Apple
AirPods Max 2
H2 chip · 1.5× ANC · 24-bit USB-C lossless
92
/ 100
From $549
VS
Audeze
Audeze LCD-X
Planar magnetic
92
/ 100
From $1,199
Specdex verdict
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Max 2 lands at 92 and Audeze LCD-X at 92. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
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-X if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
AirPods Max 2 92
vs 92 Audeze LCD-X
Score breakdown
AirPods Max 2
92 anc 95
sound 93
comfort 90
battery 84
features 94
Audeze LCD-X
92 anc 0
sound 92
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | AirPods Max 2 | Audeze LCD-X |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Pros
- +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
Cons
- −Same $549 price with no battery-life increase
- −Same exterior design as 2020 original
- −Lossless requires wired USB-C connection
Audeze LCD-X
Pros
- +Reference-level detail
- +Well-regarded in audiophile community
- +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
- −Requires amplifier (most)
- −No active noise cancellation
- −Impractical for commuting
FAQ: AirPods Max 2 vs Audeze LCD-X
Which is better, AirPods Max 2 or Audeze LCD-X? +
Both score 92 on our weighted rubric — tied. 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-X worth the price? +
At $1,199, Audeze LCD-X delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in battery.
Does AirPods Max 2 or Audeze LCD-X 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.