AirPods Max 2
H2 chip · 1.5× ANC · 24-bit USB-C lossless
Audeze Maxwell (Black)
Gaming · 2022 · Black
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Max 2 lands at 92 and Audeze Maxwell (Black) 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 Maxwell (Black) if…
- ✓Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
- ✓Detachable broadcast mic
- ✓Console compatibility
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
TieTuning, detail, and staging
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Noise cancelling
AirPods Max 2ANC strength for commute and travel
AirPods Max 2 leads on anc (95 vs 70).
Comfort
TieLong-session wearability
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Value for money
Audeze Maxwell (Black)Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
Audeze Maxwell (Black) more score per dollar ($299 vs $549).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | AirPods Max 2 | Audeze Maxwell (Black) |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | Gaming headset |
| Variant | — | Black |
| Release year | — | 2022 |
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 Maxwell (Black)
- +Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
- +Detachable broadcast mic
- +Console compatibility
- −Bulkier than audiophile cans
- −Game-tuned EQ
- −Software required on PC
FAQ: AirPods Max 2 vs Audeze Maxwell (Black)
Which is better, AirPods Max 2 or Audeze Maxwell (Black)? +
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 Maxwell (Black) worth the price? +
At $299, Audeze Maxwell (Black) delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in sound.
Does AirPods Max 2 or Audeze Maxwell (Black) 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 noise cancelling, AirPods Max 2 or Audeze Maxwell (Black)? +
AirPods Max 2 — leads on anc (95 vs 70). ANC strength for commute and travel.
Which is the better value, AirPods Max 2 or Audeze Maxwell (Black)? +
Audeze Maxwell (Black) — more score per dollar ($299 vs $549). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.