A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
Company ProductName Specs
Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prefer a more comfortable and traditional over-ear design with higher build quality and superior noise isolation, the Apple AirPods Max is the better choice, offering an immersive listening experience; they are ideal for air travel due to their excellent noise cancellation. However, they are bulkier, less portable, and significantly more expensive. In contrast, the Apple AirPods Pro are more compact, offer great portability and fit, and are suitable for exercise due to their sweatproof design. They also have a lower cost. Both options support Apple's ecosystem features like spatial audio and quick switching, but if you're looking for something to use while being active or need something more affordable, the AirPods Pro would be the more practical choice. 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 Max
- Good for music
Advantages of the Apple Airpods Pro
- Good for phone calls
Key differences
Music
7.3
6.8
The Apple Airpods Max is good for music, while the Apple Airpods Pro is only fair.
Phone Calls
6.6
7.4
The Apple Airpods Pro is good for phone calls, while the Apple Airpods Max is only fair.
Noise Reduction
10.0
9.1
The Apple Airpods Max is best in class for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods Pro is excellent.
Battery
21.0 Hours
5.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods Max has 21 hours of battery life. The Apple Airpods Pro has 5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$549
$260
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Max has a price of $549 and the Apple Airpods Pro costs $260.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Headphones
Find your new headphones
Key similarities
Gaming
5.5
5.1
The Apple Airpods Max and Apple Airpods Pro are both poor for gaming.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.0
8.3
The Apple Airpods Pro and Apple Airpods Max are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks.
TV and Video
5.7
5.7
The Apple Airpods Max and Apple Airpods Pro are both poor for TV and video.
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Apple Airpods Max and Apple Airpods Pro both have excellent build quality.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Apple Airpods Max and the Apple Airpods Pro compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Max | Apple Airpods Pro |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$549 | $260 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Apple | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2020 | October 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.4/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.6/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.2/10 | 6.1/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 21 Hours | 5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 24 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 10/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | No | |
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 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 385.5 Grams | 5.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods Max
See more
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."
Apple Airpods Pro
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Adam Molina | January 2023
"For just $50 USD more than the original model with the wireless charging case, this is definitely the pair of buds to get. The AirPods Pro (1st generation) sounds better than the originals and has a way better fit and active noise canceling to boot. If you have an iOS device, just get this."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods Max or the Apple Airpods Pro
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.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
More comparisons for you
FAQs
FAQs about earbuds and headphones
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
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
123,500
Recommendations made
18,525
Consumer hours saved
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.
Featured in
