The AirPods Max 2 are, with out a doubt, the largest headphone launch of 2026. Apple followers — and audio followers — have been ready for this since 2020.
If you’ve got bought a pair of the originals, you may be questioning about upgrading. Alternatively, perhaps you’ve got been a pair of second-hand AirPods Max, however you are now contemplating forking out on the brand new mannequin. Let me aid you determine if you can purchase the unique AirPods Max or new AirPods Max 2.
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AirPods Max 2 vs AirPods Max: Specs
| Header Cell – Column 0 | AirPods Max | AirPods Max 2 |
|---|---|---|
Price | ||
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
ANC | Yes | Yes |
Processor | H1 | H2 |
Durability | No IP ranking | No IP ranking |
Battery | 20 hours | 20 hours |
Weight | 13.6 ounces | 13.6 ounces |
Dimensions | 7.4 x 6.6 x 3.28 inches | 7.4 x 6.6 x 3.28 inches |
Colors | Starlight, midnight, orange, purple, inexperienced, blue | Starlight, midnight, orange, purple, blue |
Compatibility | iOS, Android | iOS, Android |
AirPods Max 2 vs AirPods Max: Price
As seen with previous releases, the AirPods Max and AirPods Max 2 have the identical value — $549 / £499. I actually admire Apple’s determination to launch new merchandise matching their predecessors’ MSRP. This was the case with final 12 months’s AirPods Pro 3, which price $249, the identical because the AirPods Pro 2.
However, $549 remains to be fairly costly, even for flagship Bluetooth headphones. The class-leading Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2 are solely $499. So whereas Apple has stored the launch value the identical because the earlier mannequin, that is nonetheless a first rate improve over different main fashions.
With the appearance of the AirPods Max 2, although, we must be handled to reductions and last-chance gross sales on the unique mannequin. As retailers attempt to shift the leftover inventory, you may be capable of seize the OG Maxes for reasonable. As a outcome, this spherical’s a tie.
The winner: Draw.
AirPods Max 2 vs AirPods Max: Design
If you ask any Apple/audio fan, I’m fairly positive the most typical subject with the AirPods Max is the burden. The AirPods Max are heavy. The originals are 13.6 ounces, which is nearly double the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2. There’s a cause why I’d by no means suggest sporting AirPods Max on the fitness center.
While this weight is not too unhealthy whereas operating errands or working, I did should take away each the unique Max and AirPods Max 2 after about an hour to offer my head a relaxation.
The mesh headband does a unbelievable job of assuaging as a lot strain as it will possibly, however the reality of the matter is that these are heavy headphones.
Weight apart, the AirPods Max and AirPods Max 2 are each completely attractive, albeit equivalent. Those hoping for design innovation or a new type might be upset, however those that assume the AirPods Max have already reached the head of audio magnificence might be happy.
There are the identical fundamental controls on the proper cup: the Digital Crown for play/pause and quantity, and the little button for ANC modes. You can customise these controls even additional in your iPhone’s settings.
The winner: Draw. Both fashions are equivalent.
AirPods Max 2 vs AirPods Max: Features & connectivity
The AirPods Max 2 lastly deliver all of the ultra-modern sensible options from AirPods Pro into the over-ear mannequin.
The earlier gen pale compared: positive, there’s Spatial Audio and a few Siri integration, however the Max 2 have actually taken the entire make-your-headphones-work-for-you motto and run with it.
The AirPods Max 2 have tons of options. Thanks to the H2 chip (the identical chip utilized in AirPods Pro 2/3), the brand new Max have seamless Siri help, Camera Remote, Live Translation, Head Gestures, Conversation Awareness, and Personalized Volume.
Connectivity is unbelievable on each fashions. The AirPods Max and Max 2 seamlessly combine with all of my Apple gear. I can change between my iPhone 16 Pro and MacBook Air M2 with out stopping my music. If I’m listening on my laptop computer however I get a name on my telephone, my headphones mechanically change to my telephone. This is without doubt one of the finest elements of AirPods when you’ve bought an iPhone/MacBook. It’s simply so dependable and simple.
However, Apple remains to be operating Bluetooth 5.3 on its flagship — practically $600 — over-ears, which is not actually ok in 2026. Samsung’s latest earbuds all launched with Bluetooth 6.1 as commonplace, which future-proofs the merchandise a little extra and offers a wider, extra dependable vary.
Going ahead, I’d prefer to see Apple use the most recent Bluetooth variations.
Winner: AirPods Max 2
AirPods Max 2 vs AirPods Max: Sound high quality
Where the AirPods Max and the AirPods Max 2 actually excel is sound high quality. I’ve listened to so many pairs of headphones that I’ve misplaced rely.
None of them make me wish to drop practically $600. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2 and Sony WH-1000XM6 sound good, however the AirPods Max (each gens) sound wonderful. Either my mind is completely attuned to Apple’s sound signature, or the Cupertino lot has discovered the key sauce to make music really feel like extra than simply audio. It feels actual.
