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AirPods Max (USB-C) — H1 · Spatial Audio · Dynamic Head Tracking
Apple

AirPods Max (USB-C)

H1 · Spatial Audio · Dynamic Head Tracking

88
/ 100
From $549
VS
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) wins by 1
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) — H1 · ANC · Spatial Audio · USB-C
Apple

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)

H1 · ANC · Spatial Audio · USB-C

89
/ 100
From $549
Specdex verdict

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Max (USB-C) lands at 88 and Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) at 89. That puts Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) ahead by 1 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick AirPods Max (USB-C) if…

  • ✓Premium aluminum build
  • ✓Seamless Apple integration
  • ✓Head-tracked spatial audio

Pick Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) if…

  • ✓Best-in-class build quality
  • ✓Apple ecosystem integration
  • ✓USB-C with lossless support (Vision Pro)
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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

Tie

ANC strength for commute and travel

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

Comfort

AirPods Max (USB-C)

Long-session wearability

AirPods Max (USB-C) leads on comfort (82 vs 80).

Value for money

Tie

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.

AirPods Max (USB-C) 88
vs
89 Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)

Score breakdown

AirPods Max (USB-C)
88
anc 92
sound 92
comfort 82
battery 82
features 86
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)
89
anc 92
sound 92
comfort 80
battery 84
features 90

Specs side-by-side

AirPods Max (USB-C) versus Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) — full spec comparison
Spec AirPods Max (USB-C) Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)
Driver
40 mm dynamic
40 mm dynamic
Codecs
AAC, SBC
AAC + Lossless USB-C
Battery
20 h
20 hr (with ANC)
Weight
384 g
384 g
Connectivity
BT 5.0, USB-C lossless
—
ANC
—
Hybrid 9-mic
Bluetooth
—
5.0
Charging
—
USB-C

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

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)

Pros
  • +Best-in-class build quality
  • +Apple ecosystem integration
  • +USB-C with lossless support (Vision Pro)
Cons
  • −No new chip vs original
  • −Heavy at 384g
  • −No fold-flat design

FAQ: AirPods Max (USB-C) vs Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)

Which is better, AirPods Max (USB-C) or Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)? +

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) scores 89 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 1. 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 Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) worth the price? +

At $549, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) delivers a Specdex score of 89 — strongest in anc.

Does AirPods Max (USB-C) or Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) 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 comfort, AirPods Max (USB-C) or Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)? +

AirPods Max (USB-C) — leads on comfort (82 vs 80). Long-session wearability.