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AirPods Max · Navy Blue — Over-ear · 2020
Apple

AirPods Max · Navy Blue

Over-ear · 2020

88
/ 100
From $549
VS
Focal Utopia 2022 wins by 8
Focal Utopia 2022 — Open-back
Focal

Focal Utopia 2022

Open-back

96
/ 100
From $4,999
Specdex verdict

Focal Utopia 2022 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Max · Navy Blue lands at 88 and Focal Utopia 2022 at 96. That puts Focal Utopia 2022 ahead by 8 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick AirPods Max · Navy Blue if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)

Pick Focal Utopia 2022 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

Focal Utopia 2022

Tuning, detail, and staging

Focal Utopia 2022 leads on sound (96 vs 88).

Noise cancelling

AirPods Max · Navy Blue

ANC strength for commute and travel

AirPods Max · Navy Blue leads on anc (86 vs 0).

Comfort

Tie

Long-session wearability

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

Value for money

AirPods Max · Navy Blue

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

AirPods Max · Navy Blue more score per dollar ($549 vs $4,999).

AirPods Max · Navy Blue 88
vs
96 Focal Utopia 2022

Score breakdown

AirPods Max · Navy Blue
88
anc 86
sound 88
comfort 87
battery 82
features 84
Focal Utopia 2022
96
anc 0
sound 96
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

AirPods Max · Navy Blue versus Focal Utopia 2022 — full spec comparison
Spec AirPods Max · Navy Blue Focal Utopia 2022
Type
Over-ear
Open-back
Release year
2020
—

AirPods Max · Navy Blue

Pros
  • +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • +Premium build
  • +Active noise cancellation (most models)
Cons
  • −Battery varies by codec
  • −Some are Bluetooth-only
  • −Price creep vs previous gen

Focal Utopia 2022

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 · Navy Blue vs Focal Utopia 2022

Which is better, AirPods Max · Navy Blue or Focal Utopia 2022? +

Focal Utopia 2022 scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 8. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is AirPods Max · Navy Blue worth the price? +

At $549, AirPods Max · Navy Blue delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.

Is Focal Utopia 2022 worth the price? +

At $4,999, Focal Utopia 2022 delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in battery.

Does AirPods Max · Navy Blue or Focal Utopia 2022 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 · Navy Blue or Focal Utopia 2022? +

Focal Utopia 2022 — leads on sound (96 vs 88). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, AirPods Max · Navy Blue or Focal Utopia 2022? +

AirPods Max · Navy Blue — leads on anc (86 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.