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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're seeking a versatile option with modern features, the Apple Airpods Max would suit you; they offer wireless connectivity, active noise cancelling for better isolation, and are optimized for use with Apple devices, useful if you own other Apple products. They're also more portable and slightly lighter, with a longer battery life for convenience. On the other hand, the Audeze LCD 2 Classic, while usually pricier, are better suited to a high-fidelity listening experience at home, particularly for critical listening and enjoying a wide soundstage. They have an open-back design and planar drivers which are preferred by audiophiles, but lack modern features like wireless connectivity, active noise cancelling, and a built-in microphone for calls. 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 Audeze LCD 2 Classic
- Excellent for music
- Good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
7.3
9.2
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is excellent for music, while the Apple Airpods Max is good.
Gaming
5.5
7.3
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods Max is poor.
Phone Calls
6.6
4.8
The Apple Airpods Max is only fair for phone calls, while the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is poor.
TV and Video
5.7
8.6
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is very 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 Audeze LCD 2 Classic is poor.
Battery
21.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods Max has 21 hours of battery life. The Audeze LCD 2 Classic does not have a battery.
Cost
$549
$799
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Max has a price of $549 and the Audeze LCD 2 Classic costs $799.
Build Quality
9.0
10.0
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic has best in class build quality, while the Apple Airpods Max has excellent build quality.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.0
7.7
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods Max to be very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is good.
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How the Apple Airpods Max and the Audeze LCD 2 Classic compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Max | Audeze LCD 2 Classic |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$549 | $799 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Audeze | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2020 | November 1, 2017 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.4/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.6/10 | 4.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 7.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 8.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.2/10 | 4.4/10 | |
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 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 10/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 385.5 Grams | 635 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
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."
Audeze LCD 2 Classic
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Dig into reviews and images
The Greatest Song
Greatest Song Team | August 2023
"These headphones outdo rival planar magnetic headphones, especially in terms of dynamics. Compared to the Hifiman Ananda or the Hifiman Edition XS there is noticeably more slam in the sound, particularly in the bass. The LCD-2C gives you a fantastic sense of quiet dynamics with crystalline precision. This is evident also in our clinical tests, where it’s just easier to understand spoken text at very low volumes."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods Max or the Audeze LCD 2 Classic
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.
About Audeze
Audeze is an, award-winning, American premium headphone manufacturer based in California. Founded in 2008, their products are developed around aerospace materials technology first used by NASA and are widely used by enthusiasts and professionals alike, not only in the fields of music and sound engineering but also in e-sports and the health industry.
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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.
By the numbers
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11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
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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