Apple
AirPods Max (USB-C)
H1 · Spatial Audio · Dynamic Head Tracking
88
/ 100
From $549
VS
Apple
AirPods Max
Over-ear · 2020
88
/ 100
From $549
Specdex verdict
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Max (USB-C) lands at 88 and AirPods Max at 88. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick AirPods Max (USB-C) if…
- ✓Premium aluminum build
- ✓Seamless Apple integration
- ✓Head-tracked spatial audio
Pick AirPods Max if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
AirPods Max (USB-C) 88
vs 88 AirPods Max
Score breakdown
AirPods Max (USB-C)
88 anc 92
sound 92
comfort 82
battery 82
features 86
AirPods Max
88 anc 86
sound 88
comfort 87
battery 82
features 84
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | AirPods Max (USB-C) | AirPods Max |
|---|---|---|
| Driver | 40 mm dynamic | — |
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | — |
| Battery | 20 h | — |
| Weight | 384 g | — |
| Connectivity | BT 5.0, USB-C lossless | — |
| Type | — | Over-ear |
| Release year | — | 2020 |
AirPods Max (USB-C)
Pros
- +Premium aluminum build
- +Seamless Apple integration
- +Head-tracked spatial audio
Cons
- −Still uses H1 (not H2)
- −Heavy at 384 g
- −No power button / auto-pause
AirPods Max
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
FAQ: AirPods Max (USB-C) vs AirPods Max
Which is better, AirPods Max (USB-C) or AirPods Max? +
Both score 88 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is AirPods Max (USB-C) worth the price? +
At $549, AirPods Max (USB-C) delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in anc.
Is AirPods Max worth the price? +
At $549, AirPods Max delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.
Does AirPods Max (USB-C) or AirPods Max 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.