I take advantage of a combination of Qobuz (our best music streaming service for audiophiles), Spotify, and Apple Music. Of course, the AirPods Max sound finest on Apple Music, however when you pay attention through wired USB-C, you unlock super-hi-res streaming high quality with Qobuz.
The AirPods Max 2 are completely divine. They are the best-sounding headphones (through Bluetooth) I’ve ever had the pleasure of placing on my head. In each style I listened to, I might hear each beat, each breath, each pulse of bass.
The AirPods Max 2 appeared to take all the things from the earlier mannequin and dial it as much as 11. The AirPods Max 2 are richer, extra dynamic, and extra vibrant than their predecessor — if that was even attainable.
The low-end is wealthy, dynamic, and balanced, with deep and managed sub-bass. At the highest of the frequency vary, you get readability throughout devices like snares, cymbals, and breathy vocals. The midrange helps each different aspect with complexity and reliability. I am keen on the AirPods Max 2. I did not assume it was attainable to get higher than the OG, however Apple managed it.
Winner: AirPods Max 2
AirPods Max 2 vs AirPods Max: ANC
Surprisingly, I’m not overly enamored with the AirPods Max’s ANC. When I used to be testing it within the metropolis, I needed to verify I used to be positively in Noise Cancelation mode. I might hear individuals speaking round me, I might hear vehicles, I might hear seagulls. Not actually what you need whenever you spend practically $600 on some ANC headphones.
Transparency mode is superior — the mics make your voice the middle so you possibly can hear all the things you are saying — however you do not purchase headphones for transparency mode. That’s what you utilize your ears for. You know, biology.
Thankfully, Apple has sorted this out with the AirPods Max 2. The ANC is stronger, higher at blocking out lower-frequency appears like rumbling engines. While nonetheless not Bose-beating or Sony-meeting, the AirPods Max 2 are higher than their predecessor.
Winner: AirPods Max 2
AirPods Max 2 vs AirPods Max: Call high quality
Call high quality on the AirPods Max is just fantastic. I wasn’t blown away by the readability in my voice, and folks I spoke to reported that I sounded a little muffled. The normal consensus was that my private AirPods Pro 2 sounded significantly better.
The AirPods Max 2 have only one mic for calls, however do not assume this implies the cans sound lackluster. You get superior readability in your voice and the mic does a unbelievable job of chopping out environmental noise. I take advantage of them on work calls and private calls they usually’re excellent for each.
Winner: AirPods Max 2
AirPods Max 2 vs AirPods Max: Battery
Battery life is a little bit of a sore spot for us AirPods lovers. Although I am keen on most elements of AirPods — the sound high quality, consolation, design, options — I am unable to fake I’m not majorly upset right here.
The AirPods Max and AirPods Max 2 have the identical battery life: simply 20 hours.
An improved battery life was my #1 want for the brand new mannequin, and Apple hasn’t managed it. The charging port is a USB-C by default, upgrading from the unique’s Lightning connector, which is nice to see.
At this level within the lifestyle-headphone-cycle, I do not assume 20 hours is nice sufficient. Especially not for $549.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 final for 30 hours, as do the Sony WH-1000XM6. The Nothing Headphone (a) will go for 135 hours. No, that is not a typo. I quadruple-checked.
One. Hundred. Thirty. Five. Hours.
Sure, the Nothing Headphone (a) are simply $199, which suggests the battery would not must drive as a lot energy because the AirPods Max. However, if an underdog, emergent model like Nothing can handle 135, you’d assume the behemoth Apple might do a little higher than 20 hours.
Winner: No one. I do not even wish to say it is a draw, as a result of there are not any winners. Only losers.
AirPods Max 2 vs AirPods Max: Verdict
The AirPods Max 2 are my winner. Although I actually like the unique — unbeatable sound, lovely aesthetics, and top-notch Apple ecosystem integration — the brand new options and improved ANC on the 2 imply the latest mannequin takes the “Best AirPods Max” crown.
Does that imply you should not get the AirPods Max when you see them on sale, or there’s a second-hand pair going for tremendous low-cost? Of course not. If you possibly can seize the unique Max at a low cost, they’re nonetheless a unbelievable pair of cans. They look nice, sound nice, and are actually dependable.
But in 2026, they do not have the identical oomph as the brand new mannequin. I like the improved ANC, improved sound, and improved name high quality. Of course, I want the battery life had been longer, and I want they had been lighter, however these are AirPods Max as a complete points relatively than AirPods-Max-2 points. For me, although, I’m going second era.
AirPods Max 2 vs AirPods Max: Ratings scorecard
| Header Cell – Column 0 | AirPods Max 2 | AirPods Max |
|---|---|---|
Price (5) | 3 | 3 |
Design & controls (15) | 12 | 12 |
Features (10) | 8 | 5 |
Sound high quality (25) | 24 | 23 |
ANC (20) | 19 | 10 |
Call high quality (10) | 10 | 6 |
Battery (15) | 8 | 8 |
Total rating (100) | 83 | 67 |
