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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're considering the Apple AirPods Max and the Apple AirPods Pro 2, think about your primary use. For premium sound quality and comfort during long listening sessions, the over-ear AirPods Max is superior, though it is bulkier and pricier. The AirPods Pro 2 offers good sound quality with the convenience of a small, in-ear design, ideal for active use, and has noise-cancellation technology. Both have excellent integration with Apple devices, but if cost is a major concern, the AirPods Pro 2 is more budget-friendly. Consider how much you are willing to carry around and spend for your ideal audio experience. 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
- Excellent for air travel
Advantages of the Apple Airpods Pro 2
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
Key differences
Gaming
5.5
8.4
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is very good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods Max is poor.
Phone Calls
6.6
7.8
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is good for phone calls, while the Apple Airpods Max is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.0
8.8
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 and Apple Airpods Max are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Apple Airpods Pro 2 is somewhat better.
TV and Video
5.7
7.8
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods Max is poor.
Noise Reduction
10.0
9.1
The Apple Airpods Max is best in class for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods Pro 2 is excellent.
Battery
21.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods Max has 21 hours of battery life. The Apple Airpods Pro 2 has 6 hours of battery life.
Cost
$549
$199
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Max has a price of $549 and the Apple Airpods Pro 2 costs $199.
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Key similarities
Music
7.3
7.0
The Apple Airpods Max and Apple Airpods Pro 2 are both good for music.
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Apple Airpods Max and Apple Airpods Pro 2 both have excellent build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods Max and the Apple Airpods Pro 2 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Max | Apple Airpods Pro 2 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$549 | $199 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Apple | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2020 | September 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.4/10 | 7.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.6/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 8.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.2/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 21 Hours | 6 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 0.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.3 | |
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 | 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 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 385.5 Grams | 5.3 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
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."
Apple Airpods Pro 2
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Sound Guys
Lily Katz | May 2023
"Apple's upgraded H2 chip begets better active noise canceling (ANC) and battery life, while the case's U1 chip and integrated speaker lets you precisely locate it from the Find My app. If you own an iPhone, the new AirPods Pro is an obvious choice."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods Max or the Apple Airpods Pro 2
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 evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
123,500
Recommendations made
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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.
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