apple Airpods Max
- Excellent for air travel
Key differences
Phone Calls
7.6
6.6
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for phone calls, while the Apple Airpods Max is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
8.0
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Apple Airpods Max are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
2.5
10.0
The Apple Airpods Max is best in class for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Battery
6.0 Hours
21.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The Apple Airpods Max has 21 hours of battery life.
Cost
$179
$549
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $179 and the Apple Airpods Max costs $549.
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Key similarities
Music
7.1
7.3
The Apple Airpods Max and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both good for music.
Gaming
5.4
5.5
The Apple Airpods Max and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.5
5.7
The Apple Airpods Max and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both poor for TV and video.
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Apple Airpods Max both have excellent build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the Apple Airpods Max compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | Apple Airpods Max |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$179 | $549 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Apple | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | December 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | 21 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | 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 | Yes | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 385.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz, Christian Thomas | February 2023
"The Apple AirPods improves upon the 2019 model with its more ergonomic, yet unsealed, fit, water-resistant build, MagSafe charging case, and advanced software features. You can enjoy a wholly immersive movie experience with the new AirPods' spatial audio with head tracking, and enjoy HD audio during FaceTime calls. Of course, most of these features are limited to Apple hardware."
Apple Airpods Max
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Dig into reviews and images
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 (3rd 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.
By the numbers
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Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
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Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
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Recommendations made
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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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