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AirPods Max 2 — H2 chip · 1.5× ANC · 24-bit USB-C lossless
Apple

AirPods Max 2

H2 chip · 1.5× ANC · 24-bit USB-C lossless

92
/ 100
From $549
VS
Audeze MM-500 — Planar magnetic
Audeze

Audeze MM-500

Planar magnetic

92
/ 100
From $1,699
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Max 2 lands at 92 and Audeze MM-500 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 MM-500 if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Tie

Tuning, detail, and staging

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Noise cancelling

AirPods Max 2

ANC strength for commute and travel

AirPods Max 2 leads on anc (95 vs 0).

Comfort

AirPods Max 2

Long-session wearability

AirPods Max 2 leads on comfort (90 vs 88).

Value for money

AirPods Max 2

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

AirPods Max 2 more score per dollar ($549 vs $1,699).

AirPods Max 2 92
vs
92 Audeze MM-500

Score breakdown

AirPods Max 2
92
anc 95
sound 93
comfort 90
battery 84
features 94
Audeze MM-500
92
anc 0
sound 92
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

AirPods Max 2 versus Audeze MM-500 — full spec comparison
Spec AirPods Max 2 Audeze MM-500
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 MM-500

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 MM-500

Which is better, AirPods Max 2 or Audeze MM-500? +

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 MM-500 worth the price? +

At $1,699, Audeze MM-500 delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in battery.

Does AirPods Max 2 or Audeze MM-500 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 MM-500? +

AirPods Max 2 — leads on anc (95 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.

Which is better for comfort, AirPods Max 2 or Audeze MM-500? +

AirPods Max 2 — leads on comfort (90 vs 88). Long-session wearability.