AirPods Max 2
H2 chip · 1.5× ANC · 24-bit USB-C lossless
Audeze LCD-5
Planar magnetic
Audeze LCD-5 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Max 2 lands at 92 and Audeze LCD-5 at 96. That puts Audeze LCD-5 ahead by 4 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick AirPods Max 2 if…
- ✓Up to 1.5× more effective ANC vs original AirPods Max
- ✓24-bit / 48 kHz lossless audio over included USB-C cable
- ✓H2 enables Adaptive Audio, Voice Isolation, Live Translation
Pick Audeze LCD-5 if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
Audeze LCD-5Tuning, detail, and staging
Audeze LCD-5 leads on sound (96 vs 93).
Noise cancelling
AirPods Max 2ANC strength for commute and travel
AirPods Max 2 leads on anc (95 vs 0).
Comfort
AirPods Max 2Long-session wearability
AirPods Max 2 leads on comfort (90 vs 88).
Value for money
AirPods Max 2Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
AirPods Max 2 more score per dollar ($549 vs $4,500).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | AirPods Max 2 | Audeze LCD-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Apple H2 headphone chip | — |
| ANC | Up to 1.5× more effective vs original | — |
| Audio | 24-bit / 48 kHz lossless (USB-C wired) | — |
| Amplifier | High dynamic range | — |
| Battery | Up to 20 hours with ANC | — |
| Charging port | USB-C | — |
| Spatial audio | Personalized with dynamic head tracking | — |
| Colors | Midnight / Starlight / Orange / Purple / Blue | — |
| Features | Adaptive Audio + Voice Isolation + Live Translation | — |
| Type | — | Planar magnetic |
AirPods Max 2
- +Up to 1.5× more effective ANC vs original AirPods Max
- +24-bit / 48 kHz lossless audio over included USB-C cable
- +H2 enables Adaptive Audio, Voice Isolation, Live Translation
- −Same $549 price with no battery-life increase
- −Same exterior design as 2020 original
- −Lossless requires wired USB-C connection
Audeze LCD-5
- +Reference-level detail
- +Well-regarded in audiophile community
- +Long-term ownership appeal
- −Requires amplifier (most)
- −No active noise cancellation
- −Impractical for commuting
FAQ: AirPods Max 2 vs Audeze LCD-5
Which is better, AirPods Max 2 or Audeze LCD-5? +
Audeze LCD-5 scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 4. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is AirPods Max 2 worth the price? +
At $549, AirPods Max 2 delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in anc.
Is Audeze LCD-5 worth the price? +
At $4,500, Audeze LCD-5 delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in battery.
Does AirPods Max 2 or Audeze LCD-5 last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for sound quality, AirPods Max 2 or Audeze LCD-5? +
Audeze LCD-5 — leads on sound (96 vs 93). Tuning, detail, and staging.
Which is better for noise cancelling, AirPods Max 2 or Audeze LCD-5? +
AirPods Max 2 — leads on anc (95 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.