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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Airpods Max offers premium sound quality, better noise isolation, and active noise cancelling which is great for travel and noisy environments, with a comfortable over-ear design and higher build quality. However, they are much more expensive, heavier, and less portable compared to the lightweight and highly portable Earpods that are open-ear and without noise cancellation. Earpods are more budget-friendly with a design suitable for calls and meetings, and their simplicity makes them easy to use daily without needing to charge them, unlike the battery-dependent Airpods Max. If cost is less of an issue and you value sound isolation for immersive experiences or travel, choose the Airpods Max, but for casual, everyday use without the need for noise cancellation, the Earpods are practical and wallet-friendly. 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
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Apple Earpods
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
Key differences
Gaming
5.5
8.3
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods Max is poor.
Phone Calls
6.6
8.0
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the Apple Airpods Max is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.0
7.4
The Apple Airpods Max is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Apple Earpods is good.
TV and Video
5.7
7.4
The Apple Earpods is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods Max is poor.
Noise Reduction
10.0
2.5
The Apple Airpods Max is best in class for noise reduction, while the Apple Earpods is poor.
Battery
21.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods Max has 21 hours of battery life. The Apple Earpods does not have a battery.
Cost
$549
$20
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Apple Airpods Max has a price of $549 and the Apple Earpods costs $20.
Build Quality
9.0
7.6
The Apple Airpods Max has excellent build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.3
7.8
The Apple Earpods and Apple Airpods Max are both good for music.
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How the Apple Airpods Max and the Apple Earpods compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Max | Apple Earpods |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$549 | $20 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Apple | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2020 | September 1, 2012 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.6/10 | 8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 8.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.2/10 | 4.1/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 21 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 10/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 8.3/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 385.5 Grams | 6.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | In-Line | |
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 Earpods
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Dig into reviews and images
CNN Underscored
Michael Andronico | May 2023
"Apple’s wired buds sound just fine for the price, and their handy inline controls and clear microphone give them an edge on wireless earbuds that are much more expensive. Plus, you never have to worry about running out of battery — or worse, a stray earbud going missing."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods Max or the Apple Earpods
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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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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